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Beginning c.300 A.D., migrating Polynesians settled the islands that later became French Polynesia, and from the islands subsequently settled Hawaii, New Zealand, and other parts of Polynesia. European contact began in the 16th cent., and the area was widely explored by the French during the 18th and 19th cent., when French missionaries also came to the region. The Marquesas and Society groups were annexed by France in 1842, Tahiti in 1844, and by the end of the 19th cent. the other islands had come under French administration. Uniform governance of the area began in 1903, and the islands became an overseas territory in 1946.

France began testing nuclear weapons in some parts of French Polynesia in the 1960s, meeting with widespread local opposition; a series of six tests in 1995–96 was declared by France to be the last. Many inhabitants have sought a greater measure of independence from French control, and limited autonomy was awarded in 1984. In 2004 the territory became a French overseas country. France granted the territory greater autonomy in most local affairs and regional relations but retained control of law enforcement, defense, and the money supply. The territory's government has been marked by instability in recent years, as pro-independence, pro-autonomy, and independent legislators form and re-form coalitions based on a mix of ideology and expendiency; most coalition governments have held office for less than a year.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Marquesas Islands may have been settled about 200 bce from western Polynesia. In subsequent dispersions, Polynesians from the Marquesas migrated to the Hawaiian Islands about 300 ce and reached the Society Islands by about the 9th century. Large chieftainships were formed on Tahiti, Bora-Bora, and Raiatea. Teriaroa, north of Tahiti, was a royal retreat, and Taputapuatea, on Raiatea, was the most sacred shrine in the islands.

European contact with the islands of French Polynesia was gradual. The Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan sighted Pukapuka Atoll in the Tuamotu group in 1521. The southern Marquesas Islands were reached in 1595. The Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen in 1722 discovered Makatea, Bora-Bora, and Maupiti. Capt. Samuel Wallis in 1767 reached Tahiti, Moorea, and Maiao Iti. The Society Islands were named for the Royal Society, which had sponsored the expedition under Capt. James Cook that observed from Tahiti the 1769 transit of the Sun by the planet Venus. Cook reached Tubuai on his last voyage, in 1777.

The history of the Society Island groups is virtually that of Tahiti, which was made a French protectorate in 1842 and a colony in 1880. French missionaries went to the Gambier group in 1834, and in 1844 a French protectorate was proclaimed, followed by annexation in 1881. The Tubuai Islands were also evangelized from Tahiti, and as late as 1888 Rimatara and Rurutu sought British protection, which was refused. They were placed under the French protectorate in 1889 and annexed in 1900. The Tuamotus were part of the kingdom of the Pomare family of Tahiti, which came originally from Fakarava Atoll. These islands were claimed as dependencies of Tahiti within the protectorate by France in 1847 and became part of the colony in 1880. In the Marquesas, Nuku Hiva was annexed to the United States in 1813 by Capt. David Porter of the frigate Essex, but the annexation was never ratified. French occupation of the group followed the landing of forces from a French warship, requested by the chief of Tahuata (near Hiva Oa). Soon after there was a quarrel with the French; in 1842 the chiefs ceded sovereignty to France.

The islands were administered as the French Colony of Oceania. The colony was ruled by a naval government until 1885, when an organic decree provided for a French governor and Privy Council and for a General Council, representing the islands, that had some control over fiscal policies. The powers of the General Council, however, were cut back in 1899, and in 1903 it was replaced by an advisory council, which was purely administrative in function. In 1940 the voters on the islands chose to side with the Free French government of Charles de Gaulle, and many islanders fought alongside Allied armies during World War II. French Polynesia was made an overseas territory of France in 1946. It was provided with a territorial assembly and was allowed to elect one representative to the French National Assembly and one to the French Senate.

In 1957 the French government extended the powers of the local Territorial Assembly. In 1958 Pouvanaa a Oopa, vice president of the Council of Government, announced a plan to secede from France and form an independent Tahitian republic. He was subsequently arrested; the movement collapsed, and local powers were again curtailed. France issued new statutes granting more local autonomy in 1977, but the pro-independence and pro-autonomy parties continued to call for popular election of the president and either more autonomy or outright independence. The territory became autonomous in 1984. In March 2003 France changed the classification of French Polynesia from overseas territory to overseas collectivity. In 2004 an organic act increased French Polynesia’s powers of self-government. Oscar Temaru, a pro-independence leader, after having served briefly in 2004, again was president in 2005–06. He returned to the presidency for a third time in September 2007.

