On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems we share with all other living creatures. Here, a colorful little red-eyed tree frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica serves as a visual reminder of the diverse, beautiful and sometimes-fragile nature of the planet Earth and its inhabitants.
Photo: iStock
Forever Wild
Seen from above, the shores of Sandy Cay are a study in the primary colors of green, white and blue. This small island in the British Virgin Islands will remain forever wild and unspoiled, thanks to its designation as a national park. And to the delight of many, protection doesn’t mean exclusion. Visitors can arrive by boat, and are welcome to walk the pristine sands and swim in the clear waters. Photo: Christian Wheatley/iStock
Liquid Assets
In the bright azure waters of Curacao, a sea turtle glides in for a closer look at the camera. It’s been almost 25 years since a large section of the island’s southern coast was designated as an underwater marine park. Today, the vibrant reefs and abundant fish life continue to attract divers from around the world. This in turn creates a sustainable economy based on eco tourism, and serves as proof that the protection of natural resources can pay real dividends. Photo: Thomas Campos/iStock
Natural Benefits
On the island of Dominica, a swimmer is dwarfed by a cascade of falling water flowing down from green-clad mountain slopes. A majority of the island remains in a natural state, and small farms scattered through the hills supply rich harvests of fresh foods. The people of Dominica have been identified as among the longest-lived and happiest in the world. Proof, perhaps, that living close to nature can pay dividends in both physical and mental well-being. Photo: Richard Goldberg/Shutterstock
Springing Back
Not too long ago, it seemed that the West Indian Manatee was on a one- way route towards extinction. Sweeping conservation efforts in the state of Florida halted and then reversed that slide, and today the manatee population is on the rebound, and off the endangered species list. Swimmers who abide by accepted rules of engagement can meet up with these gentle giants, which often spend winter months resting in the clear waters of the state’s freshwater springs. Photo: Amanda Cotton/iStock
The Big Picture
When placed against dramatic natural settings such as Hawaii’s Waipio Valley, the trappings and challenges of our everyday life often seem to loom less large and daunting. Events such as Earth Day serve to remind us of the importance of preserving these landscapes, not based on some nebulous altruistic whim, but on our understanding of the very real need to keep such places intact for human well-being and balance.
Clearing the Air
On an island in the Maldives a thousand miles from the nearest factory, the rising sun paints clouds with a warm and vivid reminder of just how clear air can be. We owe some of this clarity to the actions of trees, which act like living air filters, removing pollutants and carbon from the atmosphere. On Earth Day, groups around the world will collectively plant more than a million new seedlings. Photo: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Nature’s Waterpark
Wind, waves and lots of time are the elemental forces that sculpted the unique rock formations that adorn the beaches of the Seychelles Islands. As the world ponders the possible effects of climate change such as sea level rise and coastal erosion, it becomes increasingly obvious that we need to do everything possible to prevent unique landscapes such as this from being lost to future generations. Photo: Gerard Larose/STB
A Path to Wellness
Studies have confirmed that a walk in the woods can not only create a sense of calm and well-being, but also actually change the workings of the human brain in ways that improve mental health. As seen in this photo, the island of St. Vincent provides a natural remedy for stressed-out city dwellers, as much of its elevated interior is covered in lush tropical rainforests where the only calls you receive are bird songs. Photo: Flavio Vallenari/iStock
Immersive Experiences
In the sun-dappled waters of Tahiti, a diver joins a flock of graceful eagle rays. Unique and inspiring encounters such as this serve to remind us of the importance of maintaining the health of our water planet. The oceans are home to more than 90 percent of all living organisms on the planet, and the source of more than 70 percent of our global oxygen supply. Photo: Yves Lefevre/Tahiti Tourisme
A Natural Balance
A bird’s-eye view of Tonga’s Eua Island reveals a landscape where low-level human activities such as artisanal farming create only modest and easily reversed impacts on the natural order. As high-rise resorts and gated golf course communities continue to spring up on wild coastlines around the world, it’s nice to know that there are still many places that remain off limits to the bulldozers. Photo: Tourism Tonga
On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems we share with all other living creatures. Here, a colorful little red-eyed tree frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica serves as a visual reminder of the diverse, beautiful and sometimes-fragile nature of the planet Earth and its inhabitants.
From a simple observance in 1970, Earth Day has grown into the world’s largest secular civic event, involving more than 17,000 environmental groups and drawing support from more than 190 countries. Events are staged in major cities around the globe, but small islands and other tropical destinations also get in on the act.
1. On the Bahamian Out Island of Eleuthera, the One Eleuthera Foundation will sponsor a daylong celebration of the earth and ocean that includes musical performances, dance, art, cultural events and environmental education programs, plus plenty of good food.
2. Each year on Earth Day, the Sandals Foundation, which is sponsored by the Sandals Resort group, partners with environmental organizations across the Caribbean to help volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees.
