Post #203642 by virani on Sun, Dec 18, 2005 10:13 AM

2 weeks won't be enough if you want to explore lots of islands. Especially if you want to enjoy and rest at the most wonderfful place in the world.
I stayed at a guesthouse in Tahiti (Relais Fenua) for 3 days. It was great, not very far from Papeete, but still not in the city. Renting a car is a really good way to get to know Tahiti.
Moorea is only a 10 minutes flight. You must do it if you stay in tahiti, at least for a day.
The Marquesas was my goal when I came to polynesia, and the Aranui is the best way to enjoy the islands when you can't spend weeks of flights, boat, hotels...
For 10 days, we really get to know the islands, as for exemple, we got to 3 differents harbours in Nuku Hiva, so 3 villages.
In Fatu Hiva, we hiked the all day from Umua to Hanavave, the 2 island villages, that took us the all day, but we crossed the island, it was wonderful. And there is no airport in Fatu Hiva, so you'll need a boat to get there, a guide to take you to marae, tikis...
We really had the best time in the world, but the Aranui is not about diving, smimming, and staying at the beach. We walked a lot all day, got up early, had a lot of fun, drunk a lot of Hinano, played the ukulele with the sailors, the villagers...
It's a one of a kind experience, but don't do it if you prefer diving, enjoying the beaches...then go to the Tuamotu islands.
You'll love it anyway....