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Moorea Photo Curtesy of Tahiti Tourism
Moorea Island is as spectacular as any island that rises from the Pacific, Moorea is everyone's dream of a Polynesian paradise. Often thought to be James Michener's mythical "Bali Hai," it is a magical island of savage yet captivating beauty where emerald mountains rise from sandy shores, towering over pineapple plantations, ivory beaches, and shady lagoons.
A mere 12 miles across the Sea of the Moon from Tahiti, and only a few minutes by air or sea, the pace of life here is much slower. A lazy, barefoot existence prevails, causing some to proclaim it the "perfect South Seas island." This carefree lifestyle, the coral reefs, and cascading waterfalls have served as inspiration to countless artists, writers and poets who have been drawn by the natural environment.
Moorea beckons the visitor to explore, to meet her warm, somewhat shy residents, to discover the villages and boutiques, restaurants and hotels, which dot the waterfront road, interspersed with uninhabited beaches and secluded coves. A detour inland reveals panoramic views of Cook's and Opunohu Bays, their midnight blue waters dotted white with yachts riding peacefully at anchor. panorama of volcanic mountain ridges tower above the magnificent island of Moorea. Moorea, which has often been compared to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is only 17 km. (11 miles) from Tahiti.
Moorea Island Beachcomber Resort Photo Curtesy of Tahiti Tourism
Moorea's mountain slopes are covered with pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border crystalline lagoons. Moorea is ideal for a day's visit and even better when you heed her special call. After only a few days, you will discover that Moorea has filled you with peace, delight and a wonderful sense of happiness.
The "sister island" to Tahiti is a land of history and legend. Tradition has it that Moorea was the dorsal fin of the great fish of Tahiti. History tells that the god Hiro, desirous of Rotui the most beautiful mountain of the island and the place where spirits of the dead pause before their descent into the underworld, wished to make off with her one night to his home in Raiatea. But the warrior Pai put him to flight, throwing his spear which passed through the other famous mountain known from that day on as Moua Puta (Pierced Mountain). The hole thus caused can still be seen to this day. The sculptured beauty of Cook's Bay ranged with chiseled mountain peaks, including the very lovely Rotui, is paralleled by its twin bay of Opunohu whose dark waters reflect the steep mountain sides, will always attract artists, lovers of truth and beauty from around the world.
Formerly known as Aimeo, a high priest gave her the name of Moorea after having had a dream of a very beautiful giant yellow lizard. An important Domain of the royal Pomare family, Moorea was the birthplace of the Protestant Church with the printing in the nineteenth century of the first Bible in the Tahitian language.
The scenic beauty and its history are not the only attractions of this island also known for its gentle, easy life style and its high quality pineapples. Its many white sand beaches, the wide variety of its coral sea bed and the richness of its underwater life make Moorea a very special destination. Moorea is very well endowed with hotels and pensions of all categories, generally situated at the water's edge. The numerous restaurants and snack bars sometimes offer a traditional hima'a, Tahitian earth oven, which is an absolute must.
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We are open every day to assist you with your Moorea vacation travel plans. Ask our Tahiti Vacation Specialists about our exclusive special offers. Our rates are often substantially lower than the published fares you see on the web. Call 1-800-330-8820 or 1 415 446 5252 to book now. Or try our Tahiti vacation planner and we will promptly call you back. |
