The Tahitian Islands

Surrounding one of the world’s greatest destinations for scuba diving, the 240 islets of Rangiroa string together in the ocean for more than 110 miles (177 km), completely encircling a deep lagoon. This is Rangiroa Tahiti, a place that is simply beyond human imagination. Also the world’s second largest atoll, Rangiroa is a place where land and sea form an unexpected truce. The beautiful loop of islands is surrounded by different kinds of ocean: Moana-tea (Peaceful Ocean), which defines the lagoon, and Moana-uri (Wild Ocean), where whales, manta rays, dolphins and sharks put on a show for the lucky few who come to experience their world.

Back on land, the main villages of Avatoru and Tiputa offer the visitor a unique look at the South Pacific. Along the few roads that exist, you’ll encounter coral churches, craft centers, local restaurants and boulangerie, along with a few tiny shops operated by locals. Wine lovers can also enjoy wine tasting at the Dominique Auroy Estate nestled within a coconut grove, which produces three grape varieties. Jewelry lovers will appreciate the black pearl farms, which dot the lagoon.

Top Reasons to Visit Rangiroa
Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Islands of Tahiti, and the second-largest atoll in the world. To give you a sense of the lagoon’s scale, the inside of the lagoon is so large it could hold the entire island of Bora Bora. Rangiroa, or Ra’iroa, means “endless skies” which makes it the perfect name. The local people in Rangiroa mostly live on two of the hundreds of motu circling the atoll: Tiputa and Avatoru. These communities are also home to most of Rangiroa’s hotels.

Rangiroa Diving: A Marine Life Paradise
Rangiroa is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking dive spots. Whether you take an intro dive or just a fun dive exploring the lagoon, passes and reefs, beginners and experienced divers will be blown away by the abundance and colors in this natural aquarium. Schools of multicolored butterflyfish, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and hammerhead sharks swim just beneath the surface, just waiting for divers to visit them in their underwater paradise.

Simply Idyllic
Even if you’re not a diver, you can still discover the beauties of the lagoon from above the water’s surface. The possibilities are endless on Rangiroa. You can opt to go for a picnic on a desert motu, go snorkeling above the incredible coral gardens, visit untouched islets where wild birds nest or, if you’re feeling adventurous – have fun with small, friendly sharks.

If you’re planning a diving trip, a few of the must-sees include the “blue lagoon,” where nature gave birth to a small lagoon within the larger main lagoon. Reef Island, an above-water fossilized coral garden, is a stunning reminder of Rangiroa’s unique geology.

Where Is The Pink Sand Beach?
Rangiroa is composed of 240 islets, known as motus, that each have their own charm. One of the most picturesque of these is Le Sable Roses, the pink sand beach. This dreamy motu with white and pink sand is located on the southern rim of the atoll. The pink sand dunes emerge from the reef, and naturally-crushed seashells have given this amazing pink hue to the area.

Traveling from Papeete to Rangiroa
Rangiroa is an atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and is about 220 miles northeast of the island of Tahiti. Like other destinations in French Polynesia, the simplest way to visit is by direct flight from Papeete to Rangiroa. Regular air service is also offered from Bora Bora and Fakarava. Once you arrive, a rental car or boat taxi can help you arrive at your final destination.

Manihi conjures castaway dreams. It’s as though you’ve arrived through a time portal into an impossible tropical fantasy. Far from the modern world in French Polynesia, the Mana spirit of Manihi thrives around the crystal-clear lagoon that is the site of Tahiti’s first black pearl farm.

Manihi is an atoll that is a collection of motu islets in the Tuamotu Archipelago located just over 400 miles northwest of Bora Bora. Manihi’s inner lagoon is the perfect setting for the farming of Tahitian black pearls. Gifted with all of the right qualities including temperature, brightness, density and salinity, Manihi is a living treasure chest in the South Pacific for these precious jewels.

Things To Do On Manihi in the Tuamotu Archipelago
Experience Our Pearl Farms
The origin of the Tahitian cultured mother of pearl was born in Manihi in 1965. This lagoon, famous for its oyster, saw the birth of the first pearl farm. Since then, the atoll’s islanders have been very passionate about producing pearls. There is a plethora of pearl farms in the lagoon of Manihi. A visit to one of these farms is a unique experience that helps you better understand exactly how much work goes into sourcing these precious gems. In The Islands of Tahiti, we consider pearls to be a genuine incarnation of the beauty of our Tahitian lagoons.

