SOCIETY	TUAMOTU	MARQUESAS
Bora Bora Huahine Maupiti Moorea Raiatea /Tahaa Tahiti Tetiaroa	Fakarava Manihi Rangiroa Tikehau	Hiva Oa Nuku Hiva

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Some information in this page are courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Bora Bora-The Romantic Island
At a distance of 260km from Tahiti, these 40 km2 of superficy were once paradise for the US Navy in the Pacific during World War II.
Bora Bora, whose ancient name is Pora Pora (since the letter B does not exist in the Tahitian language), is recognizable by the flat profile of her mountain Otemanu (727 m) and above all known for the beauty of her turquoise waters.

Bora Bora is served by Air Tahiti with regular 35-minute flights from Papeete and Moorea, and 20-minute flights from Huahine and Raiatea.
The airport is based on one of her motus: Motu Mute, and is only accessible to the hotels by a passenger ferry to the port village of Vaitape or by private motorboats operated by some of the hotels.

Bora Bora has a few taxis and operates the public transit system, Le Truck. The picturesque circle-island and interior roads are best explored through hired excursion.
Car and bicycle rentals are available, while motorboat and outrigger canoe rentals offer an enjoyable way to discover the lagoon and surrounding motus.
Helicopters can also be hired for dramatic island tours or transportation to Papeete.

To visit: the motus especially Motu Tapu; the raised stones of the royal Farerua marae also called Marotetini; the former US naval base; the summit of Mt Pahia for its breathtaking view...

Festivals & Events:
February: Tahiti International Billfishing Tournament
August: Island Heiva Celebration
October: Finish of the Hawaiki Nui Va'a Canoe Race with huge island celebration.(Race best described as the "Super Bowl" of canoe races. It is the world's largest and longest international open-ocean canoe race and covers a grueling 72 miles between Huahine and Bora Bora.)

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Huahine-Garden of Eden
Composed of 2 islands linked by a bridge, Huahine lies on a superficy of 80 km2, 170 km away from Tahiti.
Huahine is served by Air Tahiti with daily 35-minute flights from Papeete and Moorea, and 15-20 minute flights from both Raiatea and Bora Bora.
Taxi service is available, and the public transit system, Le Truck, has daily routes from outlying villages to the town of Fare. As both islands are connected by a causeway, all roads can be explored by hired excursion or by renting a car, jeep, or bicycle. Motorboats and sailboats can be rented with or without a guide for half or full-day lagoon explorations.

With its lush forests and untamed landscape, Huahine is Polynesia's best kept secret. A deep crystal-clear lagoon surrounds the two islands while magnificent bays and white-sand beaches add drama and solitude to their virtues.
Huahine's few residents are warm, welcoming visitors with great kindness.
With its rich and fertile soil, the island provides farmers bountiful harvests of vanilla, melons and bananas.

Many archeological sites have been discovered there and Huahine is still intact in many aspects. Near the village of Maeva lies the largest concentration of pre-European marae in Polynesia. Now fully restored, over 200 stone structures, including 40 marae, allow you to walk into ancient times.

Do not miss visiting the interior of the island, the Maeva marae at the foot of Mount Mouatapu and on the shores of lake Fauna Nui; the Belvedere for a beautiful view of Maroe Bay; the vanilla plantations; the Eden Parc -an 8-acre botanical garden and the awesome surfing spots !

Festivals & Events:
October: Start of the Hawaiki Nui Va'a Canoe Race, best described as the "Super Bowl" of canoe races. It is the world's largest and longest international open-ocean canoe race and covers a grueling 72 miles between Huahine and Bora Bora. The men's race is launched from Fare with a festival of music and dance.

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Maupiti
Located at only 40 km from Bora Bora, Maupiti is a small island with a superficy of a little less than 20 km2 that you can circle by foot or by bicycle in about half a day.
With only 1 difficult pass, the access by sea of this island is limited.

From the airport (located on a motu) to your pension, you will take a boat trip and have the opportunity to admire the beautiful lagoon and its fish, rays and corals.

This island, which has been inhabited since at least 850 A.C, has at least 60 marae including the impressive marae Vaiahu.
The crystal-clear waters of its lagoon with its swirling sandbanks rival Bora Bora in beauty.
 Preferably with a guide, you can go hiking to the cliff of Hotu Parata (165m) for a stunning view.