In 1963 the French government had begun testing nuclear weapons on Mururoa, which the territorial assembly ceded to France the following year, along with neighbouring Fangataufa. In response to worldwide pressure the tests were moved underground on Fangataufa in 1975. However, the detonations continued. In the mid-1980s political parties and environmental-protection and human rights groups united to protest France’s nuclear testing. In 1985 world attention focused on the area when French commandos blew up a yacht owned by the environmental group Greenpeace as it was preparing to lead a protest near Mururoa Atoll. In 1992 French prime minister Pierre Bérégovoy suspended testing, but Pres. Jacques Chirac ordered its resumption in 1995. Amid widespread opposition from the French public and within the territory itself, France exploded a bomb under Mururoa. The test was followed by rioting within the French territory. Mounting antinuclear pressure led the French to reduce the number of planned tests from eight to six, and the last device was detonated below Fangataufa Atoll in January 1996. Later in 1996 France signed the protocols of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga). Military and civilian facilities related to the nuclear testing were dismantled. Hundreds of French soldiers subsequently left the area, causing the loss of many associated service jobs. Questions remained regarding the effect that radiation from the nuclear tests had had on the region’s population, and a government committee of inquiry reported to the legislature in 2006 that France had hidden the extent of radioactive fallout from the aboveground tests. The committee recommended that France monitor public health in the region, compensate the Polynesian citizens affected, and clean up the environment; the French government rejected the report.

The term French Polynesia is applied to the scattered French possessions in the South Pacific—Mangareva (Gambier), Makatea, the Marquesas Islands, Rapa, Rurutu, Rimatara, the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, Tubuai, Raivavae, and the island of Clipperton—which were organized into a single colony in 1903. There are 120 islands, of which 25 are uninhabited. The principal and most populous island—Tahiti, in the Society group—was claimed by the French in 1768. The indigenous people are mostly Maoris.

The Pacific Nuclear Test Center on the atoll of Mururoa, 744 mi (1,200 km) from Tahiti, was completed in 1966. In 1975 worldwide opposition forced the French to move the testing underground on Fangataufa. To compensate the residents for the nuclear weapons tests from 1995 to 1996, France offered a 10-year $194-million annual compensation package. An independence movement continues to flourish in French Polynesia. In 2004, France changed its status from a French Overseas Territory to an Overseas Country, which gave French Polynesia more autonomy over local affairs.

Due to a steady stream of shifting alliances and parliamentary motions of no-confidence, more than a dozen governments have come and gone during the period 2004 to 2011. The most recent, in April 2011, conducted in the face of pending legislation from France meant to stabilize the country's political situation, resulted in a no-confidence vote against the government of President Gaston Tong Sang. Oscar Temaru immediately became the new president.

Just how the Polynesian peoples came to populate their islands of the Pacific is a subject of some debate. What is clear, however, is that they were great sailors and navigators who traversed vast distances of open ocean to settle as far and wide as present-day French Polynesia, Hawaii, New Zealand, parts of the New Guinea island, Tonga and the Cook Islands. It's thought that they left South-East Asia around 3000 or 4000 years ago and began to arrive in present-day French Polynesia around 300 AD. Islands were originally ruled by chieftains who commanded huge fleets of outrigger canoes; religious practices at this time included human sacrifices.
Some of the first European visitors, which included Samuel Wallis (1767), Louis-Antoinne de Bougainville (1768) and James Cook (1769), returned with stories of a paradise on earth inhabited by 'noble savages' and Venus-like women whose sexual favours were freely offered to the visitors. Europe was abuzz with stories of a tropical haven of free love when Bougainville returned to Paris and this myth attracted the likes of Herman Melville, Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Gauguin.

The most famous event in the region's recent history was the Mutiny on the Bounty. It was on Tahiti and the Austral island of Tubuai that Fletcher Christen and his mutineers sought refuge after setting William Bligh and his faithful crew members adrift in a tiny open boat near the Tongan islands on 28 April 1789. And, ultimately, it was on Tahiti that the long arm of British law rounded up those mutineers who hadn't escaped to Pitcairn Island, and made them face British justice.

