Visiting Tahiti begins the moment you step into the Air Tahiti Nui companionway. As you walk up the gangway to the welcoming doors of your Air Tahiti Nui Dreamliner, a faint scent of frangipani fills the air, and the soft sound of ukulele music and melodic voices surround you, setting the tone for the journey ahead. I’m certain, Air Tahiti Nui is the only airline that places a flower in your hair as you board—a small, memorable touch that lets you know your voyage has begun.
Once airborne, the chilly Auckland winter fades away as the warmth of the tropics beckons. The onboard crew, dressed in formal uniforms at the start of the flight, soon transitioned into vibrant, traditional attire, a perfect reflection of the island’s spirit. It’s a seamless transition into a tropical paradise, even before you land.
The Hawaiki Nui Va’a, is the world’s most prestigious outrigger canoe race, is a major sporting event in the Tahitian sporting calendar. Held annually, the race traverses the Society Archipelago’s stunning and challenging waters, offering a unique combination of stunning location, physical endurance, technique, and island culture.
The History of the Hawaiki Nui Va’a
The Hawaiki Nui Va’a has its roots deeply embedded in the traditions of Polynesian canoe culture. Outrigger canoes (known as va’a) have been central to the lifestyle of Pacific Islanders for centuries, used for transportation, fishing, and navigating between the islands. The Hawaiki Nui Va’a race was established in 1992 to celebrate this deep-rooted heritage, bringing together paddlers worldwide to honour the skills, endurance, and camaraderie that define the sport.
The event was created not only to showcase the traditional sport of outrigger canoeing but also to emphasize the cultural significance of the canoe to the people of French Polynesia and the wider Pacific. The name “Hawaiki Nui” refers to the mythical homeland of the Polynesians, often associated with the Marquesas Islands, and symbolizes the spiritual and historical connection of the islands.
Over the years, the race has grown in size and prestige, attracting elite teams from all over the Pacific and from countries further afield, including New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Japan.
The Location: Tahiti and the Society Islands
The Hawaiki Nui Va’a takes across the Leeward Islands of Tahiti, the largest island in the Society Islands group of French Polynesia, which lies in the central South Pacific Ocean.
The locations lush landscape, turquoise lagoons, and mountainous interior make it one of the most picturesque regions in the world, and the waters surrounding it provide a challenging and rewarding environment for competitive canoeing.
The race itself consists of three stages that span a total distance of approximately 128 kilometres (about 80 miles) and takes paddlers across a variety of ocean conditions. Each leg of the race offers a unique test of endurance and skill, with teams navigating the open ocean, strong currents, and shifting winds. The Hawaiki Nui is the ultimate test of paddling ability, where teamswork to navigate challenging conditions while conserving energy for the duration of the race.
The race is in 3 parts: Huahine to Raiatea, a sprint section in the Raiatea Lagoon to Tahaa, then a final section
TaHaa to Bora Bora
Huahine: The Island of Women
Often described as one of French Polynesia’s most tranquil and least major touristy islands, Huahine is a hidden gem, perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and serenity. Just a short flight from Tahiti, Huahine comprises two islands, Huahine Nui (Big Huahine) and Huahine Iti (Little Huahine), connected by a small bridge. The island is famed for its lush, jungle-covered mountains, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons.
Huahine offers a wealth of cultural experiences, including visits to ancient marae (temples), where visitors can learn about the island’s traditional history. The island is also renowned for its vanilla plantations and the famous “sacred eels” of Faie Bay. The calm lagoon is perfect for kayaking, snorkelling, and paddleboarding, while the island’s quiet villages offer a taste of local life with traditional Polynesian crafts and cuisine.
Tahaa: The Vanilla Island
Located just north of Raiatea, Tahaa is often called the “Vanilla Island” because of its world-renowned vanilla production. Visitors can tour vanilla farms to see how the beans are cultivated and processed. The island is also famous for its stunning coral gardens, perfect for snorkelling, and its motus (small islets), which offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and relaxing.
Tahaa remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it a perfect destination for those looking to experience authentic Polynesian life. The island’s luxurious resorts often feature overwater bungalows, offering visitors spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby islands.
Bora Bora: The Pearl of the Pacific
No trip to French Polynesia would be complete without visiting Bora Bora, often hailed as the most beautiful island in the world. Known for its turquoise lagoon surrounded by a ring of coral reefs, Bora Bora’s dramatic backdrop of Mount Otemanu offers breathtaking views. The island is world-famous for its overwater bungalows, which allow visitors to sleep above the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life.
Bora Bora is a playground for anything to do with water, with options for snorkelling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding to list a few. Visitors can explore the island’s lagoon by boat, hike the lush trails, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches.
Raiatea: The Sacred Island
Often overshadowed by Bora Bora, Raiatea is a culturally rich and historically significant island. Known as the “sacred island,” it is home to the Taputapuātea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient Polynesian religious and political centre was once a hub for navigating the Pacific and is central to the history of the Polynesian people.
Raiatea also boasts lush rainforests, waterfalls, and peaceful lagoons, making it perfect for eco-tourism and adventure travel. Visitors can explore the island’s interior on a hike or discover the underwater world while diving in its vibrant coral reefs. Raiatea is a less commercialised destination compared to Bora Bora, offering a more tranquil and intimate experience for those seeking a deeper connection to Polynesian culture.
Together, these islands offer a diverse range of experiences, from relaxation on pristine beaches to cultural exploration and adventure activities. Whether you’re looking for luxury or authenticity, Huahine, Tahaa, Bora Bora, and Raiatea provide an unforgettable destination.
The race
In the 2024 Hawaiki Nui, the 31st edition of this prestigious event, the number of Va’a teams was noticeably smaller. Nevertheless, the competition was fierce, with three teams in contention for the title heading into the final day of races.
After two stages, Team OPT held a slim 8-second lead over Shell Va’a. Shell Va’a, which had sparked some doubts after a third-place finish the previous day, silenced its critics with a strong performance in the second stage. Air Tahiti Nui, last year’s runner-up, was still in the hunt, trailing Team OPT by 97 seconds and with a chance to make a late push for the win.
As the race began on the final day, a leading pack soon formed, featuring Team Huahine, Shell Va’a, and Air Tahiti. After an hour of intense lagoon racing, Team OPT remained in the top ten, maintaining proximity to the leaders as they exited the lagoon.
The final forty minutes of the race delivered a thrilling spectacle. Team OPT and Air Tahiti engaged in a fierce head-to-head battle, providing fans with a gripping display of long-distance racing. In the end, Air Tahiti edged out Team OPT by just a few seconds to win the stage, but its consistent performance over the previous days was enough to secure their second consecutive championship title. Shell Va’a, finishing fourth behind Team Huahine, could not hold off Air Tahiti, with only 5 seconds separating the two teams for second place overall.
The race was exciting and thrilling. The top teams were just seconds apart even after so many kilometres of paddling. But thrilling as the race had been, the location, people, and culture overshadowed such a great event. The combination of location and action is impossible to beat and cliqued as it is – ‘everyone was a winner’.
for more information go to
https://www.tahititourisme.nz/
and recommended by Adventure Magazine as the best Airline in the World!
