Seemingly lost behind the legendary shadows of sister islands, Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, are the “Hidden Paradise” islands of Tahiti: Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and the Tuamotus atolls of Tikehau, Manihi, Rangiroa and Fakarava. Relatively unchanged by the modern world and long considered as some of French Polynesia’s best kept secrets, these islands lure travelers for their authentic Polynesian appeal, enhanced by world-class resorts, 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. It is actually two islands, joined by a narrow isthmus and encircled by a barrier reef. You feel the magic of Huahine instantly upon arrival, and the proud people of this island do their best to make all visitors feel welcome. (The main town is called Maeva, which means welcome in Tahitian.) A 20-mile road winds through the island, passing through small villages and climbing high into the hills to offer spectacular views of white-sand beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons. 

Restored Tahitian maraes (temples) and centuries-old stone fish traps tell the story of an ancient culture whose proud descendants 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 massive waves at Avamoa Pass, and the world’s largest outrigger canoe race, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, begins here each October. 

Raiatea, called “The Sacred Island,” is commonly considered the most revered island in all the South Pacific. Traditionally known as Havai’i, Raiatea is the island from which all of eastern Polynesia was colonized. Legend tells of Raiatea’s first king, Hiro, who built a great canoe used to reach other Polynesian islands. Historically, kings from the neighboring islands would gather at the marae (temple) Taputapuatea for important ceremonies and negotiations. Re-enactments of these ceremonies on the restored maraes help visitors discover the Tahitian culture. Raiatea has the only navigable river in the islands, and popular excursions include exploring the cool, green haven of the Faaroa River in an outrigger speed canoe. 

Yachting and sailing enthusiasts gather in Raiatea, home of the island’s nautical bases for the Moorings and Stardust Marine charter companies. Experienced sailors and novices alike (captains can be provided) are discovering world-class sailing in the Leeward Islands. The Pacific breezes and calm lagoons are ideal 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 mountain on 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 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 the many plantations of this sought-after spice, which sweetens the air with its rich aroma. With its lush, green interior, surrounded by a stunningly beautiful blue lagoon and islets with white sand beaches and swaying palms, Taha’a captures the idea of a truly hidden paradise. 

Each November, this island 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 Tuamotus: Tahiti’s strand of pearls 

The Tuamotus, the largest of the Polynesian archipelago’s, are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 islands and atolls spread out over more than 7,500 square miles. Four of these islands – Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava – offer a host of exciting activities, including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark feeding and deep-sea fishing. 

Rangiroa, a one-hour flight from Tahiti, is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago and is the world’s second largest atoll. From the air it appears that a large pearl necklace was gently placed on the water. Known as “The Island of the Long Sky,” this ring of low land creates a seemingly endless lagoon of deep turquoise and lapis blue. Because there’s no island runoff, the visibility in thelagoon is over 150 feet and 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 hundreds 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. 

Manihi, also in the Tuamotu Archipelago, is a small atoll with only 769 residents. Called “The Black Pearl Paradise,” this atoll was the site of the first pearl farm that helped pave the way for the other Tuamotu islands. The black-lipped oysters, found only in Tahiti and Her Islands, are cultivated for their prized black pearls. Visitors can enjoy the plentiful 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. This oval-shaped atoll is an important supplier of fresh fish and copra for the island of Tahiti. Tikehau boasts exotic pink sand beaches and an abundance of sea life that makes it a must for visiting 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.” This protected motu is well-known for its red-footed gannets and brown noddies. 

Fakarava is the second largest atoll in Tahiti and Her Islands, after Rangiroa. This protected atoll, along with its six neighboring islands, makes up a UNESCO-classified nature reserve. The delicate ecosystem on Fakarava supports some 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 and Her Islands. Located in the ancient village of Tetamanu, this aged structure is built primarily of coral and dates back to 1874. 

Courtesy of www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com