Great Destinations


French Polynesia: April 2024

French Polynesia (including the island of Tahiti) is due south of Hawaii and equally far below the equator as Hawaii is above it. It is said that the original inhabitants of Hawaii came from French Polynesia. We flew there from Hawaii, curious about similarities in culture, geography, and climate, and found that it was different from Hawaii in many ways. We spent several nights in Papeete, Tahiti and took a ferry to the island of Moorea while there. We then went to the tiny island of Vahine, which is part of the coral atoll surrounding the much larger island of Taha’a. The entire island of Vahine is occupied by a single resort, where we had a beautiful oceanfront bungalow for several more nights. The food, swimming, snorkeling and exploring were all great. The water was warm and turquoise, with a lot of colorful fish, quite a few small black-tip sharks, and far too many sea cucumbers on the ocean floor. Underwater photography was pretty simple: just dip the camera below the surface of the waist-deep water!

A vendor stands behind tables piled with bananas, tomatoes, and vegetables inside Papeete Market.
Frustrated vegetable seller in the Papeete Market – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Aerial view of turquoise reef water, palm covered motu islands, and Bora Bora in the distance from Taha'a Atoll.
A drone view from the Taha’a Atoll to Bora Bora in the distance – Vahine Island, French Polynesia
Half underwater view of clear turquoise lagoon water with a small palm island under stormy sky.
Another partially underwater shot captures a tiny tropical island in the distance – Vahine Island, French Polynesia
Underwater view of bright pink coral with small blue fish swimming through clear shallow lagoon water.
An amazing combination of brilliant pink coral and neon blue fish in crystal clear seawater – Vahine Island, French Polynesia
Waterfall dropping from a dark rock wall into a small shaded pool at Vaihi Twin Falls.
The beautiful Vaihi Twin Falls sit in a small nondescript grotto just off the highway, but they appear to be lovingly maintained – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Panoramic view of a tiny palm covered motu across clear shallow lagoon water near Vahine Island.
A Tiny Motu (island) in the Tahaa atoll as seen from our bungalow on Vahine Island – Vahine Island, French Polynesia
Steep green volcanic ridges covered in rainforest rise into heavy clouds in the Tahiti interior.
Looking inland on Tahiti at the ancient rainforest-covered volcanoes – Tahiti, French Polynesia
A flower covered bicycle rests near a rock wall while a tattooed man stands by a grotto entrance in Tahiti.
This man is apparently the Grotto keeper. He spoke no english and was just friendly, showing off his extensive tattoos and charming Nancy – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Bright red tropical blossoms and broad green leaves in front of a rainforest waterfall in Tahiti.
Vaihi Twin Falls on Tahiti hidden behind a gorgeous bank of umbrella blossoms – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Four performers in colorful traditional costumes play drums and music inside Papeete Market.
A quartet in traditional dress entertains tourists in the Papeete Market – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Several local residents sit on a bench beside a weathered wall near the market area in Papeete.
Though I try to be discrete in photographing people, I am clearly getting unpleasant looks from these locals waiting for a bus in Papeete – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Waterfall partially hidden by ferns, vines, and mossy roots at Vaipahi Water Gardens in Tahiti.
Waterfall at the Vaipahi Water Gardens at the south end Tahiti island – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Long exposure sunset over calm harbor water with Moorea silhouetted below orange clouds near Papeete.
A long exposure at sunset looking towards Moorea in the distance from Papeete – Tahiti, French Polynesia
A dark river curves through dense palms and rainforest toward mist covered volcanic mountains in Tahiti.
A dark river, rainforest foliage, palms, and distant volcanoes. All we need is a dinosaur! – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Visitors take photos with two bare chested men in green wraps under the red roof of Papeete Market.
These two men repeated this same pose for an endless stream of tourists in the town market – Tahiti, French Polynesia
High narrow waterfall plunging down a dark cliff surrounded by dense tropical foliage in Tahiti.
The Vaimahuti waterfall on Tahiti is very tall and impressive but hidden well back in a very unfancy neighborhood – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Large exposed roots beside calm reflective pools and tropical plants at Vaipahi Water Gardens.
Vaipahi Water Gardens – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Black and white seascape showing Moorea across dark channel water with bright clouds above the island.
Approaching Moorea by fast ferry from Papeete. Definitely the best way to get there – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Underwater reef scene with a blue lipped giant clam and coral formations in clear shallow water.
The star of this photo is the blue-lipped giant clam with neon blue leopard-spotted mantle. Unique to South Pacific Islands – Vahine Island, French Polynesia
Close view of a white crepe ginger flower and red cone surrounded by lush tropical leaves.
A crepe ginger, growing wild throughout the rainforest near Vaimahuti falls – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Small stream cascade flowing over rocks through dense green foliage near Vaimahuta Waterfall in Tahiti.
A beautiful cascade through the lush natural foliage near the Vaimahuti waterfall – Tahiti, French Polynesia
Split level view showing coral below turquoise water and a palm lined tropical shore above.
One of my best efforts at taking a photo with the camera lens half underwater. Difficult unless the water is very calm – Vahine Island, French Polynesia