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Moorea-The Magical Island
The sister island of Tahiti, well visible from the West Coast of Tahiti and at a distance of only 17 km, has a superficy of 135 km2 and counts among her 8 mountains, the Rotui at an altitude of 900m, and the fascinating Moua Puta (pierced mountain) that you can admire when you arrive via ferry in the Port of Vaiare.

At only 5 to 10 minutes from Tahiti by plane, Moorea is an ideal destination for the Tahitians willing to escape the faster pace of Tahiti. Moorea's airport is served by Air Tahiti and Air Moorea with flights departing every 30 minutes until 6.00pm.
Moorea also has regular flights to Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora.

Passenger ferries operate up to six times daily between downtown Papeete and the port village of Vaiare, with voyages as short as 20 minutes.
Taxi service is available and the public transit system, Le Truck, operates between villages and the ferry.

The main resources of Moorea are the plantation of sweet-tasting pineapple  in the fertile Opunohu Valley and of course the hotel industry.

To visit: The 2 majestic bays of Cook and of Opunohu, the Belvédère with its panoramic view of the 2 bays, the beautiful white sand beach of Temae near the airport; the distillery and fruit juice factory, the plantations of pineapple, the waterfalls of Afareiatu, the Dolphin Quest to snorkel with dolphins, the Tiki Theatre that recreates a traditional Polynesian village, the art galleries and the magnificent "motu" (islets).

Festivals & Events:
February: Tahiti Marathon
September: Super Aito Canoe Race
October: Aitoman Triathlon

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Raiatea-The Sacred Island
&Tahaa-The Vanilla Island
Located 220 km North West of Tahiti, Raiatea is the largest and the administrative center of the Leeward Islands (Iles Sous Le Vent) with a superficy of 200 km2.
She shares her lagoon with the neighbor island of Tahaa (88km2), at a distance of only 5 km.

Raiatea is served by Air Tahiti with frequent 40-minute flights from Papeete and Moorea, and with several daily 15-minute flights from Huahine and Bora Bora.
Tahaa is served only by water taxi from Raiatea.
Both Raiatea and Tahaa have a few taxis, and Raiatea operates the public transit system, Le Truck, with daily routes from outlying villages to the town of Uturoa.

In the past named Havaii or Havaiki, original land of the Maohi and the center of religion and culture around 1000 years ago, Raiatea is a sacred island and she proves it by the number of her marae including the largest in Polynesia and the most famous one of Taputapuatea, held sacred to the god of war, Oro.

On the mount Temehani (772m), and nowhere else in the world (it resists transplantation), grows a unique and protected flower: the Tiare Apetahi, white flower with four petals, bigger and more open than the ones of the Tiare Tahiti, and that only opens at dawn with a slight crackling sound. Many locals sleep overnight on the mountain to be able to hear that sound...

Raiatea also has the deepest bay in Polynesia: the bay of Faaroa.
Winding through a lush rainforest, the Faaroa River is the only navigable river in Polynesia. Its historic shores launched migratory journeys to faraway islands now called Hawaii and New Zealand.
To visit: the "bassin de la Reine"; the marae Taputapuatea, the Belvedere on Mt. Tapioi (294m), the Mt. Temehani with its tiare apetahi, the site Te Puhapa, the vanilla plantations...
 

Tahaa is an enjoyable island to explore at a slower pace. The coral reef surrounding the flower-shaped island is crowned with as many as 60 tiny, idyllic motus perched above the North shore. A road that is nearly 70 kms in length circles the coastal plain. Along the way, eight attractive and tranquil villages are dotted, with Patio being the main one.
Much of Tahiti's harvest of vanilla is grown on this small island. Plantation tours include strolling among the rows of climbing orchids from which the vanilla pods come and a demonstration of the pollination and curing process.

To visit: the Foundation Hibiscus for the protection of sea turtles, the pearl farms, the vanilla plantations..

Festivals & Events:
November: Stone Fishing Tournament. In the method of their ancestors, men in dozens of canoes beat the water with stones tied to ropes while the schools of fish are driven ashore where they are easily collected for an extravagant feast.