3. The month-long Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival will kick off on Earth Day. At dozens of islands throughout the region, organizers from the Birds Caribbean foundation will stage presentations, bird walks, art competitions, clean ups, and more.
4. On the big island of Hawaii, volunteers will head to Ke‘ei Beach to remove trash that could pose a hazard to turtles and other marine life. The cleanup is sponsored by the Kona Brew Pub, and will end with a beach barbecue.
5. In the Puerto Rican beach town of Rincon, the Liga Ecologica will stage an Earth Day Fair. Here, forums and talks with an ecological theme mix with a street fair offering local arts, crafts and foods. A highlight is the human-powered shaved ice machine.
6. The Florida-based Xtreme Adventures group will stage their third annual Earth Day Adventure Race, which will send participants biking, trekking and paddling across the central part of the state to spread the message: “reuse, recycle, and repurpose.”
7. If you can’t make it to Costa Rica’s Sloth Sanctuary to participate in Earth Day observances, you can sponsor a sloth with a donation to restore its natural habitat, and plant more of these animal’s favorite almond trees.
8. The Maldives are revered for their natural beauty, and a number of resorts across the island chain stage special Earth Day activities such as tree plantings and reef cleanings. Kurumba Resort will follow their annual lagoon cleaning with a party, while the Constance Resort has created a “Low Carbon Foot Print Menu,” and will observe an hour- long power shutdown.
9. On Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida Verde is staging a series of free cultural and musical events for Earth Day, including a slow foods festival and street dances in the historic district of Merida.
10. In the South Pacific, citizens of the small nation of Kiribati will come out in force to restore the mangrove forests that are essential to protecting their coastlines from erosion.
The mere mention conjures romantic visions of blue lagoons, emerald peaks and bronzed bodies with flowers in the hair. These are The Islands of Tahiti, a collection of green jewels in the blue Pacific where volcanic peaks rise above bright lagoons, and surf washed coral atolls are filled with colorful tropical fish.
Bright hued tropical flowers have long been one of the most iconic symbols of Tahitian culture. Blossoms are woven into necklaces and tiara-like crowns, while both men and women wear single flowers behind the ear. When worn on the right, it symbolizes that you are seeking romance, while a shift to the left side indicates that you are already spoken for.
Crowns of fresh flowers adorn women participating in a singing festival on the island of Rurutu. The blossoms are mirrored in the floral patterns of their traditional parau dresses. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme
Green clad volcanic peaks dominate the landmarks on the major islands of Tahiti. The view of craggy Mount Otemanu from across Bora Bora’s lagoon is one of the most iconic images from the South Pacific. Some peaks can be summited by dedicated hikers, but most visitors opt for overlooks half way up the slopes that can be reached by road, and provide sweeping views of island and ocean.
Neophytes and champions alike descend on Tahiti when the surf is up. On the island of Tahiti, long Pacific swells create rider friendly breaks at sites such as Papara, Papenoo and Taapuna. More challenging are the big swells that break on the southwestern coast at Teahupoo. In peak season, these expert-only waves crest to heights of 25 feet, and the world’s best riders gather to compete in the Billabong Pro surf competition.
The island of Tahiti draws surfers from around the world with warm, clear waters and some of the best waves in the Pacific, plus a number of beginner friendly breaks. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme
In traditional Polynesian culture, legends and histories were often passed down through song. With the arrival of Europeans, these traditional melodies melded with religious hymns to create the a cappella styles known as himene ru’au and himene tarava, which mix soaring solo performances with complex choir harmonies and vocal percussion. These styles, first brought to the world music scene by the performers of the Tahitian Choir, can be heard at festivals and worship services across the islands.
Body art has long been considered a symbol of beauty in Polynesian culture. In ancient times, woven tatua patterns were applied as a rite of passage to adulthood. The practice was banned by Christian missionaries in the 1800s, but has since enjoyed a revival. The intricate patterns of traditional Tahitian designs now inspire tattoo artists around the world.
The ancient Polynesian’s created an intricate form of body art known as tatua. European sailors later adopted the practice, which evolved into the modern day tattoo. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme
When the rains that fall on the soaring volcanic peaks of the major islands of Tahiti tumble towards the sea they create thundering cascades and wispy waterfalls. Some are hidden deep in the jungle, reachable only by strenuous hikes or four-wheel-drive excursions. Others are just a short walk away from towns and roadways. Among the most spectacular is towering Fautaua Falls on the island of Tahiti, where waters plunge more than 400 feet over a cliff in a remote hanging valley. Also popular is Vaipahi Falls, which is a classic jungle clad cascade that feeds a cool pool ideal for swimming.
Few images from The Islands of Tahiti are as compelling as the vision of a thatch roofed bungalow set on pilings above the sparking turquoise waters of a lagoon. Overwater bungalows were first introduced to the world in the 1960’s on the island of Moorea. In the decades since, a number of these idyllic structures have spread to other islands in the group, gaining features such as glass floor viewing panels, decks with private plunge pools and hammocks suspended over the water.