Life Revolves Around Manihi’s Magic Lagoon
Visitors stand in awe of Manihi’s lagoon and its crystal clear waters, brilliant coral reefs and fine sand beaches. Fishing is perfect for all skill levels, and kayaking is the picture-perfect experience for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

For those who like to dive right in, Manihi provides an ideal environment. Warm crystal-clear waters and private encounters with a rich marine fauna is exactly how diving should be. Marine life, including manta rays, sharks and moray eels congregate in the lagoon’s still waters to feed. Beautiful coral reefs take the form of rose petals along the deep walls and serve as the perfect backdrop for small tropical fish schools like butterflyfish and long-finned bannerfish.

Experienced divers will enjoy drifting along Turipaoa Pass. As water surges in and out of the lagoon, it creates conditions for incredible drift dives that feel like surfing underwater.

Get Lost In A Timeless Village
This remote coral atoll has a population of less than 1,000 and offers visitors a much slower speed of life. Residents are mainly pearl or coconut farmers and fishers whose livelihoods depend on the natural environment.

The colorful and flowery village of Turipaoa along the pass of the same name offers a peaceful Tuamotu ambience, nicely blending with the sight of basket weaving skills of local women and the sound of children splashing along the lagoon. Most houses feature a dedicated pearl farming activity. Keep an eye out for ropes, buoys and suspended mother of pearl oyster throughout Manihi.

Traveling to Manihi Island
Reaching Manihi is best done by plane. Papeete is a major hub for flights for all of The Islands of Tahiti that offers direct flights to Manihi. Flights are also available to and from the nearby island of Rangiroa. There is no regular shuttle service between the Manihi airport and the island’s major Guesthouse and town. Visitors are encouraged to book these arrangements ahead of their arrival.

Where to Stay in Manihi
Even though the island is small, visitors do have a few options for Manihini accommodations when they arrive. Guests can choose from a world-class resort with overwater bungalows or guesthouses run by families that offer a warm and intimate stay. Both options will create memorable experiences for island visitors.

Days evolve quietly on Tikehau. From the sky, this graceful atoll, a 55-minute flight from the kinetic bustle of Papeete in Tahiti, looks like a crown of white and pink-sand beaches shimmering around the Tikehau Atoll lagoon making it almost too breathtaking to be true. Only about 500 Tahitians call this tranquil world home, generations of fishermen whose lives revolve around the sea. And, it’s a life of both peace and plenty.

Tikehau Travel Guide
Top Reasons to Stay in Tikehau
A Lagoon That Keeps Its Promises
This oval shaped lagoon formed by a series of motu featuring white and pink sand beaches is a genuine natural pool opening to a small pass called Tuheiva. Divers are consistently enthralled by the amazing marine life where eagle rays, schools of barracudas and tuna, grey reef sharks, marine turtles and dolphins like to play. For those in search of relaxation in The Islands of Tahiti, Tikehau’s untouched sandy beaches lying by the pure and warm emerald lagoon will definitely fill their expectations.

Tikehau’s Natural Curiosities
Explore Tuherahera village and the superb desert atoll’s beaches, see the impressive coral remnants lying on the beach on the South coast, forming a natural wall. You will travel back in time discovering the legend of Hina’s bell closely linked to this place. On the motu, pink sand beaches, a nature’s wonder, await.

Tikehau – A Particularly Fishy Atoll (In A Good Way!)
Millions of fish live in the untouched transparent world of the Tikehau atoll. The volume of fish is so much that Jacques Cousteau’s research crew dubbed it “the most fish abundant Tuamotu atoll.”

It’s easy not to notice the small, lovely islets that form a ring around Fakarava’s lagoon, the second largest atoll in French Polynesia. After all, it’s the lagoon that draws your attention, its beauty pulling at you like a magnet.