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Tahiti-The Gathering Place
With a superficy of 1042 km2, Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands.
Tahiti is really composed of 2 islands: Tahiti-Nui, the big island and Tahiti-Iti, the small one, both linked by an isthm.
Tahiti highest mountains are: the Orohena (2235 m) and the Aorai (2066 m).Tahiti population is also the most concentrated especially in Papeete.
Now the invigorating capital city and gateway of the territory, Papeete boasts vibrant markets, fine restaurants, pearl shops, clubs and boutiques.
Discover the public market ("Le Marché") where Tahitian-made arts and crafts, oils and brilliant flowers line the walkways. The market is at its finest every afternoon when the day's fresh catch is brought from the fishing boats, and on Sunday mornings when local families shop for their traditional Sunday feasts.
Don't miss the popular "Les Roulottes", mobile diners that unfold late each afternoon along the waterfront, serving Chinese food, fish and chips, pizza, steak and salads, etc...

To get around Papeete and the surrounding towns, the public transit system, Le Truck, allows frequent stops and a unique way of meeting the local population.
Taxi service is also available from your hotel to restaurants and shopping and is best arranged by your hotel concierge.
Car rentals are also available from the airport and your hotel.
Helicopters can be hired for dramatic island tours or for transportation to Moorea and Bora Bora.

You will find some beautiful white sand beaches between the districts of Punaauia and Papara. The black sand beach of the Pointe Vénus is the most famous of the black sand beaches located on the East coast of Tahiti.
The interior of the island offers splendid and unforgettable opportunities for hiking or safari 4x4 excursions, with impressive waterfalls, archeological sites, grottoes, etc...

To visit:the Papeete Public Market; the new To'ata Square open 24hrs a day ideal for strolling and also serves as a showground for the Heiva Festival; the art galleries in Papeete and in the districts of Papara and Afaahiti; the museums; the churches like the Cathedrale of Papeete; the Botanical Garden in Papeari and the Mataoa Gardens in Papara; the different town halls like in Papeete, Arue, Faaa; the Chinese Temple in Mamao, the lagoonarium in Punaauia, the historical Pointe Vénus lighthouse; the tomb of the royal family Pomare in Arue; the marae Arahurahu; the lake Vaihiria with its eels that have ears; the different valleys and mountains of Tahiti like the Aorai, the Mont Marau; the 3 cascades (waterfalls) of Tiarei; the lavatubes of Hitiaa; and of course the peninsula and the cliffs of the "Pari", paradise for hikers looking for adventure... Do not hesitate to circle the island. In Taravao, you can reach the peninsula of Tahiti Iti by crossing the small isthm.

Festivals & Events:
April: Islands Music Festival
May: Tahiti Pro Surfing Competition
June: International Golf Open
July: Heiva I Tahiti, the largest dance and songs festival on all the islands
July: Polynesian Games
October: Tahiti Carnival

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Tetiaroa
Located at only 44 km North of Tahiti, Tetiaroa is most visible from the hills of the district of Mahina.
This atoll is composed of 13 "motu" (islets) with white sand beaches and coconut trees, all surrounded by a limpid lagoon delimited by a coral reef barrier. This lagoon of 7km in diameter, 55 km in circumference and 30 meters in depth is very difficult to access especially with only one small canoe pass. Therefore, this atoll is mainly accessible by plane.
Out of all the motus which rarely go over 3 meters in altitude, only the main motu (motu Onetahi) where the Tetiaroa Village is located  is inhabited.
This atoll, administered by the district of Arue, is, since 1965, the property of Marlon Brando who fell in love with these islets when filming the Mutiny of the Bounty. Marlon Brando built there a small landing strip and a small (and the only) hotel called Tetiaroa Village (now closed). He opened his atoll to the public in 1972.
Most visits are between 1 and 3 days MAXIMUM and can be arranged from either Tahiti or Moorea. Longer term" stays require special permission from the owners.

To visit with care: The Bird Island of Tahuna Iti, favored by the red-breasted black fregate birds, the phaetons or "straw tails", brown gannets and other petrels for breeding purposes.

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TUAMOTUS
About 200 miles North East of Tahiti lies the Tuamotu Archipelago, composed of the largest collection of coral atolls in the world.
The Tuamotu count 78 atolls spread unevenly on 1,500km of land and 20,000 km2 of ocean.

