The Best 8 Islands You Need to Know in Tahiti
Posted by Maris on 10th Oct 2023
Most people imagine life on idyllic, isolated beaches, sharing space on the soft, white sand with palm palms and the occasional stray coconut. In actuality, they would not be altogether incorrect. French Polynesia (also known as the Tahiti Islands) is a group of 118 islands and atolls located midway between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia. This postcard-perfect paradise is actually a lot more accessible than many people know, and it provides so much more than just a spot to honeymoon.
Are you wondering which Tahiti islands are best for you? Here are eight of Tahiti's most gorgeous islands to visit, as well as why they are worth your time.
Tahiti
Whatever island you choose to call home (at least for a few days), your French Polynesian experience will begin with a flight into Faa'a International Airport on Tahiti's main island. The name can be applied to either the main island or the entire location. However, flying in and out would be a mistake because this is a large island with a lot to offer.
The island is divided into two halves, the larger Tahiti Nui and the smaller Tahiti Iti, and is home to the dynamic capital city of Papeete. Visit the Pearl Museum, the Gauguin Museum, and the nearby Botanical Garden, shop at the 155-year-old public market, swim or dive the stunning lagoon, and take a guided hike or 4x4 journey into the island's interior to see dramatic waterfalls and verdant valleys.
Huahine
It's easy to see why Huahine is nicknamed "the Garden Island." Much of the island is covered in dense tropical vegetation, with banana trees, watermelon fields, and coconut plantations - there are lots of photo opportunities here. Huahine is a 40-minute flight from Tahiti, and it consists of two islands linked by a tiny bridge: Huahine Nui to the north and Huahine Iti to the south. The former is home to Fare's main settlement, where the most of the action takes place, albeit at a pleasantly sluggish pace.
Visitors to Huahine have their pick of white sand beaches, as well as the opportunity to dive and snorkel, kite surf, walk, and even tour one of French Polynesia's greatest archeological locations, located near the settlement of Maeva.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is generally the first place that springs to mind when visitors think of French Polynesia, conjuring up images of isolated over-water villas and hidden beaches ideal for honeymooning couples. But Bora Bora is more than simply a picture-perfect romance getaway. The island is actually a volcano situated in a beautiful lagoon surrounded by sparkling white sand beaches. The lagoon is teeming with aquatic life worth exploring with a snorkel mask and fins, or you may spend the day aimlessly walking the main town of Viatape, shopping stores and stopping for refreshments at local bars and cafes. Bora Bora is located just northwest of Tahiti and is less than an hour by plane from Papeete.
Tikehau
Tikehau, popularly known as the Pink Sand Island, is difficult not to fall in love with. The little atoll is made up of numerous white and pink sand islets that are ideal for getting away from it all. Tikehau, which means "peaceful landing," is home to a lagoon formed by a coral ring, which means it's teeming with marine life ready to be discovered on a snorkel or dive tour. You may also take a boat into the lagoon and explore Motu Puarua, a small islet known as Bird Island and a natural aviary for various colonies of nesting marine birds, including the rare Blue Footed Booby. Bring your camera and strong shoes for traversing the rough terrain if you spend the afternoon on Bird Island.
Taha'a
Taha'a is only accessible by a short boat journey from sister island Raiatea, yet it is a must-see on any vacation to French Polynesia. Taha'a, sometimes known as the Vanilla Island, produces over 80% of all vanilla produced in French Polynesia. Arrange a visit to the Vallee de la Vanille vanilla farm through your lodging to observe how the aromatic spice is grown and harvested and to purchase some to take home.
Taha's gives the opportunity to snorkel the quiet, marine-rich waters surrounding it, and if you just want to relax on a beautiful stretch of sand, this is a fantastic place to do so. Champon Pearl Farm is also worth a visit if you want to observe how Tahiti's famous pearls are grown and collected. Daily tours are available by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Raiatea
Raiatea, often known as the Sacred Island, is French Polynesia's second largest island after Tahiti. Raiatea refers to "faraway heaven," and it is thought to be the first Polynesian island to be settled. Raiatea shares a lagoon with sister island Taha'a, so if you visit one, you can easily incorporate a visit to the other. If you want to tour the islands of Tahiti by boat, there are various sailboat and yacht charter firms on the island, including Tahiti Yacht Charter. Raiatea is one of the best islands in French Polynesia for sailing, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving due to its wide, protected lagoon. Taputaputea, a sacred meeting place recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located here.
Moorea
Moorea, along with Bora Bora, is one of Tahiti's most popular honeymoon locations. The island is known as the Island of Artists because it is home to many artists, including painters, carvers, jewelers, and tattooists. Moorea is also great for water sports, from paddle boarding to canoeing to kite surfing, thanks to the trade winds that blow from April to October. Divers and snorkelers will enjoy the tranquil waters of Moorea's marine-rich lagoon. If you get wet, the island has a mountainous side that is ideal for hiking, riding, and even 4WD activities.
Rangiroa
Rangiroa, often known as the Endless Sky, is one of the world's largest atolls and the largest in French Polynesia. The lagoon on the atoll is a diver's paradise and is so large that it could swallow Tahiti's main island in one mouthful.
There are numerous world-class diving spots nearby, but even if you don't want to spend time beneath, there is much to do. The snorkeling around Rangiroa is spectacular, and the lagoon is surrounded by over 200 motu (islets), many of which you may explore or even picnic on for a private afternoon. Surprisingly, Rangiroa has its own vineyard and winery. The Dominique Auroy Winery, located in the main settlement of Avatoru, produces French Polynesia's only wine label, Vin de Tahiti (the rose is exceptional). Inquire with your lodging about visiting the winery for a sampling.