At the time of the mutiny, the Polynesian islands were ruled locally by important families - there was no all-prevailing ruler. The Polynesians had long realised the power of European weaponry and had courted earlier visitors to make allegiances in regional power struggles. While Cook, Bougainville and others had resisted this, the Bounty mutineers offered themselves as mercenaries. The Pomares, just one of the powerful Tahitian families, secured their services and, as a consequence, came to control most of the islands.

Soon whalers and traders were calling in at the Polynesian islands, trading weapons for fresh food, introducing the notion of prostitution and spreading European diseases to which the islanders had no natural immunity. Protestant missionaries were deployed to put an end to all that nudity, erotic dancing, wanton sex and heathen religion, and traditional Polynesian culture rapidly fell apart. The islands' population plummeted and the tyrannical Protestant missionaries razed Polynesian temples (maraes) to the ground, forbidding any activities that were not devoutly Christian.

And then the French came. They were already in control of the Marquesian archipelago to the northeast and after much filibustering, political browbeating and intimidation, managed to oust the English and secure most of what would become French Polynesia in 1842. Queen Pomare IV, who had already done much to unify the islands under her rule, was forced to yield to the French and spent the rest of her 50-year reign as a figurehead.

At the turn of the 20th century the Polynesian islands became part of the Établissements français d'Océanie (French Pacific Settlements) and a programme of rapid commercial expansion was introduced. Chinese labourers came to work on vanilla and cotton plantations, and copra and mother-of-pearl production became the cornerstone of the French Polynesian economy. Nearly 1000 Polynesians were sent to Europe to fight the Germans in WWI, and 5000 US soldiers landed on Bora Bora soon after the USA's entrance into WWII to thwart the Japanese advance in the Pacific.

The French had been testing weapons in the Sahara Desert, but Algerian independence caused General de Gaulle to announce in 1963 that the tiny atolls of Moruroa (often misspelt 'Mururoa') and Fangataufa in the Tuamotus would serve as the new sites for weapons testing, and the Centre d'expérimentations du Pacifique was born. As a result of continuing world opposition, the testing shifted underground in 1981. Of course the French claim that the testing is perfectly safe but don't seem prepared to conduct it on French domestic soil.

In 1995 when French president Jacques Chirac announced that a new series of underground tests were to be conducted, the world reverberated with protest and condemnation. Riots in the streets of Papeete saw hundreds of cars overturned and buildings set alight, and the Chilean and New Zealand ambassadors were recalled from Paris. The tests were completed in early 1996 and the French government has since stated that the nuclear-testing programme is over. After more than 150 separate tests of up to 200 kilotons (10 times more powerful than the bomb which levelled Hiroshima) the dust has once again settled around the atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa, though the longer-term effects remains to be seen.

There is now a considerable groundswell of calls for independence from France, but the orthodox political powers, headed by President Gaston Flosse, have made it clear this will not happen - at least not in the medium term - and France seems unlikely to relinquish its overseas territories. French Polynesia currently has a 41-member Territorial Assembly elected by popular vote every five years. The Republic of France is represented in the territory by a high commissioner appointed by the Republic. Over a 20 year period, ending in 1996, the island group took over internal management, but calls for independence are a permanent fixture on the political map.

GOOD TO KNOW
Books and Movies
James Michener's Tales of the South Pacific explores the local color (hint: it's mostly blue and green) against the backdrop of World War II. Some of the best—and priciest—views of French Polynesia come alive in the later work of painter Paul Gauguin, who spent his last decade on the islands.

Cuisine
Fine dining of any stripe can be had throughout French Polynesia. However, the Tahitian Feast, or "tamaaraa," is a beloved tradition among villagers and visitors alike. The islands' bounty, wrapped in banana leaves, is slowly cooked in underground ovens called "ahimaa"—holes in the ground lined with glowing volcanic rocks. The Polynesian delicacies are presented on palm fronds, and guests are invited to eat with their fingers, dipping juicy morsels of roast pork, fish, breadfruit, and taro into rich coconut cream sauce. Poe (a sweet pudding) and fresh fruit are served for dessert, before tribal dancing heats things up.

Good Buys

Shopping in French Polynesia, unlike so many tropical paradises, isn't limited to duty-free, though that's offered as well. French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where black pearls are cultured. These make exquisite souvenirs, with colors ranging from the darkest black to deep greens with iridescent accents of pink, gold, and blue—at prices far lower than you would pay elsewhere. Shopping for a cook back home? Just bring home some Tahitian vanilla beans; these aren't just any vanilla beans, they're the finest in the world.