There is a purity in the lagoon and the quiet elegance of the marine life that live out their lives in the shallows near shore. It’s almost as if you glance at it each time you’re seeing and feeling it for the first time. Here, the world seems unblemished. Life in the small villages, with their bougainvillea lined roads, bright coral churches, quaint homes, boulangerie, snacks, and restaurants seems to hover above the clear waters surrounding this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Top Reasons to Visit Fakarava
Fakarava is part of the Tuamotu Islands that form the largest chain of atolls globally. Fakarava atoll’s rectangular shaped lagoon is the second-largest lagoon in the chain. A boat ride from one corner to another can take roughly an hour.

There are two major passes from the Pacific into the center: Garuae Pass, the largest lagoon pass in French Polynesia, and Tumakohua Pass, also known as Southern Pass. The flow of water in and out of the lagoon at the passes creates exceptionally crystal clear water and a diverse ecosystem. This is why Fakarava atoll is a bucket-list dream destination for scuba divers.

It’s A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Fakarava features such an untouched environment that it has been officially designated a winter. The land and underwater wildlife are remarkable, including rare, endemic protected species which makes preservation critical. The purpose of the biosphere reserve designation is to combine the conservation of natural resources and human development harmoniously. This involves research, surveillance, training and education of locals and visitors.

Stunning Marine Life On Full Display
Fakarava means “beautiful” or “making things superb.” For the Fakarava atoll, this means everything is as beautiful above as it is under the water. All you need is some simple snorkeling gear for you to fall in love with this oceanic wonder and the marine life so easy to encounter.

Divers travel from around the world to experience huge, fluorescent coral heads, reef sharks, sturgeons, white tip sharks, perch, barracudas, tunas, manta rays, and dolphins with superb underwater visibility and water temps closer to a bath than the ocean.

New divers can head to locations throughout the lagoon to see incredible marine life with little to no current. Experienced divers head to the passes to fly over magnificent underwater canyons covered by huge coral heads and inhabited by everything from schools of fish to “walls” of sharks.

“Bleu Matisse” Was Inspired Here
The famous French painter Henri Matisse (1869-1954) would claim that colors were for setting oneself free. The artist spent three months in Tahiti in 1930, exploring as far as Fakarava, where he was enthralled by the infinite variety and shades of blue of the lagoon. This discovery was such that it triggered a new creative artistic move for Matisse. Think of Fakarava as visual therapy for the soul.

Traveling to Fakarava
Grab your dive gear and head to Fakarava. Fakarava transportation stands out among most other Tuamotu Islands by having an airport with service to and from Papeete via Air Tahiti. Despite Fakarava’s remoteness and size, there are outstanding accommodations and vacation packages to rest up for the next day’s dives.

Featuring amazing pink sand beaches lined with swaying coconut palms, a crystal clear ocean that’s warm to the touch, the 76 islands and atolls within the Tuamotu Archipelago are spread over an area of more than 700,000 sq. mi. (2 million km²) in the South Pacific. It’s a land where the story of Robinson Crusoe could have actually taken place.

Living up to their reputation, the Tuamotu Islands are a must-see for experienced divers. The atoll lagoons are a protected paradise where underwater life is spectacular. This area is also the cradle of the legendary Tahitian cultured pearl, grown with love, patience and respect, lying in a blue elegant oyster. Pearl farms lie almost weightlessly on the Tuamotu’s lagoons where the pearls get their unmatched colors and shades.

Some Tuamotu atolls are just endless white, sandy beaches with a few acres of coconut plantations. Others, such as Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the world, are much larger.

Where is the Tuamotu Archipelago?
Located 600 miles (965 km) south of Bora Bora and the Society Islands, following on from the Tuamotu Islands, emerge the most secluded and remote of The Islands of Tahiti: the Gambier Islands. This is a natural and cultural gem, which visitors sometimes discover by chance but from which they all come back totally seduced.

Visiting the Tuamotu
Tuamotu’s mini paradise islands are dotted idyllically amidst the aqua blue Pacific Ocean. While the islands are remote, they’re easy to reach via boat or plane without having to go via Papeete. Many islands offer regular air service between other Tuamotu Islands. Tuamotu accommodations vary on each island. The largest atolls host international resorts, all welcoming visitors from around the world. The smaller islands are more intimate and you will find family pensions and guest houses.

