Tahiti and Moorea

Tahiti and Moorea are part of the Society Islands, one of five archipelagos that make up French Polynesia, which sits about halfway between South America and Australia. Faa'a Airport is about a six hour flight from Honolulu, almost due south. It was here that the French painter Gaugin created some of his most famous works, and the area is most well known for postcard pretty scenery, overwater bungalows, coconut and vanilla plantations, tropical blooms and relatively little tourism. Not speaking French was a bit of a challenge, but it's amazing how far a smattering of other romance languages can get you in a pinch.

TAHITI HIGHLIGHTS:

Diving with a dozen or so black-tipped reef sharks circling too close for comfort

A four-wheel jeep tour of the island's lush, green interior, with countless waterfalls and misty peaks (think Jurassic Park)

Eating by the port in Tahiti's capital, Papaeete where a dozen or so modified Sprinter vans served up local cuisine, pasta, Chinese and fish at picnic tables with plastic chairs.

Favorite dish: Poisson cru au lait du coco (Raw white tuna , Tomatoes, Cucumber, Onion, Salt, Lime juice, Fresh coconut)

Moorea is 11 miles from Tahiti (30 minutes by ferry, or about a 7 minute flight...we tried both). Some think Moorea is what Tahiti was 30 years ago. Hopefully it is able to maintain its laidback vibe and peaceful beauty. The most striking geographical features are Cook's and Opunohu bays (said to have been created with a thrash from the tail of the yellow lizard that gave Moorea its name). Mount Rotui is the tallest, at 899 meters, while Mouaputa mountain is called the "pierced" or "sacred" mountain, due to the hole in its peak. The reef is very healthy, and inhabited by an abundance of fish, corals, dolphins, whales, and turtles, among a multitude of other creatures.

MOOREA HIGHLIGHTS

Views of Cook's and Opunohu bays from Belvedere Lookout, surrounded by mountain peaks

Bicycling the coastal road, stopping along the way for fresh juice, spectacular looks at pristine white beaches kissed by aqua waves

The hospitality of our host Auguste at Pension Motu Iti, and the comfort of our bungalow 3 feet from the water's edge

Looking at some of the reportedly 500 fish species while diving in the lagoon

Fruit!!! Coconuts, mangoes, limes, papaya, oranges, grapefruit, and of course PINEAPPLES! Moorea is the pineapple-growing center of French Polynesia, and if it's possible to OD on a fruit, we at least came close.

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