Money
French Polynesia is truly paradise. The islanders' notion of hospitality banishes such concerns as sales tax and tipping to lesser destinations, so money matters won't interfere with your pleasure.

French Polynesia encompasses five different archipelagos and a total of 118 islands; these are spread across a patch of ocean roughly the same size as Western Europe. The Society Islands are the most-traveled group, and comprise bustling Tahiti, cozier and homier Moorea (a favorite weekend getaway for residents of Tahiti's capital, Papeete), the surfer's paradise of Huahine, the much-hyped honeymoon island of Bora Bora, and sparsely developed Raiatea and Tahaa. The Tuamotu group is a quieter collection of 76 low-lying islands (only about half of which are inhabited) with world-class diving. The other three groups—the Marquesas, the Astrals, and the Gambiers—are relatively pristine and undeveloped.

Many businesses in French Polynesia don't have street addresses, but can be located using the coastal road's distance markers: Every kilometer is marked with a PK sign, for "Pas Kilometre."

WHEN TO GO
French Polynesia has a mild tropical climate with two seasons: a slightly more humid—and intermittently rainy—period between November and April, and the drier season between May and October. July, the festival month, is the driest. The average annual temperature is 77°F, with little variation throughout the year. The weather is similar to Hawaii's, but because French Polynesia is south of the equator, the seasons are reversed.

Picture perfect only begins to describe what awaits you in the French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a and Bora Bora.

Rugged volcanic hillsides blanketed with lush tropical foliage juxtapose talcum white powder sand fringed by turquoise crystalline water.

Like a song with perfect pitch, the landscape in French Polynesia touches the soul and releases a flurry of emotion.

Here, there is no shame in spending hours daydreaming on the veranda of a thatched-roof hut while gazing in wonder at nature's creation.

During our 10 days on these fairy tale islands, we experienced some of French Polynesia's greatest gifts.

WARM AND WONDERFUL TAHITIANS

Like the sun's rays, the people of Tahiti are warm and welcoming. Smiles here are genuine and locals seem to go out of their way to offer directions, recommendations and a helping hand.

After spending time exploring Tahiti and her islands it's easy to understand how sharing kindness and laughter can become a way of life.

Although the national language is French, most Tahitians will happily converse in English and even offer some simple phrases in the native Tahitian language.

When a local says farewell by kissing both cheeks and inviting you back it's both sincere and heartwarming.

A PRIVATE ISLAND

If you've ever fantasized about having your own private island, then Taha'a might just make your dreams come true.

Ideal for honeymooners and lovebirds looking for an intimate and exclusive vacation, this somewhat undiscovered haven features a Coral Garden for fabulous snorkelling, luscious vegetation with beautiful tropical flora, an emerald coloured lagoon and the exceptional Relais & Chateux Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa.

Voted by Conde Nast Traveller as one of The World's Best Places to Stay, Le Taha'a offers 57 private overwater bungalows and beachfront villas inspired by traditional Polynesian architecture, a treetop restaurant and tranquil spa amid an exotic garden.

ROMANCE ABOUNDS

It is difficult to imagine a setting more romantic than French Polynesia, and it's no surprise that this is the top honeymoon destination in the world. If the idyllic scenery isn't enough to spark flames of passion, the selection of activities for two offered throughout Tahiti's islands will have your heart melting.

Start your morning with a gourmet breakfast of tropical fruit, freshly squeezed juice, French pastries, artisan cheeses and quiche delivered by Polynesian Canoe to your private over-water bungalow.

Dine waterfront with a Polynesian picnic for two in the warm shallow waters of a secluded Motu (island), or on a private sunset dinner cruise.

Or, simply pamper each other with a couple's spa service inspired by the rituals and natural ingredients of the South Pacific.

HAWAIKI NUI VA'A

Va'a (canoe racing) is one of the traditional sports of Tahiti. It is said that a Tahitian's umbilical cord is cut with a rock and a canoe paddle, which is apparent in their dedication to, and appreciation of the sport.

Every year upwards of 7,000 spectators and fans take to the waters in a myriad of small and large craft boats to support their favourite team in a three-day, 124.5-kilometre paddling race between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora.

