The Smiling Tiki

You’ll be thanking whoever made the smart decision to come to Hiva Oa when you see Hanatekuua for the first time. This dream of a beach seems to be caressed by the palms of a giant hand. https://xdaysiny.com/top-things-to-do-in-hiva-oa-marquesas-islands/

Taaoa Catholic church is one of the most photographed in all of French Polynesia. https://xdaysiny.com/top-things-to-do-in-hiva-oa-marquesas-islands/

Fakarava is one of the world's best diving destinations. There are two notable passes that feed into the lagoon. The first is the Garuae Pass, located on the north side, which is the widest navigable pass in French Polynesia. https://www.tahiti.com/island/fakarava

See the Topaka Lighthouse, a stone structure shaped like a pyramid that stands 45 feet (14 meters) high. https://www.tahiti.com/island/fakarava

Find a lovely vintage Catholic Church built entirely out of coral by early European missionaries in the city of Fakarava. https://www.tahiti.com/island/fakarava

The Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is located on the northern stretch of Rangiroa near the Tiputa Pass. Surrounded by a coconut plantation, the resort combines this convenient setting with a hidden seclusion. The architecture is elegant and refined, resting in perfect harmony with the natural environment. https://www.tahiti.com/hotels/hotel-kia-ora-resort-and-spa-2958

Experience one of the most popular attractions in Rangiroa. The Blue Lagoon is a natural pool formed by a string of islets and coral reefs on the edge of the main reef - a lagoon within a lagoon. https://www.tahiti.com/activities/blue-lagoon-excursion-with-lunch-3118

The Pink Sand Beach, located at the extreme southeast part of Rangiroa, is worth seeing both for the destination and for the route leading to it. Your adventure begins with a boat trip of about two hours with the ocean and an endless sky as your backdrop. https://www.tahiti.com/activities/pink-sands-excursion-with-lunch-3181

The Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort can be found on a secluded, pink beach fringed with palm trees at the southeast end of the atoll. Located fifteen minutes by boat from the airport and the main village of Tuherahera, this hotel serves as the ideal home base for any and all leisurely activities including kayaking, snorkeling and biking. It even has its own dive center on site, making it easy to arrange your daily excursions. https://www.tahiti.com/hotels/tikehau-pearl-beach-resort-2987

Venture across the lagoon with your guide to the tiny islet known as Bird Island. This bird watcher`s paradise provides the opportunity to view many unique avian species in their natural island habitat. https://www.tahiti.com/activities/bird-island-excursion-3144

The Ninamu Resort is hidden away on a private island in the southwest corner of Tikehau, just ten minutes by boat from the airport. Surrounded by pink sand beaches, abundant marine life, impeccable waves and prevailing trade winds, this secluded retreat is the ultimate paradise for every type of water sports enthusiast. https://www.tahiti.com/hotels/ninamu-resort-3339

Tahiti is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Polynesia. Stops can include spectacular waterfalls and natural pools, panoramic views, grottos, archeological sites and lava tubes. A favorite hike is to the three Faarumai waterfalls. From the car park it is a quick scramble through a forest of chestnut trees to the first waterfall, Vaimahutu. Continue on for another 20 minutes or so to reach the other to falls Haamarere Iti and Haamarere Rahi, which are almost side-by-side. With hundreds of varieties of tropical trees, plants and flowers, Tahiti also has some of the world's most beautiful gardens. Visit the water gardens of Vaipahi to experience the abundant flora and waterfalls that flow directly into Lake Vaihiria. https://www.afar.com/places/faarumai-waterfalls-haapupuni?category=do&guide=93

Maui Beach is a rare white sand beach in Tahiti. It can get very crowded on weekends, but is peaceful during weekdays. It located right on the road but has shallow swimming, making it perfect for kids, as well as deeper spots for adults and some DIY snorkeling off the reef. https://www.afar.com/places/la-plage-de-maui

Tahiti is known for having one of the most dangerous surf breaks in the world, Teahupo’o. Its waves are big and powerful, and it breaks right onto the razor sharp reef. Tahiti’s best waves occur during the winter months of May to October. https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/tahiti-french-polynesia/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-tahiti/

Moderately difficult "Canyoning" hike visiting lava channels that were formed during the volcanic period when the island was born. https://www.tahititravel.com.au/tahiti-hiking-in-the-lavatubes/

The Aorai is Tahiti’s third highest mountain and peaks at 2066 metres: you will hike up to the 1st mountain hut at an altitude of 1400 metres. Of breath and a good physical condition are required for this 800m vertical drop hike. Enjoy some breathtaking views of Tahiti, the ocean and surrounding valleys. https://www.tahititravel.com.au/tahiti-hiking-at-mount-aorai-1st-refuge/

Close to the waterfront esplanade is this brightly coloured cathedral. It is of course named after its famous Parisian counterpart. Completed in 1875 it is not only the oldest Catholic church in Tahiti but also one of last remaining examples of early colonial architecture. https://www.edwud.com/notre-dame-cathedral-tahiti/

Bougainville Park is a tranquil, tropical oasis in the middle of the Papeete's concrete jungle. Stretching from Boulevard Pomare to Rue du General de Gaulle, it makes for a lush and cool picnic (or roulettes take-away) spot. If you're traveling with the kids there's a playground here, and there are often floral, cultural and artistic displays on the grounds. https://www.afar.com/places/bougainville-park-papeete