The waters of the Tuamotus are a scuba diver’s dream. Whether you opt for shallow, ocean or drift dives, the underwater scenery is guaranteed to be some of the most spectacular you’ve ever seen.

Among the most known atolls, Rangiroa, Manihi and the atolls of Tikehau and Fakarava are served from Papeete by Air Tahiti with several daily one-hour flights to Rangiroa, with continuing service of 35 minutes to Manihi.
Air Tahiti also operates several weekly flights from Bora Bora to Rangiroa and Manihi.
With only a few miles of road, there is little need for public transportation. To explore the islands, rent open-air cars or bicycles. To explore the lagoon and surrounding motus, rent a motorboat, canoe or sailboat.

Fakarava
The second biggest atoll in Polynesia, Fakarava resembles a 60km x 25km rectangle with two main villages: Rotoava in the Northeast near the Ngarue pass, 1km wide and its airdrome; and then Tetamanu, formerly the main village of the island located near the Southern Tumakohua pass.
This protected atoll together with its six neighboring islands including Taiaro, makes up a UNESCO classified nature reserve, which is the proof of the richness of the ecosystem of these atolls: the especially rare flora and fauna, including the hunting king-fisher, the Tuamotu palm, and in the lagoons, crustaceans such as squills or sea cicadas.

To Visit: A pearl farm, the sea slug ("rori") smoke house-highly prized by Asian gourmets-, the ancient village of Tetamanu with one of the first Catholic churches built in coral and dating from 1874.

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Manihi
At about 520km from Tahiti, Manihi is a small atoll located north of Rangiroa and is reknown for its extarordinary diving sites as well as being home to Tahiti's first black pearl farm. A trip to the 2 black pearl farms on this atoll is a must.

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Rangiroa
Located 350 km North East of Tahiti and mostly called by the Tahitians "Rairoa" (Long sky), Rangiroa is the largest atoll of Polynesia or more accurately the largest lagoon of Polynesia (since the island of Tahiti could fit in it!) with a superficy of about 1000 km2 and more than 240 motus.
 Rangiroa is a string of coral encircling a luminous turquoise and jade-green lagoon and, with its waters with 150-foot visibility, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers!

In Rangiroa, to "shoot the pass" is to experience what many have called "the world's greatest adrenaline rush!". Divers, snorkelers, or those aboard a glass-bottom boat are carried swiftly through the pass between the open ocean and lagoon alongside an infinite array of marine life (squadrons of eagle rays, schools of sharks, tuna, jacks and barracuda,...)

To visit: Gauguin's Farm Pearl in Avatoru, Some of the world's best diving sites, the Reef Passes...

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Tikehau
Like a round swimming pool, the atoll of Tikehau and its diameter of 26 km holds an interior lagoon with the most fish compared to the rest of the atolls in Polynesia. This atoll is located 300km Northwest of Tahiti and about 12 km from Rangiroa.
Tikehau has a large pass and a series of islets, the largest of which at the Southwest of the atoll, 900meters wide is inhabited.
The charming village of Tuherahera, swathed in flowers, is situated on the South end of this large motu which also has two other villages: Tuheiava, an important center for lagoon fishing and the many fish parks that supply the markets of Tahiti; and Maiaia on the Northeast that is a traditional copra producer.
Scuba diving in the Tuheiava Pass is a must: the manta rays' dance alternates with the parades of schools of barracuda, and tuna fish, not to mention the gray and the white-tipped sharks.

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MARQUESAS

The Marquesas or "Fenua Enana" or "Henua Enata" (Land of Men) as the Marquesans call their islands are located about 1500 km North-East of Tahiti, near the Equator (between 7 and 10 degrees latitude South and 138 to 141 degrees longitude West).
Spread over a superficy of 1300 km2, the 12 islands are separated in 2 groups: the North Marquesas and the South Marquesas.