Each day, in the blistering hot sun, we were in the heart of the action as our fishing boat navigated rough waters and large swells to cheer on the rapidly paddling teams.

The favourite to win, Shell Va'a, did not disappoint with a record-breaking 3 hour 11 minute time in the first leg, and first place finishes in the second and third legs. The finish line, at Matira Point in Bora Bora was a spectacle in itself.

The waist deep, bathwater-warm turquoise water became the world's largest pool-party as fans and athletes celebrated together.

Music blared, champagne and beer flowed and exhausted athletes and elated fans danced aboard boats and in the calm shallow water.

SHARKS, STINGRAYS AND CORAL REEFS

One of the most popular excursions in French Polynesia is the Shark & Stingray tour.

Depending on the outfit you book with, an outrigger canoe or powerboat will take you to the beautiful outer reef.

From there your experienced guide will feed the Black-tip Reef Sharks while you snorkel or watch from the safety of the boat.

On our excursion in Bora Bora, more than 20 sharks ranging from one to two metres in length surrounded us, which caused my heart rate to soar and had me back in the boat within a few minutes.

After our great shark encounter we went to the shallow blue lagoon to swim with stingrays.

If you choose to book this excursion from Bora Bora or Taha'a you'll likely also have the opportunity to visit the Coral Garden, an amazing natural underwater park teeming with colourful tropical fish.

PRETTY PEARLS

The warm lagoon waters that surround French Polynesia's island and atolls are the perfect setting to create the Tahitian Cultured Pearl. Often referred to as Black Pearls, these fine gems range widely in size, shape and colour. Dark black and grey with a shimmering palette of tints and hues which range from green, blue, bronze, aubergine and even pink. Pearl oysters are nurtured and carefully monitored from birth through their pearl harvest five years later. Better conditions and care produce higher quality pearls with brilliant lustre. Shopping for pearls can be done at galleries or hotels on Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, or at family pearl farms on Taha'a and Huahine. To learn more about the history and legend of the Tahitian Pearl visit the Robert WAN Pearl Museum in Papeete.

UNPARALLELED ACCOMMODATIONS

We experienced some of the most unique and spectacular properties in French Polynesia, and given the amount of time you'll spend at your hotel selecting the right accommodation is critical. Of course the ultimate in luxury, service and ambience is found at the Four Seasons Bora Bora. Our traditional thatched roof overwater bungalow with hardwood floors and panoramic views of the lagoon and towering Mount Otemanu was one of the trip highlights. The sprawling, yet intimate property includes four restaurants, a full-service spa with open-air treatment decks overlooking a private lagoon, beachfront pool with cabanas and an abundance of smiling and accommodating staff. With unwavering perfection in every last detail this true tropical paradise is what dreams are made of.

When it was time to say goodbye, the lifetime memory of pool-warm azure lagoons, gently swaying palms and bright-breasted birds chirping in the breeze remained as French Polynesia's parting gift to us.

Bora Bora
Dominating the island are majestic Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two towering volcanic peaks of black rock that jut out of the center of the emerald-green island. Often draped in white clouds, these landmarks take on mysterious and mythical qualities. With its two dominating peaks and brilliant turquoise lagoon, Bora Bora offers the most dramatic beauty of any island in French Polynesia.

Among the most unforgettable experiences of a Bora Bora visit is the launch transfer from the airport. The airport is built on a palm fringed motu approximately 20 minutes by motor launch from the main village of Vaitape. The ride across the calm translucent waters of the lagoon is like entering a fairyland. From Vaitape Village “Le Truck” or mini-van transports you to the hotel. The road which circles the island will take you to your hotel past a landscape of vibrant, almost surreal, colors.

Bora Bora is an island that most people have heard about, but not many people know that it is part of French Polynesia. It is one of the leeward islands and is located about 150 miles northwest of Tahiti. Just 18 miles around, Bora Bora is the ideal South Pacific island. Hibiscus line the hills and valleys, and the underwater world is a kaleidoscopic of fish flowing through prismatic turquoise water with sun rays dancing on magnificently sculpted coral.

Bora Bora Geography

Bora Bora is situated 155 miles to the northeast of Tahiti (at latitude 16o 30’ south and longitude 151o 45’ west). Bora Bora was formed around seven million years ago.

