Moorea

The interior is made up of 8 volcanic craggy peaks which rise up from the lagoon surrounding Moorea. The highest peak is Mount Tohi’e’a at 1230 metres/4000 feet which dominates the skyline. Inland, one can see waterfalls tumbling down the sides of the vertical mountains. There is only one road encircling the island which is 64 kilometres/40 miles around. There are no major towns, simply small villages with pastel-painted houses surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise which are spread throughout the island. The air here is heavily scented with tropical flowers which cover the valleys.

There are two almost identical bays, both in the north of the island and around 3 kilometres/2 miles in length, which are not only exotically beautiful but also where a number of good hotels are located Opunohu Bay in the west is the lesser populated and the more isolated. The village of Papeto’a provides some shopping and a few restaurants. Cooks Bay in the east is spectacularly beautiful and the village of Pao Pao is the largest on the island albeit a sleepy one. 

In the interior, one should make a point of visiting Belvedere Lookout with its amazing panoramic views of the island while on a Tahiti vacation. It has been said that the views from here are some of the most spectacular in the world. Guided tours can be taken into the interior either on a guided nature hike through the winding rainforest and high mountain overlooks or on a 4 x 4 safari. Another way to view the interior is to take a helicopter ride over Moorea offering dramatic views. Also, take time to visit Papetoai village where the octagonal church established in 1822 is the oldest European building in the South Pacific. 

One can also enjoy a circle island tour to discover Moorea passing by pineapple fields and quiet beaches while taking in the awe-inspiring backdrop of the mountains.  

The water sports activities here are world-class especially diving and snorkeling in clear waters. One can swim, snorkel, and dive among harmless stingrays, reef sharks and dolphins. Other activities include deep-sea fishing, horseback riding and golf. Moorea has one of the only two golf courses in Tahiti. 

A number of hotels have overwater bungalows with glass floors over a turquoise lagoon where an amazing variety of tropical fish makes their home. Moorea is also a popular honeymoon destination and one can have an authentic Tahitian wedding ceremony if so desired on Tahiti vacation packages. 

Shopping for souvenirs here will have one considering purchasing Tahitian cultured pearls, be it black pearls or pearls of other colours. Also available are wood-carved outriggers, small hand-painted murals of Moorea, jewellery and t-shirts. There are a number of small markets dotted around the island.   

For evening entertainment, try a Polynesian show on Moorea tours. Tiki Village has an excellent one.