We've been planning our trip to French Polynesia for about two years, and decide to visit 4 islands: Huahine, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and a brief stop on Tahiti.

Eight hours after rising above the brown-orange Los Angeles sky, our plane lands on the main island of Tahiti for our connecting flight to the island of Huahine. Pronounced, "waHEEnay", it's one of the most lush and natural islands of French Polynesia...

We arrive at the Hotel Sofitel Heiva, with beautiful overwater bungalows overlooking the lagoon. Built on a point with the open ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other, the water is teeming with thousands of brilliant reef fish. The snorkeling directly in front of this hotel is some of the best in the islands. Click the pictures to enlarge.

The next few days are spent exploring the island... Huahine has the most numerous and beautiful beaches of the islands we visit, with undisturbed white sand for miles. Click the pictures to enlarge.

Several archealogical and restorative projects are underway around the island. But, because the island is new to tourism and development, many ancient temples and sacred sites remain intact. When exploring ancient temples, be sure you're wearing a fresh coat of mosquito repellent...it seems these tiny demons are a curse to all who tresspass on holy ground.