Paradise known today as the largest of the Polynesian islands. Steep cloud-draped mountains, deep verdant valleys, luxuriant ferns, swift invigorating rivers and black sand beaches awaits on this "island of love" of neary untouched relief. This is where you will find the capital of Papeete, where the international airport is located. Most of the countries population are found. Experience shopping at the outdoor market, visit the Paul Gauguin Museum, cultural centers, Fern Grottos, waterfalls and dine at the outside cafes of downtown Papeete. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

 

The Magical Island! 12 miles from Tahiti the verdant mysticism of the "yellow lizard". One of the most beautiful lagoons, Captain Cook's island with turquoise water that reflects the sumptuos harmorny of the underwater world. Pineapple, the main agricultural product of the island. Along with Afareaitu's waterfalls and Opunohu Bays, makes this a magical place to stay. It has remained a savage and enchanting place where many myths have come to life. The island is only 35miles around. You can reach the island favorably by ferry from Papeete (a beautiful 30 minutes ride –take the upperdeck seating) as this magical island approaches, it will take your breath away. Moorea is known for its quaint & charming restaurants all around the island. There is an artist colony along Cooks Bay, stop by and check out the galleries. Must take the Jeep Safari Excursion, visit falls, Pineapple fields, Vanilla Plantation and its rainforest. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

The Garden of Eden! Huahine-Nui (the big island), and Huahine-lti, (the small island), lie dormant on a bed of coral. Huahine, also called "the Woman Island", overflows with a savage allure that makes her exceptionally attractive; her velvet slopes draped in exuberant tropical vegetation, her mirror-like lagoon reflecting the phosphorescent coral formations that lay scattered in their silent abode and her numerous snowy white sand beaches that envelope her in virginal modesty. It takes three and half hours to go around the island, a mystical tour due to a tormented relief. Rich in archaeological relics, the island still vibrates from a mysterious past. Less visited among the other Society Islands. There is only one 5star resort here. Most accommodations here are small properties and pensions. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

The Sacred Island! Home of Polynesian culture. "Raiatea" which means "soft light skies" offers the magical atmosphere of an island rich in legands, from the Faaroa Crater (named after the only navigable river in Polynesia), passing before numerous waterfalls to summit of Mount Temehani where the tiare apetahi flower grows(a gardenia unique in the world). Raiatea shares the southern part of her lagoon with Tahaa, the vanilla island as well as famous surf spots and underwater gardens on the motus(islets) close to the coral reef surrounding the island. The geographical structure of this island has no beach, however islets (motus) are nearby, accessible by kayak , you will have your own private beach. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

The Vanilla Island! Nicknamed because of the precious orchids that prosper on numerous plantations. This enchanting paradise, endowed with a magnificent, turquoise lagoon surrounded by "motus", islets of superb, white, sand beaches, is an ancient volcano dominated by Mount Ohiri with it's exceptional panorama. Renowned for it's quiet bays protected from trade winds, it's archeological sites and it's lagoon abounding with colorful fish, highly appreciated by sailors, Tahaa host several pearl farms. This savage island is equally renowned for the picturesque quality of her archeological sites hidden by the coconut trees, ferns and grasses which flourish up the peaks. Where you will find the gorgeous 5 star resort called Le Tahaa Private Island and Resort. Beatiful lagoons and coral gardens and view of Bora Bora Island from a distant. Photo courtesy of www.directoryofhotels.com

 

The Romantic Island! Bora Bora means "first born" in Tahitian. The Pearl of the Pacific, the magic of the most beautiful Polynesian islands. This ancient stretched volcano shows its two peaks, Mounts Pahia and Otemanu, whose green colors stand out against the jade, turquoise and sapphire shades of the lagoon. Known to be the most beautiful in the world, the lagoon, linked to the ocean by the Teavanui pass, is a natural swimming pool. One can also take unforgettable walks on those motus, especially on "Motu Tapu", where visitors will enjoy the forbidden pleasures of an islet formerly reserved for kings. Bora Bora is almost an atoll, most of the 5 star resorts are found here on individual islets (motus) such as the Bora Bora Pearl, St. Regis, Bora Bora Nui, Le Meridien etc. It has the most spectacular lagoons on all islands in French Polynesia. For first time visitors, this island is a must-see. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

 

The Pink Sand Island! Originally named after a man, Tii, and a woman Hau, who associated their names for their child Tiehau became Tikehau meaning "peaceful landing". This circular shaped atoll, is reckoned to be the one of the most full of fish. Wild, natural and authentic....Tikehau is an island with long ribbons of white or pink sands, inside of which a turquoise lagoon shelters the most amazing variety of fish. Relax or stroll near the flowery village, lined with rows of coconut trees, hibiscus and bougainvilleas, or go to one of the small motus that surround the lagoon where all sorts of birds nest. There is one 5 star resort here, the Pearl Beach Tikehau. Very low key, Diver’s haven. Part of the Tuamotus. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

 

Pearl Island! Cradle of pearl farming, Manihi hosts more than 30 pearl farms, her island's strongest symbols, the Tahitian black pearl; world famous for it's moonlike beauty. Visiting a farm is a must and will delight those willing to learn the secrets of mother-of-pearl which is legendary for it's virtues. Manihi's lagoon is a kaleidoscope of magical colors and known for it's exceptional underwater sights. Very low key, only one 5 star resort here called the Pearl Beach Manihi. Main activities, diving and snorkeling. Park of the Tuamotus. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

 

The Dream Island! Second largest atoll after Rangiroa and ancient capital of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Fakarava is proud of its biosphere and is filled with numerous unexplored "motus" (islets) awaiting adventurers to discover those pink sand beaches shaded by rows of coconut trees and crystal-clear waters. Park of the Tuamotus. Known for diving. Only resort here Le Maitai Dream Fakarava, with meals included. Very low key. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme