When thatch leaks…
Superficially all the islands in Polynesia are alike: densely wooded basaltic monuments to volcanic processes. There it ends. Compared to Raiatea, Bora Bora was asleep. Here there are no scooters, few motorcycles, and lots and lots of cars.
The people know how to work the tourists, too. A fabric store sells wonderful tropical fabrics, well displayed. There are covered outdoor cafes and restaurants galore. Buses wait eagerly to take you around the island, which is vastly larger than Bora Bora.
My bird list: noddies, mynahs, and many, many, many pigeons. Apparently I sailed thousands of miles to see Pigeons.
Densely forested hillside
Their welcome center.