Of volcanic origin, the composition is essentially a main island about six miles long by 2 ½ miles wide, with a central mountain chain dominated by the summits of Mount Otemanu (2,384 ft.) and the double peaked Mount Pahia (2,030 ft.)

Separated from the principle island by a deep lagoon, is the small island of Toopua and the islet of Toopua Iti. The three islands are the eroded remnants of the slopes of a crater, enclosing the central part of an ancient volcano.

The coast of the main island is deeply jagged and bordered by a fringing reef that disappears in the southern part to give way to the magnificent white sand beaches of Taahana and Matira.

Moorea
Moorea is a favorite of all who venture to the South Seas. Here, you’ll find the real South Seas experience – a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches, multi-hued lagoons and, of course, quaint Tahitian-style hotels offering plenty of sun and fun activities.

Moorea Geography

Moorea is an island of Volcanic origin, situated 11 miles Northwest of Tahiti and has a circumference of 37 miles. Many people have described Moorea as the most beautiful place on earth.

One of the features that is so striking about this island is the jagged peaks and spires that give the island its unique profile. Geologists speculate that thousands of years ago, the northern rim of the volcano either fell into the sea or was blown away by a volcanic explosion, leaving the heart-shaped island of today.

The south rim of the ancient volcano makes up the mountain range on Moorea. At 3,959 ft., Tohiea is the highest pike. Others include Moua Puta (the mountain with a hole) at 2,722 ft., Rotui at 2,624 ft., and Moua Roa (Bali Hai from the film South Pacific) at 2,499 ft. Mt. Mouaroa is the mountain that is commonly referred to as the “shark’s tooth.” It is frequently depicted on post cards and is the image on one side of the 100 CFP coin. This unique geology forms spectacular two bays, Opunohu Bay on the west side of Mt. Rotui and Cook’s Bay on the east side.Moorea’s lagoon, along with Bora Bora’s, is one of the most beautiful in the Islands. It harbors 3 “motus” (small islands).

Tahiti
The capital of Tahiti and her Islands is the bustling port of Papeete, alive with activity. Papeete contains the government offices, police headquarters, hospitals and clinics, banks, telecommunications center, airline and travel agencies, boutiques and black pearl shops. Papeete is a modern port with a population of about 70,000 people in the city and its suburbs. Enjoy Papeete’s unique cosmopolitan charms. Shopping is definitely one of them. Part of the fun of Papeete is sipping a drink and people-watching at a sidewalk cafe. Hop aboard le truck-as the locals call the open-air bus-to downtown, where an amazing selection of boutiques offers shell leis, woven hats, purses and other native handicrafts, while their neighbors feature the latest in French fashions. In the city’s many restaurants you’ll discover that Tahitians enjoy an enticing variety of native, French, Asian and other cuisines.

Today, the beautiful landscapes and the timeless charm of Tahiti’s past remain preserved just minutes outside the bustling sea port of Papeete. From the beaches and low-land plantations to volcanic peaks and rain forests, Tahiti has a magnificent variety of landscapes and vistas to enjoy.

Tahiti Geography

The island’s interior contains dense rainforests of soft ferns, waterfalls cascading into cool rivers and streams forming magnificent river valleys, and flat coastal areas containing fields of taro and tropical flowers.

Tahiti is comprised of two main island masses, Tahiti-Nui (big Tahiti) and Tahiti-Iti (little Tahiti), which are connected by an isthmus called Plateau of Taravao. The larger, Tahiti-Nui, is rugged and mountainous with its largest peak, Mt. Orohena, reaching 7,339 feet next to Mt. Aorai reaching 6,786 feet. Tahiti-Iti is a low, narrow mountainous strip of land with its highest peak, Mt. Roniu, reaching 4,341 feet.

The smaller portion, Tahiti Iti, is quite rural an abundance of lush, natural beauty with small villages.

Huahine
Comprised of Huahine Nui (big Huahine) and Huahine-Iti (little Huahine), the two islands are joined by a small bridge and are enclosed within a protective necklace of coral. Off-shore motu islets lie inside the barrier reef, providing efficient gardens for Huahine’s watermelon and cantaloupe industry. A road, mostly non-paved, winds 32 km. (20 miles) around the two islands, passing through small villages where the 5,411 inhabitants live in colorful, modest homes.