The Tuamotu Islands
Takapoto
Idyllic and pristine, the Takapoto atoll is a dream paradise. Discovered by French explorers Jacques Lemaire and Willem Schouten, Takapoto is a closed island without a real pass allowing the lagoon and ocean to meet. This is the reason why the atoll has remained so untouched. It is also the home of the famous black pearl (from the oyster Pinctada margaritifera), the main resource on the island. Visitors will enjoy seeing the numerous fish parks made out of coral stones.

Anaa
The coral ring of Anaa is still easily recognized by Polynesian sailors thanks to the bright emerald color of its lagoon. The atoll doesn’t have a pass and shelters spectacular feo, huge 10-foot high coral blocks emerging from the lagoon.

Mataiva
Located at the northwest end of the Tuamotu Archipelago, Mataiva is a surprisingly small atoll. It is the only lagoon of French Polynesia to feature 70 interior pools approximately 26 feet deep with nine channels. This is where the name “the island of nine eyes” originates. A real-life tropical aquarium, snorkelers and other visitors will marvel at the beautiful fish-filled lagoon.

Hao
Discovered by Pedro Fernández de Quirós in 1606, Hao, still called “Bow Island” or “Harp Island” given its shape, features one of the largest lagoons in French Polynesia. Open to the ocean via Kaki pass, the immense lagoon is an underwater mass hiding unknown treasures for scuba diving. Starfish, sea urchins and crustaceans are only a few of the inhabitants of the coral reefs, which is also visited by mahi-mahi and silver jackfish.

Makemo
Makemo is a work of art carved by the nature of erosion over a period of thousands of years. The sand is an amazing blend of pink and red due to microorganisms developing in these warm shallow waters.

A few steps from the shore lies a marvelous natural pool welcoming swimmers into clear, turquoise waters. This is truly an idyllic place where dreams and legends meet, its messages still transmitted by the ancient guardians of the island’s history.

Ahe
Located between Rangiroa and Manihi, Ahe atoll is a place for visitors seeking authenticity. Dotted with picturesque pearl farms, this is one of the most dynamic atolls in Tuamotu island group. Visit a pearl farm and learn all the secrets of this amazing activity while discovering the passion and respect the islanders have for this heavenly, but fragile environment.

Reao
You have arrived at the edge of the world. Reao is far away from everything, lost and untouched. The island itself discouraged the most reckless navigators of history. The French navigator Louis Isidore Duperray was the first to go through the cape in 1823, naming it “Clermont-Tonnerre.”

Kauehi
Well known to pearl merchants in the 19th Century, this atoll was first mentioned in the writings of British captain Robert FitzRoy in 1835. Between 1838 and 1842, the American expedition led by Charles Wilkes named the island “Vincennes” after his ship.

Aratika
Aratika is located 301 miles northeast of Tahiti and 31 miles (21 km) from Fakarava which has administrative authority on the island. Just like Fakarava, the atoll is part of a UNESCO biosphere thanks to its exceptional natural and cultural heritage.

Arutua
Arutua is a ring-shaped island also known as Ngaru-atua, which means “breaking wave coming from afar”, it is located 18 nautical miles east of Rangiroa. The atoll comprises some fifty motu encircling a huge lagoon with one islet at the center. The village, Rautini, is where most of the population of Arutua live. Many fish farms dot the lagoon. Fishing, pearl farming and copra farming account for the income of most Arutua people.

Raroia
Raroia is one of the easternmost atolls in the Tuamotu Islands, located 777 km northeast of Papeete. Sparsely populated, quiet and tranquil, little has changed since 1947 when Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki raft arrived at Raroia’s shore after a 101-day trip from South America.

The remote Gambier Islands lie just a little more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) southeast of Tahiti. Polynesian mythology tells of Mangareva being lifted from the ocean floor by the demi-god Maui. The mountains of Mangareva rise over the surrounding islands and the luminous lagoon like a great cathedral. Although once the center for Catholicism in French Polynesia, the people of Mangareva have returned to a more traditional Polynesian lifestyle.

The Gambier Islands are an important supply source for the Tahitian cultured pearl industry. Along with the pearl farms and tours of the island by road or boat, travelers can also explore the surprising number of surviving churches, convents, watchtowers and schools from the 1800s. Some structures are still in use such as St. Michel of Rikitea Church where the altar is inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl shell.

