Windward Islands
Huahine
The secret island or rebel island, there is no shortage of
objectives to indicate the wild but attractive nature of
this island. It consists of two islands, Huahine Nui in the
North and Huahine Iti in the South, separated by a narrow
hollow channel said to be made by the good Hiro's canoe.
This mountainous island but with soft shapes has magnificent
indented bays and some lovely white sand beaches. The
islands dotter around the lagoons are given over to growing
melons and watermelons and there is a varied and abundant
supply of fruit and vegetables from these fertile
soils.
Huahine is also the proud owner of one of the largest and
best preserved archeological sites: the Maeva "marae", which
is a group a number of large "marae" at the foot of Mount
Moutapu and on the shores of lake Fauna Nui. Legends also
abound in this island desired by Hiro and now adopted by
artists in search of their roots.
Raiatea
& Tahaa
According to Polynesian tradition Raiatea, formerly known
as Havai'i, the "sacred island" was the first
inhabited island. The many legends that arise from mythology
lend a mysterious and magic atmosphere to the various places
of interest. Mt. Temehani at 772 meters, a sort of Polynesian
Olympus and "fragrant paradise", where the strange
and unique "Tiare apetahi" plant is found, watches
over this island that is still untouched by the turbulence
of modern life.
Its
mountain range divides the island from North to South. Its
many waterfalls, the deep and narrow Faaroa Bay and its
fertile valleys are equally attractive as its charming lagoon
with its many islets. In the northern part of the same lagoon,
the island of Tahaa according to legend was detached from
Raiatea by a sacred eel possessed by the spirit of a princess.
This island of soft mountain shapes and filigree coastline
has been nicknamed "the vanilla island" because
of its many vanilla plantations.
The many "motu" with their
stunning white sandy beaches and the turquoise-toned lagoon
charm every visitor and cruise passenger.
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