Tahiti, Huahine, Bora Bora and Rangiroa

Tahiti is the largest and most urban of the French Polynesian islands. This photo was taken at our resort hotel in Papeete, the capital city. We took a bus tour around the island before boarding our cruise ship, the Paul Gauguin.

On the island of Huahine, there are several sacred sites of ancient Polynesian temples called marae. Standing stones were placed upright on the shore, looking out to sea. Historically, most marae were destroyed under the influence of Christian missionaries. The remaining few are now starting to be restored.

This photo of the Paul Gaguin was also taken in Huahine.

It rained cats and dogs in Bora Bora. But on the second day, it cleared up somewhat so we were able to do an island tour by "Le Truck," the local tourist bus line. Bora Bora is a beautiful place and features the craggy volcanic mountains common to most of French Polynesia.

Rangiroa is technically an atoll rather than an island per se. We wandered through a small village, down to the spectacular shore line. Look at the three different shades of blue in that water!

Tomorrow -- Selected photos of the other three islands we visited.

[All photos by Debra She Who Seeks, 2014]