Tahiti and Her Islands at a Glance:
Tahiti – Moorea – Huahine – Raiatea – Tahaa – Bora Bora – Rangiroa – Manihi – Fakarava – Tikehau – Marquesas

Tahiti. The word evokes visions of an earthly paradise. Actually there are 118 islands that encompass French Polynesia, better known as Tahiti and Her Islands. These are among the travelers’ favorites:

Tahiti, known as “The Gathering Place”, is the largest and most populated island, and is the starting point for all international travelers. Internation al flights l and at Faa’a Airport in the capital city of Papeete. Upon arrival, visitors receive a typical Tahitian display of hospitality – a memorable welcome with fragrant Tiare flowers and Tahitian music.

Tahiti is a figure-eight shaped island with a larger part, known as Tahiti Nui (which means big) and a smaller part called Tahiti Iti (little). With lush green peaks reaching more than 7,300 feet, its scenery is dramatic. Cascading waterfalls and rippling pools in the junglelike interior provide a striking contrast to the black and white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons of the island’s perimeter. A circle island tour (about 70 miles) is a great way to get acquainted with the island, including highlights at the Tahiti and Her Islands Museum, the Paul Gauguin Art Museum and Botanical Gardens and the Marae Arahurahu (an ancient Tahitian outdoor temple). In the center of town, Le Marché, the municipal market, is not to be missed. The first floor of this indoor market has an abundant supply of tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh fish from the lagoon. The second floor is dedicated to Tahitian art and crafts, and boasts the largest selection of colorful pareus (sarongs) anywhere.

Moorea, “The Magical Island,” was the inspiration for James Michener’s mythical island of Bali Hai, and the locale for many motion pictures, including Mutiny on the Bounty and Love Affair. It is just 11 miles across the Sea of the Moon from Tahiti, but a world away. To fully appreciate the drama of this heart shaped island, it is best viewed from atop Belvedere lookout, which affords breathtaking views of Moorea’s twin bays, Cook’s and Opunohu. For those limited on time, it’s easy to take a 25-minute catamaran ride from Tahiti for a day trip. For many visitors, a couple of days exploring Moorea’s treasures and meeting some of its 8,000 residents pass too quickly.

Moorea has bountiful harvests of pineapples, which can be seen growing on its slopes. It’s possible to tour a distillery and sample exotic liqueurs from pineapple, mango, coconut, vanilla and other Tahitian staples.

Huahine, nicknamed the “Garden of Eden,” is located 110 miles northwest of Tahiti and is just a short plane ride away. It is actually two islands, joined by a narrow isthmus and encircled by a barrier reef. The magic of Huahine is felt instantly upon arrival, and the proud people of this island do their best to make all visitors feel welcome. (The main town is called Maeva – which means welcome in Tahitian!) A 20-mile road winds through the island, passing through small villages and climbing high into the hills to offer spectacular views of the white sand beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons.

Restored Tahitian maraes (temples) and centuries-old stone fish traps tell the story of an ancient culture whose proud descendants still reside in this magnificent paradise. Huahine is an agricultural island, rich with watermelons and cantaloupes. Vanilla, coffee and taro plantations are plentiful, as are groves of breadfruit, mango, banana, papaya and flowers. International surfing champions seek the massive waves at Avamoa Pass, and the world’s largest outrigger canoe race, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, begins here each October. Huahine is sparsely populated and visitors will fall in love with the remote, unspoiled scenery and relaxed pace of this island.

Raiatea and Tahaa, about 120 miles northwest of Tahiti, are two islands that are encircled by the same barrier reef.

Raiatea, called “The Sacred Island,” is commonly considered the most revered island in all the South Pacific. Historically, kings from the neighboring islands would gather at the marae (temple) Taputapuatea for important ceremonies and negotiations. Re-enactments of these ceremonies on the restored maraes help visitors discover the Tahitian culture. Raiatea has the only navigable river in the islands, and popular excursions include exploring the cool, green haven of the Faaroa River in an outrigger speed canoe.

Yachting and sailing enthusiasts gather in Raiatea, home of the island’s nautical bases for the Moorings and Stardust Marine charter companies. Experienced sailors and novices alike (captains can be provided) are discovering world-class sailing in the Leeward Islands. The Pacific breezes and calm lagoons are ideal year round for sailing and deep-sea fishing. On the slopes of Mt. Temehani visitors can discover the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower that is found only on this mountain on Raiatea. Botanists have unsuccessfully tried to grow it elsewhere. Legend says that there was once a lovely Tahitian girl who fell in love with the son of a Tahitian king. She died of a broken heart, because she could never marry him. The five delicate petals represent her hand. Those who climb the mountain early in the morning will see the Tiare Apetahi open at dawn, with a slight crackling sound -- the sound of her heart breaking.