The island of Moorea saw the construction of the world’s first overwater bungalows in the 1960s. These iconic resorts have now spread to the other islands of Tahiti. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme
The biggest celebration in The Islands of Tahiti is a month-long festival originally inspired by French Bastille Day observances. Today, Heiva is a showcase of traditional island culture that includes lavish dance performances, singing competitions, outrigger canoe races and displays of physical prowess that include stone lifting, fruit carrying races, coconut cracking, and palm tree climbing. The festival also includes arts and crafts, with displays that feature works from across French Polynesia.
Islands such as Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea are ringed in reefs that enclose clear water lagoons, while atolls such as Rangiroa and Manihi enclose expansive coral gardens. This creates ideal conditions for snorkelers, who can immerse in shallow, sheltered waters to discover colorful corals and abundant fish life. Reefs often begin right from resort beaches or at the steps of an overwater bungalow, while more sites can be reached by relaxing boat rides across lagoon waters.
Small uninhabited islands such as this one in the Moorea Lagoon are known as motus. These become favorite destinations for sailing excursions and outrigger canoe trips. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme
The Islands of Tahiti have long been associated with France, first as an overseas territory, and more recently with the added autonomy of an affiliated overseas country. This relationship has created a blended and cosmopolitan island culture, where ancient Polynesian traditions of hospitality and reverence for nature combine with a French appreciation for the good life. The result is a people who are among the happiest and most welcoming in the world.
Truth is, no one comes to Tahiti just to hike. They come for white sand beaches, sparkling lagoons and kaleidoscopic reefs. But there are still good reasons to pack the walking shoes along with the flip-flops, and those who take to the trails are rewarded with lush landscapes and magnificent views. Some routes are easy, well maintained and marked. Others not so much. Fortunately, guides are available at reasonable rates, and many are fonts of wisdom on island flora, fauna and history. Here are some of our favorite hikes on the three major islands of the Tahiti group.
A grove of banyan trees provides shade on a footpath through Moorea’s Opunohu Valley. This popular hiking route leads to an elevated overlook known as Three Coconut Trees Pass. Photo: Xavier Lancry/Tahiti Tourisme
One of the best ways to discover Tahiti’s interior beauty is on the Fautaua Valley trail. The walk starts at Papeete Town Hall, and follows a marked route along a jungle stream framed by lush groves where mango, guava, and banana trees grow wild. Three miles later, you will reach the base of 450- foot-high Fautaua Falls. Stop and enjoy or continue on for a steep half-hour climb to the top of the cascade.
More adventurous hikers can hire a guide for a trip through the Hitiaa Lava Tubes. A two-mile walk leads to a series of giant tunnels formed by cooling lava. A river runs through these passages, which are up to 900 feet long. Exploring the tubes will require some wading and scrambles down small waterfalls and across boulders, so plan on getting wet. Tahiti’s most challenging hike is an ascent of the island’s second highest peak, 6,88-foot Mt. Aorai. This demanding 12-mile round trip is an all day adventure that passes by some steep cliffs, and is best done with a guide, and during the dry season.
A must-do hike on the island of Bora Bora is a visit to the Valley of the Kings. An easy three-hour walk into a lush interior basis that holds the recently- discovered remains of ancient Polynesian homes and temples, and a huge banyan tree that is a living mausoleum. Along the way, guides share stories of island geology, ancestral plants, medicine, Polynesian legends and sacred trees. They may also share wild island fruits and coconuts plucked straight from the trees.
Other walks in the valley include the Ancestors Road and the Track of the Past, which delve deeper into the historic secrets of the valley. More ambitious hikers can make the uphill trek to the sacred Cave of Anau, or make a six-hour round trip climb to the 2,100-foot summit of Mt. Pahia for 360-degree views of the island.
For an easy and rewarding walk, follow a trail from the village of Afareaitu through a green landscape of mango trees, past coffee plants, wild orchids and vanilla. An easy half-hour ramble brings you to a pair of waterfalls that tumble 200 feet into pools that are ideal for a cooling swim. Moorea’s most popular hike is the loop through the Opunohu Valley, which follows a well- maintained trail as it climbs some 500 feet to the high point known as Three Coconut Trees Pass. From this elevated saddle hikers can enjoy open vistas of the north and south coasts of the island, plus up-close views of Mt. Mouaroa and Mt. Tohiea.
A slightly more strenuous route is the two-hour walk from the village of Vaiare to Pao Pao on Cook’s Bay. The route ascends to a ridge that delivers grand views of 7,300-foot Mt. Orohena, as well as the whole interior of Moorea. The island’s most challenging trek is a climb to the summit of Mt. Rotui, which holds a special place in Polynesian mythology, and provides a glimpse into the interior of an extinct volcanic crater.
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