Mangareva & Gambier Islands
The Gambier Islands – A Secluded Group Of Islands
The Gambier archipelago is well off the beaten track. Travelers visiting this area will feel a sense of privilege as they’re greeted warmly by locals. The islands are still secluded and offer natural and cultural treasures, which creates a perfect mix of well-being and a unique change of scenery.

Mangareva – Breathtaking Lagoon & Lush Mountains
The lagoon, hosting the entire archipelago, is probably the most beautiful of The Islands of Tahiti. Both transparent and sandy, turquoise and dotted with coral heads, it displays a range of blues marvelously contrasting with the surrounding lush green mountains.

Gambier Mother Of Pearls
The Gambier Islands are one of the largest contributors to Polynesia’s pearl industry with mother of pearl oysters that naturally flourish in the pristine, isolated environment more than 1,000 miles southeast of Tahiti. Gambier’s black pearls are prized among connoisseurs for having unparalleled quality, color, luster and shape. Rikitea is the center of production for pearls in the Gambier Islands, and floating pearl farms can be seen around the island.

Largest Cathedral In French Polynesia, Saint Michel
Although Mangareva hosts some pre-European remnants of marae and other artifacts, Mangareva is renowned for its fascinating religious 19th Century heritage. They say faith can move mountains. In Gambier, it has moved tons of coral.

As the cradle of Catholicism in Polynesia, Gambier features hundreds of religious buildings built by missionaries and islanders alike between 1840-70. These include churches, presbyteries, convents, schools and observation towers. You can visit them in Rikitea, ‘Akamaru, ‘Aukena and Taravai. Some of them are remarkably preserved while others are in ruins.

The largest and oldest monument of French Polynesia proudly stands in Rikitea, Cathedral Saint Michel (1848), which received a renovation in 2012. The cathedral is constructed of coral limestone and coral lime plaster and features two towers that were built in 1847 to 1848. The interior is ornately decorated with mother of pearl and black pearls.

Experience Life Outside On Mangareva
There are many things to do on Mangareva, but it is the ideal destination for outdoor adventurers looking for a pristine and secluded environment. With a stunning lagoon at the center, kayaking and snorkeling are popular activities for visitors. Hikers will find endless treasures while exploring Mangareva on foot by taking a hike up Mt. Duff or just touring the historic churches throughout the island. Many of Mangareva’s hotels and Tahitian Guesthouses offer guests bicycles for traveling the 16-mile road that loops around the island. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on isolated beach. For night life, the Gambier Islands remote location makes it the ideal location for star gazing free of light pollution.

Imagine seeing rays of sunshine filter through the clouds over sharp mountain peaks, creating a scene you’ve only experienced in a photo or painting. Luscious islands emerge from the Pacific Ocean, a land of history and legends, each one more fascinating and unforgettable than the last. Welcome to the magnificent Marquesas Islands. The Marquesas are an archipelago located 932 miles (1,500 km) northeast of Tahiti and spread out over 12 islands, of which only six are inhabited.

Top Reasons to Visit the Marquesas Islands
Rich Culture & Vegetation
Surrounded by steep cliffs, the coasts of the Marquesas Islands are a mix of black sand beaches and gorgeous bays. From Taipivai Valley and Hatiheu Bay to Anaho and Hakaui, where Vaipo, the highest waterfall in The Islands of Tahiti is located, a traveler is invited to admire cultural and natural phenomena. In the lush rain forest, where thousands of pre-European artifacts lie, you’ll discover wild horses, goats, boars and other wildlife. Marquesans are revered as the finest craftsmen in French Polynesia. Their creations include carvings, intricate tattoos, and even traditional jewelry.

Endless Adventures
Whether you go hiking, horseback riding or on a 4-wheeler ride, don’t miss exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Marquesas, featuring waterfalls, peaks, valleys and rivers. Beaches sit upon the open oceans, archaeological sites cover the islands, back road tours take you through the thick trees, and incredible views are just a short hike away. It’s 405 square miles of enjoyment for adventure lovers.