Tahaa, just two miles north of Raiatea, offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of Tahitians. The 4,000 residents fish from the lagoon and raise livestock. Tahaa is called “The Vanilla Island”, for the many plantations of this sought-after spice, which sweetens the air with its rich aroma. Each November, this island comes alive with a Stone Fishing tournament. In the method of their ancestors, the villagers wade into the lagoon, beating the water with stones tied to ropes. The frenzy frightens the schools of fish, driving them ashore, where they are easily collected for a feast.

Bora Bora, “The Romantic Island,” is often called the most beautiful island in the world, and most will agree that it truly is. This tiny island – just 18 miles in circumference – is encircled by a protective necklace of coral. Breathtaking lush mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the indescribable turquoise, lapis and aquamarine of the sheltered lagoon. Arriving by air provides a unique experience, landing on the airstrip that was built by U.S. troops during World War II. The runway is on a motu (small islet) and visitors must travel by boat to reach the main island. It’s no surprise that most of the island’s activities center around the spectacular lagoon. A shark-feeding excursion allows visitors to be in the water with hungry reef sharks as they’re being fed by guides. Visitors can enjoy the lagoonarium, a marine exhibit in the lagoon where the adventurous can swim with sting rays, huge sea turtles and reef sharks. For a half-day journey of exploration, nothing beats a jeep tour through the interior of this wondrous island. Bora Bora is home to world-class resorts and attracts jet-setting celebrities who can become anonymous on its secluded beaches.

THE TUAMOTUS: Tahiti’s Strand of Pearls
The Tuamotus, the largest of the Polynesian archipelago’s, are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 islands and atolls spread out over more than 7500 square miles. Four of these islands – Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava – offer a host of exciting activities, including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark feeding and deep-sea fishing.

Rangiroa, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago and is the world’s second largest atoll. From the air it appears that a large pearl necklace was gently placed on the water. Known as “The Island of the Long Sky,” this ring of low land creates a seemingly endless lagoon of deep turquoise and lapis blue. Because there’s no island runoff, the visibility in the lagoon is over 150 feet and a constant 80 degrees.

The famous Tiputa Pass, which provides an opening to the ocean, is rich with sea life. It’s known as one of the world’s greatest shark dives, and those who “shoot the pass” find themselves in the deep blue with literally hundreds of gray, black-tip, white-tip, lemon and nurse sharks. Non-divers can try some world-class snorkeling and see schools of dolphins that gather in the pass. For the true adventurer, a two-hour boat ride across the lagoon leads to the Kia Ora Sauvage, a luxurious way to “rough it.” There’s no electricity at this remote property, but it offers spectacular scenery and complete solitude.

Manihi, also in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is a small atoll with only 769 residents. Called “The Black Pearl Paradise,” this atoll was the site of the first pearl farm that helped pave the way for the other Tuamotu islands. The black-lipped oysters, found only in Tahiti and Her Islands, are cultivated for their prized black pearls. Visitors can enjoy the plentiful lagoon activities while exploring the many black pearl farms for which the island is known.

Located about 10 miles from Rangiroa is the secluded island of Tikehau. This ovalshaped atoll is an important supplier of fresh fish and copra for the island of Tahiti. Tikehau boasts exotic pink sand beaches and an abundance of sea life that makes it a must for visiting scuba divers. In Tuheiava pass, diving enthusiasts can closely observe manta rays, barracuda, tuna, sea turtles, and gray and white-tipped sharks. This diverse island is also home to a number of bird colonies that have sought refuge on the aptly named “Isle of Birds.” This protected motu is well-known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies.

Fakarava is the second largest atoll in Tahiti and Her Islands, after Rangiroa. This protected atoll, along with its six neighboring islands, makes up a Unesco classified nature reserve. The delicate ecosystem on Fakarava supports some especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting kingfisher, the Tuamotu palm, and sea life such as squills and sea cicadas. Fakarava also contains one of the first Catholic churches constructed in Tahiti and Her Islands. Located in the ancient village of Tetamanu, this aged structure is built primarily of coral and dates back to 1874.

THE MARQUESAS: The Mysterious Islands
The Marquesas islands are located about 930 miles northeast of Tahiti. The six inhabited islands and six unpopulated islands offer some of the most dramatic scenery and true Polynesian experiences to be found. These islands have no lagoons, but offer dense jungles with 1,100-foot-high waterfalls and sheer cliffs. There are only five flights a week from Tahiti – about a 3 1/2 hour journey – and some visitors opt to arrive via the Aranui, a working cargo/copra ship that accommodates 100 passengers. The Marquesas is where Herman Melville jumped ship, Paul Gauguin came to paint and retire and numerous authors attempted to convey the riches of this rugged paradise. The most populated islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa offer lodging in small hotels and pensions.