THE SOCIETY ISLANDS :

Huahine, Society Islands
A laid back haven for surfers, ex-pats and others who prefer the road less traveled, Huahine offers an authentic example of what the islands used to be. Tahitian, rather than French, is the lingua franca and the island’s numerous archaeological digs offer a fascinating window into the past. In sacred maraes reminiscent of Stonehenge, giant stones looking like gravestones remind you that human sacrifices were part of the Polynesian religious rituals. Near the settlement of Faie, ogle six-foot blue-eyed eels undulating in the water.

Raiatea, Society Islands
When you venture up the jungle-clad shores of Raiatea’s Faaroa River you could well believe you’d been transported to pre-European times. A hike up Mt. Temehani might lead you to the sacred Tiare Apetahi flower, found only on Raiatea, while a walk through the sacred Marae Taputapuatea takes you to the place where the ancient Polynesians set out to explore the vast reaches of the Pacific, ranging from New Zealand to Hawaii and Easter Island. Raiatea is also birthplace of the legendary god, Hiro, father of the Polynesians. The hibiscus tree, or purau, is the wood used since time immemorial for outriggers of Polynesian proas.

Taha’a, Society Islands
Just a kiss away from Raiatea is the island of Taha’a. Site of vanilla plantations, pearl farms and not much else, it’s a delightfully quiet reminder of the old island ways. From the invitingly named little fishing village of Patio, take a boat out to a local pearl farm to see how pearl oysters are cultivated or savor an afternoon of basking in the shade of a palm tree on one of the tiny motus that dot the lagoon. The sunset view of Bora Bora in the distance will keep your camera very busy.

Bora Bora, Society Islands
Even if you’ve never been there, most people recognize the chiseled peak of Mt. Otemanu on Bora Bora. This is where James Michener was stationed as a young naval officer, which later inspired him to write Tales of the South Pacific. You can find remains of rusting WWII gun batteries hidden in the jungle-choked hillsides. Then quench your thirst at a bar called Bloody Mary’s. In pre-European times, Bora Bora was the launching place for fierce war parties to other islands. Today the peaceful lagoon is a favorite snorkeling place where you can hand feed harmless black-tipped sharks.

Moorea, Society Islands
Beloved by yachtsmen, Moorea’s heart-stopping beauty is a vision of paradise that takes your breath away. This was the real-life site of Michener’s longed for “special island,” Bali Hai. Star Flyer anchors in both Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, so you’ll have two opportunities to savor every glorious view of this spectacular island. Take a 4X4 ride to the old Kellum Stop Estate and the top of Belvedere, where your Polynesian guide picks fresh fruit from a tree to refresh your palate as you drink in the stunning panorama.

THE TUOMOTUS:

Fakarava, Tuamotu Atolls
More than 155 miles from bustling Papeete, and contrasting markedly with the Society Islands’ volcanic peaks, the far-flung Tuamotu Atolls are low-lying coral atolls scattered in palm-topped leis on a languid sea, seldom visited by tourists and cruise ships. Lucky for you! For this is a naturalist’s nirvana and diver’s delight. On Fakarava Lagoon, the Garuae Pass’ 150 foot visibility offers in-your-face encounters with enormous schools of dolphins, rays, sharks and rainbows of reef fish. An old Catholic mission, dating from the 1850’s, watches over Fakarava’s 250 inhabitants, who support themselves mainly by pearl farming.

Tiputa, Rangiroa, Tuamotu Atolls
The village of Tiputa has the charming ambience of a faded French colonial town that remembers grander times. Perhaps that’s because the main attractions are not on shore but in the water. Rangiroa, the world’s second largest lagoon, where the frilly-shelled pinctada margaritifera oyster produces lustrous black pearls of eye-popping size. At a local pearl farm, see how oysters suspended in the lagoon are implanted with tiny “seeds,” later harvested as the legendary South Seas pearls. A drift dive or snorkeling in cave-lined Tiputa Pass is an effortless passage through pelagic paradise!

Rangiroa Lagoon, Tuamotu Atolls
Rangiroa Lagoon is so large, 392 square miles, that you can’t see from one side to the other. After a leisurely cruise from Tiputa, Star Flyer will anchor for an afternoon and night in the remote and seldom seen southeastern part of the Lagoon. Here visitors can explore a ghost town on a deserted motu where the lonely spire of a tiny church is the only remaining landmark. At Sables Roses, you’re in the pink (literally!) when you dig your toes into the glowing coral sands - and you won’t need rose-colored glasses!