Huahine Geography

The word “Huahine” means pregnant woman in Tahitian. The island gets its name from the shape of the island. When viewed from a distance, it truly does look like a pregnant woman lying on her back.

Huahine is actually two islands, when viewed from the air. An arch bridge connect the two. It is believed that, at one time, Huahine was one island. Since all of these volcanic islands are sinking, ever so slowly, the two highest portions of the original island are what show above the surface of the ocean today.

Huahine is a tropical garden with gentle rolling hills and lush foliage, and at the same time, it is a garden rich in agriculture. The soil is excellent and everywhere you look there are plantations of taro, coffee, vanilla or melons.

Off-shore “motu” islets lie inside the barrier reef, providing luscious gardens for Huahine’s watermelon and cantaloupe industry.

Rangiroa

The lagoon is more like a vast inland sea, and dry land exists as a narrow chain of sandy motus encircling this huge waterway. Divers come from all over the world to Rangiroa and the configuration of the lagoon is such that the rise and fall of the tide causes powerful currents that divers `surf’. 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. The flavor of village life on an atoll can be experienced in the small villages of Tiputa and Avatoru, each with a population of approximately 700. Both villages are beside a navigable pass.

While in this part of the archipelago, you should consider a visit to Kia Ora Sauvage Resort, a unique, natural setting, where life is simple and your time is your own. This resort features the most peaceful surroundings you can imagine. Bask in the sun, snorkel in the bath-like waters, and take in this pure Polynesian experience.

Raiatea and Tahaa
Raiatea

Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia, and is located 120 miles north-west of Tahiti. Tahitians believe Raiatea to be the sacred birthplace of their gods and their religious and cultural beginnings. In fact, the most important and well-preserved religious site in all of Polynesia is here. With the large protected lagoon around Raiatea and her charming sister island of Tahaa, the area has naturally become one of our top locations for sailing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving. It is from Raiatea that the first Polynesians set out for Hawaii and New Zealand, entire tribes sailing off to colonize new shores.

Taha’a

Enclosed within the same barrier reef as Raiatea is the small island of Taha’a, located across the lagoon and only two miles north of Uturoa. Taha’a has no airport and is only accessible by boat. It is a round island with fjord-like inlets. Tahaa is often called the Vanilla Island for its numerous plantations of this black gold. The rich and puissant aroma of vanilla perfumes the breeze as you drive around the 42 mile coastal road, through small villages and up into the hills for panoramic views of the deeply indented bays all around the island. Tahaa produces about 80% of all vanilla in French Polynesia. While fishing and farming are its main livelihoods, what seduces visitors are its pretty beaches, coral gardens, and the sandy motus which pepper the lagoon it shares with Raiatea. Taha’a is slowly awakening to tourism, yet still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia. The beautiful deep bays and small deserted motus make Taha’a an ideal island to escape the 20th century. Stay in a small bungalow-style hotel or make Taha’a an unforgettable day trip.

Tikehau

Tikehau is the true, classic atoll- a low tropical island created by coral rising up above the sea level, and then gradually eroding away. Tikehau is an oval shaped atoll that consists of a series of hundreds flat motus (islands)-, surrounding a pristine, magnificent lagoon packed with thriving and varied species of marine life. The charming village of Tuherahera (population 350) is situated on the south end of the largest motu- here you will find the friendly smiles of the local residents tending the small flower gardens of their well kept houses.

Because of the developed airport, Tikehau is easily accessible to travelers and vacationers. The atoll is only a one hour flight from Tahiti and 20 minutes from Rangiroa.

The real draws of Tikehau are the beaches and the incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. If you enjoy miles of beautiful pink sand beaches, sparkling turquoise water, and a peaceful/quiet atmosphere then you will love Tikehau. From your hotel you can easily take a canoe and paddle to a nearby, deserted motu island to spend the day in complete seclusion, lie on a beautiful beach, enjoy a picnic and feel like you are Robinson Crusoe or “king” of your own private island.

Tikehau is also world class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The lagoon is clean and clear, and teeming with varied fish species. On a visit in the early 1980′s the visiting Cousteau Society proclaimed the lagoon of Tikehau to have the most concentrated populations of varied fish species among all the islands of Tahiti- Polynesia. Adding to the diving experience are scattered shipwrecks and also cliff and underwater cave diving. These attributes and more make Tikehau a fascinating island destination for you to explore.

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