Among the North Marquesas islands, those inhabited are: Nuku Hiva (330 km2, administrative and economic center of the archipelago), Ua Pou(100 km2), Ua Huka(77 km2).
The islands of Hatu Iti, Eiao, Hatutaa and Motu One are uninhabited.
Among the South Marquesas islands, those inhabited are: Hiva Oa(320 km2), Tahuata(50 km2) and Fatu Hiva (80 km2).
The islands of Mohotani, Fatu Huku, Terihi and Motu Nao are deserted.
Spectacular, wild and rugged, these islands have no lagoons, with impressive cliffs dominating the ocean.
Homeland of the Maori settling of the Polynesian Triangle, originating from the Samoa and Tonga, towards the other Polynesian archipelagos, the Marquesas still remember their past with the presence of their Tikis. Both Easter Island and Hawaii were colonized from here (between 500 AD and 700AD).
The Marquesan population was able to develop its own distinctive culture as it was isolated from the rest of the world for almost 15 centuries.

Getting to and around the Marquesas is a unique experience.
Operating 5 to 6 days a week, Air Tahiti provides service to Nuku Hiva with a three and a half-hour flight from Papeete. Continuing flights and helicopter charters connect Nuku Hiva to Hiva oa with several weekly 35-minute flights.
In addition to the Aranui freighter, several inter-island vessels also offer service between the primary islands.
Depending on road conditions and the location of your hotel, your airport transfer could either be by boat, 4x4 truck, horse or helicopter.
Travel around the islands require planning as well. Although 4x4 rental vehicles are available, it is advisable to hire a guide to negotiate the steep, rugged and unfamiliar roads occasionally used by herds of wild horses. Motorboat rentals for half or full days offer an enjoyable way to explore the dramatic bays and shoreline.

To visit:
In Nuku Hiva: see below
In Hiva Oa:  see below
In Ua Pou: the archeological sites, the beaches of Anahoa, Hohoi rocks, the bay of Hakahau.
In Ua Huka: the archeological sites of Hane (300 AD), and of Manihina, the petroglyphs of the site of Vaikiri and of course the island of birds (breeding ground for the kaveka (sooty terns), and the arboretum.
In Tahuata: the village of Hapatoni, the petroglyphs of Hanatefau valley, the white sand beaches of Hanamoenoa.
In Fatu Hiva: the "plates-formes" of Omoa, the archeological sites of Hanavave, the unique and breathtaking scenic view of the Baie des Vierges(Virgins Bay) from up high, the waterfall of the Vaieenui valley.

Nuku Hiva
The biggest of the Marquesan islands has a mountain range dominated by Mt. Tekao at 1,224 meters and has a population of about 2,400.
 The highly indented coastline features bays, capes, rocky points and cliffs with villages at the heads of the bays.
 

To visit: Muake mountain (864m) by 4 WD vehicle, the stone and wood carvers of Taiohae, the pa'epa'e Temehea adorned by a number of giant tiki that were made for a recent Marquesas festival, the cathedral of Notre-Dame of Marquesas built with different shaped and colored stones from the six Marquesan islands,  the Hakaui waterfall (350m high), the famous valley of Taipivai -whose fierce warriors were cannibals- with its numerous stone tikis, beautiful Anaho's bay with its fine white beach.

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Hiva Oa
The largest of the Southern islands, Hiva Oa has a population of about 1,900.
Atuona, a peaceful little port at the head of  the Taaoa Bay, also known as Traitors Bay, has emerged from obscurity due to having had the privilege of being the last resting place of Paul Gauguin and of the singer Jacques Brel. The tombs of these famous  personalities are on the side of the Calvary cemetery looking out across the bay and are places of great pilgrimage.
In the village, the Gauguin Museum displays items related to the painter's stay there at the beginning of the century and has copies of his works. The "House of Pleasure" where Gauguin lived has been rebuilt with copies of the carved wood panels and the lintel bearing this inscription.

In the outskirts of Atuona heading towards the airport on a site dominating the Tahauku Bay and Hanakee Islet, a memorial to the singer Jacques Brel has been erected.
Also very close to Tahauku, a track leads to Tehueko, a petroglyph site whose carvings bear a strange resemblance to the ones on Easter Island.

To visit: "Koke"(Gauguin)'s and Jacques Brel's graves in the Calvary Cemetery of Atuona, Atuona's Museum (Segelin-Gauguin), the village of Puamau and its 5 giant stone tikis (the tallest in French Polynesia -about 3 m high), the carved petroglyphs of Eiaone, Punae, and Tahauku.

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