Following Herman Melville’s Footsteps In The Taipivai Valley
Author Herman Melville wrote his novel Typee in 1846 after being influenced by his adventures in the Taipivai Valley. In the novel, he tells the story of a sailor who stumbles upon a seemingly uninhabited island. He wandered The Marquesas lonely and fearful of cannibals, who he’d heard roamed the island. Finally, he was discovered by the Taipi clan, who surprisingly welcomed him with open arms. He became the first European ever to come into contact with this secluded community on this remote island in the Pacific Ocean. Herman Melville reveals that this sailor was him, and he returned from French Polynesia to tell his story. This tale became Melville’s most famous novel during his lifetime. Visitors to the islands of the Marquesas can follow in the footsteps of Melville, and see the numerous artifacts encapsulated in the archipelago’s rich back roads, as if time stood still.

The Memories Of Gauguin And Brel
In the 1900’s, artist Paul Gauguin and later, musician Jacques Brel, both came to the Marquesan island of Hiva Oa in search of solitude and inner peace. Walking the same artistic footsteps they did includes visiting the replica of Gauguin’s “Maison du Jouir” and the small museum dedicated to the painter and his home. While he lived in the Marquesas Islands, Gauguin painted some of his most famous artwork, sourcing his inspiration from the islanders’ everyday life, as well as legends and old religious traditions representing imaginary scenes. Brel’s final album, Les Marquises, was inspired by his time living on Hiva Oa. Finally, visit their graves at the Calvaire Cemetery where they both rest yards from each other, facing Taaoa’s Bay under the intoxicating fragrance of plumerias.

Other-Worldly Diving
Those brave enough to scuba dive in the open oceans off of the Marquesan island of Nuku Hiva will find an exciting treasure. Because Nuku Hiva is geographically isolated, the largest of the Marquesas Islands is home to myriad species that have flourished in amazing biodiversity. Along the coast, swimmers and divers can experience manta rays, eagle rays, various species of sharks, jackfish, tuna, swordfish and many more. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to see some of the hundreds of dolphins who make their home near the shores!

Tiki History
The island of Hiva Oa is worth visiting to see the various archaeological sites there, like me’ae in Puama’u, home of the largest tiki statue in The Islands of Tahiti. There you can find “Takaii” (8 feet / 2.4 meters), a unique, happy-looking statue, hidden among the thick trees. Ta’a’oa is home to a huge cult area, featuring lithic structures and tiki statues that blend in with the primitive nature around them. Ancient petroglyphs can be found in the surrounding area at Tahueto. Travelers can see giant banyan and breadfruit trees, as well as towering coconut and papaya trees.

The Marquesas Islands
Nuku Hiva
The legend of the Marquesas Islands tells the story of how God made a “big house” represented by the Marquesas Islands, the largest of them – Nuku Hiva –at the top of them all. Its own universe, the staggering volcanic peaks and amazing slopes blend with the blue of the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago’s regional capital, Taioha’e, is situated on a past volcanic crater. A bay by the same name was formed when part of this crater broke apart into the ocean. With amazing views, endless artifacts for history buffs, and a jovial community with a colorful culture, Nuku Hiva is a can’t miss on any visitor’s to-do list.

Hiva Oa
Today, this island, Hiva Oa, is commonly referred to as the “Garden of the Marquesas” thanks to its fertile and lush land. The island could be referred to as rugged, and if you’re lucky, you could stumble along one of the many archaeological sites that remain tucked away, even after hundreds of years. Although its coasts are lined with beaches and diving cliffs, Hiva Oa feels remote and secluded. There are areas where visitors cannot see any signs of civilization, perfect for a hike away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This island is also home to the largest tiki statues of The Islands of Tahiti.

The island’s administrative hub and main village, Atuona, is on the southern end of Taaao Bay. Towering behind the village are the island’s two highest peaks, Mount Temetiu, 4,186 ft. above sea level, and Mount Fe’ani, 3,366 ft. above sea level! Many famous writers, musicians and artists of various kinds have sought solitude in the hills of this island.

Ua Pou
In the islands’ legend, Ua Pou symbolizes the entrance pillars to God’s house and is the third largest of the 12 islands. Huge basaltic columns reach to the sky and hold the names of legendary warriors: Poutetaunui and Poumaka. The highest of these pillars, and the highest point in all the Marquesas Islands is Mount Oave. In 1888, these pillars inspired poet Robert Louis Stevenson, who referred to them as “volcanic arrows looking like a church bell tower.” They proudly overlook the bay of Hakahau Village, the main village on the island.

