Tahaa is an enjoyable island to explore at a slower pace; a wild
little paradise located 230 km west of Tahiti in French Polynesia, the South
Pacific. Enclosed within the same barrier reef as Raiatea is the small island of
Tahaa, located across the lagoon and only two miles north of Uturoa. Taha'a
is a land of passion, a land where people choose to live in harmony with nature,
her generous gifts and unspoiled beauty.
Tahaa has no airport and is only accessible by boat. It is a round
island with fjord-like inlets. Tahaa is often called the Vanilla Island for its
numerous plantations of this black gold. The rich and puissant aroma of vanilla
perfumes the breeze as you drive around the 42 mile coastal road, through small
villages and up into the hills for panoramic views of the deeply indented bays
all around the island. Tahaa produces about 80% of all vanilla in French
Polynesia. While fishing and farming are its main livelihoods, what seduces
visitors are its pretty beaches, coral gardens, and the sandy motus which pepper
the lagoon it shares with Raiatea. Tahaa is slowly awakening to tourism, yet
still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia. The beautiful deep bays and
small deserted motus make Tahaa an ideal island to escape the 20th century. Stay
in a small bungalow-style hotel or make Tahaa an unforgettable day trip.
Raiatea is served by Air Tahiti with frequent 40-minute flights from Papeete
and Moorea, and with several daily 15-minute flights from Huahine and Bora Bora.
Tahaa is served only by water taxi from Raiatea.
Both Raiatea and Tahaa have a few taxis, and Raiatea operates the public transit
system, Le Truck, with daily routes from outlying villages to the town of
Uturoa.
Taha'a is often called the " Vanilla Island ". It is effectively
responsible for 70% of Polynesia 's vanilla production, estimated at 25 tons a
year. The precious vanilla orchid grows under the humid shade of Taha'a's
tropical forest. Cultivated and married by passionate men, the divine flower
becomes fruit. After being dried and lovingly rubbed, the fruit then releases
its incredible liquorice-flavoured perfume. The black gold of Polynesia is born,
and has now acquired its worldwide reputation.
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