Just two miles north of Raiatea, few minutes away from Raiatea’s airport by shuttle boat, Tahaa has retained the seductiveness of oldtime Polynesia.
Taha’a is called “The Vanilla Island” for its many plantations of this sought-after spice, which sweetens the island air with its rich aroma. Each November, Taha’a 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.
Sightseeing on Taha’a
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Motu Pearl Point
Share the experiences of daily life of a Polynesian family, its culture, natural resources (vanilla, pearl, and copra), art of cooking with products of the island, leisure activities in the lagoon or bicycle rides. Shop, snack bar and bar are also available.
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Tour Of The Island
Starting from Vaitoare, the main port of Tahaa, the road leads into the peaceful village of Poutoru, with its mythical moray eels, and the remote bay of Apu, anchor for several cruise companies. Towards the east, the road winds between Mount Fareura and the rugged coast, arriving at Haamene. One of the main villages, lying in the heart of a deep bay nurturing a pearl farm and a small turtle reserve.
The other side of the coast, equally meandering, follows the mountainous relief of the bay of Faaha. This is the legendary birthplace of Hiro, which is surrounded by three mountains of 500 metres.
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The village of Patio
The coastal strip is at fi rst rocky, with basaltic stone resembling a turtle’s or cock’s crest, and then it becomes more gentle as it nears Patio, the administrative centre of Tahaa. This quiet village, which is said to be haunted by the spirit of mythological twins turned into coral, sits on the north coast, opposite a string of islands that make a stunning spot for picnics, snorkelling or just relaxing.
Patio compliments its traditional fishing and copra activities with an annual stone fi shing tournament and accompanying festivities (singing, dancing, etc.) in which the locals are keen to participate.
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Vanilla kingdom
The last village, Tiva, is the gateway to a vanilla kingdom. The potent pods of this plant, ubiquitous to the bay of Hurepiti, delight connoisseurs the world over.