Ua Huka
Ua Huka symbolizes the “food basket” of God’s house in the legend, and features even more untouched beauty and is renowned for its dry soil and landscapes. The island itself is shaped very much like a crescent. Wild horses gallop as far as the eye can see around this desert-colored land. Goats climb up on the island’s high plains. Peaceful and mystical, Ua Huka invites the traveler to discover a secluded universe, where the island’s ancestors are not just a part of the past, but still very much part of the islanders’ everyday life.

Tahuata
Tahuata symbolizes “sunrise” or “the enlightening home” at God’s house, and it is also the smallest of the inhabited islands of Marquesas. Despite its small size, Tahuata is known for having been visited by the famous British explorer, Captain James Cook, in the 1700’s. The only access to this remote island is by sea from Hiva Oa. The island offers charming discoveries to the privileged traveler. From its fertile valleys to its crystal-clear bays, Tahuata is an exquisite haven of peace, and a place of history and creativity. Most inhabitants make a living out of their remarkable fine artwork, such as carved bone and rosewood – or miro (the Portia tree) carving. Mono’i, or sacred oil, is made following the scents of traditions and secrets, like an invitation to a mesmerizing perfume beautifully named “love potion” by the islanders. The creation of these perfumes is an art that spans thousands of years and is unique to these islands.

Fatu Hiva: Home Of The Bay Of Virgins
Fatu Hiva symbolizes the roof of Gods’ house: a small but stunning island. Arriving by sea, you’re greeted by intricate landscapes and pristine vegetation. Fatu Hiva will mesmerize visitors. Streams cut through valleys and cliffs drop into the sea, making views from any angle on the island nothing short of dramatic. In 1937, the explorer and author Thor Heyerdahl and his wife, in quest of a genuine return to nature, set foot on the island to live like at the dawn of the new world. He later wrote a book about his experiences, titled after the island. Not much has changed since then. Today, most local people live around the village of Omoa, a beautiful harbor, where they make traditional and renowned tapa out of tree bark. The area of Hana Vave is sheltered within an amazing bay: the Bay of the Virgins, probably one of the most beautiful bays on Earth, especially at dusk when the light blazes through the volcanic peaks, turning the landscape into an unreal and unforgettable scene.

Discovered by Europeans in the 18th Century, the Austral Islands are located 373 miles (600 km) south of Tahiti’s capital city Papeete. The archipelago is made of seven islands, five of which are inhabited and four of which are accessible by air. An untouched and mysterious land where white sand beaches clash with the intense blue of the lagoons, the Australs Islands are off the beaten track, offering a memorable and unique experience in The Islands of Tahiti.

A visit to the islands reveals breathtaking landscapes. From sheer mountains to valleys and high plains featuring the Austral Islands famous farming activities. Quite a few archeological remnants hide on each island, bearing witness to a well organized pre-European community of rich cultural and religious practices.

The cliffs and caves of the Austral Islands are places of legends in French Polynesia. These areas used to be old burial grounds but are now a place to watch humpback whales frolic in the waters just offshore. The whales come to the Austral Islands from August to October each year to give birth.

These contrasting sceneries blend well with the friendliness of the inhabitants. Visit colorful, picturesque villages to discover the handiwork of islanders who mainly live off their artwork. Also enjoy watching fishermen, farmers and basket weavers at work. You’re not likely to leave without a hat or woven basket to remind you of your magical time in the Austral Islands.

The Austral Islands offer a rare opportunity to discover The Islands of Tahiti in a different light.

Top Reasons to Visit the Austral Islands
Humpback whales arrive in Rurutu each year. They come between August and October to mate and give birth in Rurutu’s amazingly clear waters. Mothers and calves swim under the water while males and females communicate offering whale watchers a moment of pure bliss.

Unknown Archeological Remnants
Numerous pre-European archaeological remnants can still be found around Tubuai. Most of them hide abandoned behind lush vegetation, but some of them are well looked after and are worth a visit. Please ask a professional guide or your hosts in order to visit these ruins. Your guides will tell you the stories of the marae and the island’s legends in a unique, authentic way.

Raw Nature
Like Bora Bora and other Islands of Tahiti destinations, the Austral Islands are a great mix of beautiful white fine sand, deserted beaches and a crystal clear lagoon. Land and sea blend nicely to provide travelers with enough experiences to complete a bucket list, including lush valleys, majestic peaks and plenty of hiking trails.

