Manihi is a ring-shaped coral atoll located within the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia.
Like Rangiroa, Manihi is not an island but rather a coral atoll. Manihi has seen very little commercial development both above and below the water line. This has created an unadulteratedly natural splendor untouched by commercialism. There are no shopping malls, tour buses, or major attractions. With so few local inhabitants, travelers will feel like they are the only one on the atoll. Manihi can be best described for its isolation and laid back lifestyle. The isolation strips away the tourist feel commonly associated with islands like Moorea and Tahiti. And while laid back might lead to less than perfect experience, it is the imperfections that will leave travelers with many positive and lasting memories. Being located this far from civilization does come with drawbacks. Power and fresh water are both limited resources. Many of the locals have rainwater catchers attached to their roof tops. Power is only available via gas powered generators. And obviously imported food and supplies have limited availability. A concerted effort has been made to minimize litter. There are many "Please keep our island clean" signs posted around the village. There are no terrain features in Manihi and thus constant wind. Wind also means the very dynamic conditions of sunny, cloudy, and rain typical of tropical climate. All can occur within a single hour. Manihi's primary commerce is the black pearl farms that operate within the lagoon. There is not much tourism business beyond that of the single resort on the atoll, so there's not much in way of tourism-related activities happening here.
Sunsets. Current weather conditions aside, the best viewing location is at the airstrip. The view is unobstructed as the sun dips below the horizon. Free. Stargazing. With no inference from city lights, this is an ideal location. Travelers have reported that the airstrip is the best location on the atoll. There is also a free guided tour run by a resort bartender Wednesday nights. Free.
- Scuba or snorkel. Unlike the more populated islands, such as Moorea, the water is much clearer and tropical fish are more frequent. Guided snorkel excursions are highly recommended. As an added bonus, if you are scuba certified, you are allowed to check in an additional 5kg of baggage on your flight.
- Pearl farm tour. Available though the resort. A two-hour excursion that tours a working black pearl farm. Learn about the Manihi local life and how Tahitian life and commerce revolves around the pearl.
- Explore the village. - Turipaoa is the only village in Manihi. It is located on a different section of the atoll and is separated from the resort by a water passage. There's not much here of major interest besides a mini-market, the only place you can stock up on supplies (e.g.: ramen, beer, snacks, frozen foods, and bottled water). Unfortunately, this market does not stock any fresh fruit.
- Explore the atoll and beach comb. Unlike the "private island" resorts that are very tiny, you can spend half the day exploring the resort section of the atoll on bicycle. Just note that Manihi residents do not set up fences or define property lines, so be considerate and respectful to the residents. A note about the beaches of Manihi. The beaches facing inwards, towards the lagoon, are almost picture perfect. Relatively calm waters and traversable beaches. The outward facing beaches are the complete opposite. These beaches are made of jagged coral and are under the constant beating by the Pacific Ocean waves. Amazingly beautiful, but traverse with caution.
- Black pearls - You will not find any bargains on black pearls here. This is explained during the pearl farm tour. Even though buying at the source is usually considered cheaper, it is not true in this case. Tahiti has strict guidelines, standards, and grading of all pearls produced in Tahiti. Thus all black pearls manufactured in Manihi are shipped to Tahiti for grading and authentication. Only then are the black pearls shipped back for sale in the few local shops in Manihi.
Dining options are very limited in Manihi.
- Snack bar at the airport terminal.
- Poe Rava Restaurant and Miki Miki Bar are both located at the Pearl Resort.