Visitors to the museum learn how the pearls are grafted and can see a collection of the world’s most beautiful cultured gems. http://www.freefortourists.com/activity/detail/robert-wan-pearl-museum

A must visit place is the colorful Pā’ōfa’i Garden. https://rdougwicker.com/2017/04/17/port-9-papeete-sailing-out-of-nanuu-bay/

The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands ("Musée de Tahiti et des Îles" in French) is dedicated to educating visitors about this beautiful archipelago. The museum is divided into four distinct sections: the first focuses on geography and natural history, the second on pre-European culture, the third on the effects of colonization and the fourth on natural wonders. If you tire of perusing the exhibits, step outside for great views of surfers tackling the ocean waves. Recent visitors appreciated the museum's concise, easy-to-understand exhibits about the history of Tahiti and much of French Polynesia. Many were pleased that there were displays in English and French, and several travelers said the gift shop was excellent. https://travel.usnews.com/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/Things_To_Do/Museum_of_Tahiti_and_Her_Islands_62705/

Mount Tohivea is the highest point in Moorea at 3960ft and is a dormant volcano. This mountain is clearly visible from Tahiti. Tohivea is depicted on the back of the 50f Polynesie Francaise coin. James Michener made Moorea famous, claiming that it was the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/1683634/

Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia. Moorea is one of the most beautiful islands in Pacific. https://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/France/Other/French_Polynesia/Opunohu_Bay/photo1343186.htm

Local Art and Craft - Duty Free. The biggest choice of souvenirs and the most magnificent art gallery of Moorea island. http://mooreatourism.com/en/shopping/

A museum in Huahine. http://www.huahine-tourisme.com/en/fare-potee-maeva/

In the very premises of Motu Trésor jewelery, a separate piece exclusively dedicated to the exhibition of this collection, completed with many photos of species in their natural environment. http://www.motutresor.com/coquillages/

View a variety of marine life in the shallow lagoon waters. After a brief safety demonstration, you will be able to view these animals from an observation platform or you may choose to descend underwater for a close-up encounter with these friendly lagoon inhabitants. https://www.tahiti.com/activities/huahine-natural-aquarium-excursion-3930

A historical place in the region of Raiatea french Polynesia. https://www.tahiti.com/island/raiatea

A well known church located at Raiatea, French Polynesia. https://www.tahiti.com/island/raiatea

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of sea life at the Lagoonarium Bora Bora. Let tropical fish surround you while sharks and rays float by your feet. The sea life is well fed and relatively harmless. Giant Rays are like little puppies as they come up to wanting to be fed little treats. A visit to the Lagoonarium in Bora Bora can arrange via your travel agent or book through your hotel. A beautiful picnic feast prepared before your eyes come with the excursion. So once you’ve had enough swimming with the sea life, you head over to the picnic area and beach. The staff is very friendly and if you are afraid to enter the water they will do their best to show you it’s harmless. https://boraboraphotos.com/lagoonarium-bora-bora/

Mount Otemanu on Bora Bora island is a jagged remnant of an ancient volcano that rises up to a sharp point at 2,385 feet (727 m) from the surface of a turquoise blue lagoon. The French Polynesian islands, in general, are blessed with some incredible picture-perfect sceneries but Mount Otemanu takes the crown. There is something very magical about this unique landform that can be seen from every part of the island. Thousands of people are drawn to Bora Bora every year because it is one of the most beautiful islands on earth. Most resorts have designed their overwater bungalows to specifically face Mount Otemanu and rooms that have unobstructed views typically come with a premium price tag. https://boraboraphotos.com/mount-otemanu-on-bora-bora-island/

Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit on Bora Bora and the challenging hike leading up to it features steep jungle climbs on faint trails with spectacular views all around the island and lagoon. Difficulties encountered on the hike include arranging for a hiking guide, avoiding hiking during times of rainy weather (because the trail will become muddy, slippery, and dangerous), dealing with heat and humidity, watching out for rockfall while passing along the base of cliffs, and using ropes and safety gear during areas of exposure if passing beyond the summit of Mount Ohue. http://www.panamintcity.com/frenchpolynesia/mountpahia.html

The church is located in the center of Vaitape, main village of the island. A beautiful site to view in the island. https://saintpierrecelestin.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/hello-world/

Matira Beach is a mile of exquisite white sand at the southern tip of Bora Bora Island. When you visit, you will understand why it is Bora Bora's most popular public beach. It stretches from Hotel Bora Bora (currently closed for renovations) to Matira Point and is framed from behind by lush palms and green hills. To each side, there are more long strips of privately owned beaches. Often described as the most beautiful beach in the world, Matira Beach is actually the only public beach on the main island that is worth a visit. It is so gorgeous that it is in our list of the best things to do in Bora Bora! Everybody is welcome on this expanse of sand. There is a fun atmosphere that offers natural shade from palm trees, safe swimming and easy snorkelling. https://www.boraboraislandguide.com/matira-beach.html

Along the main east coast road, 45mins from apia, you will find piula cave pool located at the piula theological college in the village of lufilufi. It’s a beautiful crystal clear freshwater spring pool and cave that originated from an old lava tube. Explore the underwater cave that connects to a second cave. Day fales and toilet facilities available. Open mon-sat: 8am-4pm. http://www.samoa.travel/activity/piula-fatumea-cave-pool