The Austral Islands
Rurutu
Rurutu was formed by a pair of consecutive volcanic hot spots, which created unusual mountains circled with coral cliffs. This natural occurrence led to the island’s “Rurutu,” or “the gushing rock.” Basaltic rocks and a limestone belt offer surprising stalactites and stalagmites around the former lagoon, now a coral reef.

Rurutu’s cool climate leads to lush vegetation covering the island’s rocks. The curvy road will lead you through a poetic and impressive tour, combining long, white sandy beaches, beautiful bays and various plantations. Coffee, pineapple, wild basil and lychees abound around these rich lands.

Within this pristine environment, just 2,404 inhabitants look after their traditions and organize friendly games. The feast of Tere, or island tour, gathers all villages and allows the strongest to lift volcanic rocks as heavy as 330 pounds (150 kg).

You can best discover the charms of Rurutu by interacting with the local people, such as the mamas, smiling ladies who spend their days weaving specialty materials. Their agile hands make delicate artwork such as pe’ue or mats and also fine woven hats. They are also experts in the making of tifaifai, traditional patchwork blankets featuring exotic patterns and requiring patience and know how.

The village of Moerai is Rurutu’s hub of activity, home to more than half of the residents, restaurants and the island’s airport. The village’s town hall is home to a replica of the famous tiki known as A’a, ancestor of the gods of Rurutu. The original wood statue was a gift by islanders to the London Missionary Society and is now an essential piece in the British Museum’s French Polynesian collection in London.

Finally, do not miss a whale water ballet, attracting nature and whale lovers and researchers each year. Whales come very close to the coast to give birth, and adventurous snorkelers can share a very special moment with these sea giants.

Tubuai
Tubuai is the largest of The Austral Islands and hosts the main public and economic services for this island group. Its reef is scattered with fine motu plus coral and volcanic rocks. The huge lagoon, nearly twice as large as the island itself, offers 33 sq. mi. (85 km²) of pure aquatic fun. The mild climate also makes these islands ideal for farming. Lilies are grown around the islands for export and can be seen in the fields as far as the eye can see.

The first explorers were struck by the island’s beauty. Toward the end of the 19th Century, explorers Wallis and Cook took a liking to the lush vegetation and crystal clear water of the island. However, the area did not look appropriate for good anchorage, given the large barrier reef around the coast. This disadvantage turned into an incredible advantage in the eyes of the famous mutineers of the HMS Bounty. Led by Fletcher Christian, they tried unsuccessfully to settle and built Fort George, which no longer exists.

Islands Of Raivavae
Raivavae features a large lagoon circled by a coral reef consisting of 28 motu. Located closer to the Tropic of Capricorn, Raivave’s cool climate allows for agriculture. The inhabitants, living in four different villages, grow taro and coffee but also mango and banana trees.

“Raivavae” or “the open sky” is a great place to listen to the sounds of sea bird songs, the swell of the ocean and the gentle wind. Often considered the most beautiful island of the Pacific, the magnificent scenery of Raivavae lives up to its reputation as the Garden of Eden. Floating over an emerald lagoon, the island shelters amazing remnants from the past such as a laughing tiki. Numerous items are kept in private collections at Western museums from an era that witnessed intense pre-European religious and cultural practices.

Locals have chosen to keep their island untouched and have developed an ecotourism concept welcoming travelers in a warm and simple manner. Aside from handicrafts, Raivavae is the only island where sewn outriggers are still made, ensuring the visitor a step back in time feeling while on the island.

Rimatara
Although Rimatara is the smallest island of the Austral archipelago, it holds a particular charm with many hidden beauties. Around this circle-shaped island, it feels as though time has stopped. With just a small lagoon, the island is also one of the last shelters for an endangered bird species, the khul’s lorikeet or vini ‘ura, a bird whose colorful feathers brighten up Rimatara’s sky. Access to the island was by sea until recently. Now Air Tahiti offers flights to Austral Islands.

The main occupation of the population, aside from farming, is basket weaving and especially the preparation of fara pae’ore leaves (a variety of thornless pandanus) used as a material to make woven items.