Finding Tahiti’s “Hidden
Paradise” Islands
Huahine – Raiatea– Taha’a–Tuamotu—Marquesas
Seemingly lost in the legendary shadow of
Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea are the “Hidden Paradise”
islands of Tahiti – Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a,
the Tuamotu atolls, and the Marquesas islands. Relatively
unchanged by the modern world and long considered some of
Tahiti’s “best kept secrets,” these islands
and atolls lure travelers looking for an authentic Polynesian
experience enhanced by world-class resorts, with international
cuisine and pure uncrowded beaches.
Huahine, nicknamed the “Garden of Eden,”
is located 110 miles northwest of Tahiti and is just a short
plane ride away on Air Tahiti, Tahiti’s inter-island
carrier. Actually consisting of two islands joined by a
bridge, the magic of Huahine can be felt instantly upon
arrival, and the proud locals do their best to make all
visitors feel welcome. (The main town is Maeva – which
means welcome in Tahitian!) A 20-mile road winds through
the island, passing through small villages and climbing
high into the hills for spectacular views of the white-sand
beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons. Restored Tahitian
marae (temples) and centuries-old stone fish traps reflect
the island’s ancient culture and proud descendants
who 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 world-class 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 Taha’a, about 120 miles
northwest of Tahiti, are two islands that are encircled
by the same barrier reef.
Raiatea, called “The Sacred Island,” may be
the most revered island in all the South Pacific. Historically,
kings from the neighboring islands would gather at Marae
Taputapuatea for important ceremonies and negotiations.
Re-enactments of these ceremonies on the restored marae
help visitors discover the Tahitian culture. Raiatea has
the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa,
and popular excursions include exploring its cool, green
waters in an outrigger canoe.
Yachting and sailing enthusiasts gather in
Raiatea, Tahiti’s nautical base and home to such charter
companies as the Moorings and Stardust Marine. Experienced
sailors and novices alike (captains can be provided) can
experience world-class sailing in the Leeward Islands. The
Pacific breezes and calm lagoons provide ideal conditions
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 particular mountain
in 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 of the flower 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.
Taha’a, 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.
Taha’a is called “The Vanilla Island”
for its many plantations of this sought-after spice, which
sweetens the island air with its rich aroma. Each November,
Taha’a 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.
The Tuamotu Atolls: Tahiti’s
Strand of Pearls
The Tuamotu atolls, the largest of the Polynesian archipelagos,
are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 islands and
atolls spread over more than 7500 square miles. Four of
these islands – Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava
– offer a host of lodging options and exciting activities,
including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark
feeding and deep-sea fishing.
Rangiroa, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is
the world’s second largest atoll. From the air it
appears as a large pearl necklace gently placed on the water.
Known as “The Infinite Lagoon,” Rangiroa’s
coral ring creates a seemingly endless display of deep turquoise
and lapis blue. Because there’s no island runoff,
the visibility in the lagoon is over 150 feet and the temperature
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
scores 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. Torchlit
nights add to its exotic and romantic appeal.
Manihi is a small atoll with less than 1,000
residents. Called “The Pearl Island,” this atoll
was the site of the first pearl farm that helped pave the
way for pearl faming throughout the Tuamotu atolls. The
black-lipped oysters, found only in Tahiti, are cultivated
for their prized black pearls. Visitors can enjoy 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. Known as “The Pink Sand
Island,” this oval-shaped atoll is an important supplier
of fresh fish and copra. Tikehau boasts exotic pink sand
beaches and an abundance of sea life that make it a must
for 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” motu.
This protected islet is well-known for its red-footed gannets
and brown noddies.
Fakarava, “The Dream Island,”
is the second largest atoll in Tahiti after Rangiroa. This
protected atoll, along with its six neighboring islands,
is under consideration to become a UNESCO nature reserve.
The delicate ecosystem supports 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. Located in the ancient village of Tetamanu, this
structure is built primarily of coral and dates back to
1862.
The Marquesas: The Mysterious Islands
The Marquesas islands are located about 930 miles northeast
of Tahiti. About a 3.5-hour flight from the capital city
of Papeete, the 12 islands (six inhabited, six unpopulated)
offer some of Tahiti’s most dramatic scenery and authentic
experiences. These islands have no lagoons and feature dense
jungles with 1,100-foot-high waterfalls and sheer cliffs.
There are only five flights a week from Papeete to the Marquesas.
Some visitors opt to arrive via the Aranui 3, a working
cargo/copra ship that accommodates 200 passengers. The Marquesas
is where Herman Melville jumped ship, and where Paul Gauguin
came to paint and retire. The most populated islands, Nuku
Hiva and Hiva Oa, offer lodging in small hotels and pensions.
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following information for readers/viewers to obtain additional
information:
Tahiti Tourisme North America
300 Continental Blvd., Suite 160
El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel: 310-414-8484 Fax: 310-414-8490
Web site: www.tahiti-tourisme.com
Email: info@tahiti-tourisme.com
