Wonders of Polynesia

  Highlights

Although the landmass of Polynesia is small, the charm and special beauty of this region are some of the most impressive on our planet. These islands are endowed with lush and beautiful nature, with warm ocean and friendly people representing a distinct culture. Polynesia is very rich in both natural and cultural landmarks and many of them are unique.

The most amazing wonders of Polynesia are:

• Unique ecosystems. Polynesia consists mostly of small islands which very often are far from each other. People reached them recently and many islands never have been inhabited. Thus it comes as no wonder that many Polynesian islands have unique species of plants and animals met nowhere else in the world. Some pristine Polynesian ecosystems though are especially surprising and impressive – such as the Central Savai’i Rainforest, the ecosystem of Henderson Island, the Mount Purau rainforest, and others.
• Waterfalls. Even if Polynesia consists of small islands and does not have significant rivers, there exist smaller streams. Sometimes these smaller streams approach a vertical or nearly vertical abyss and tumble down. Some Polynesian waterfalls belong to the tallest in the world – e.g. Olo’upena Falls, Browne Falls, Sutherland Falls.
• Ancient shrines and ceremonial sites – ahu, marae, me’ae, heiau and others. The distinct culture of Polynesians has created some of the most interesting megalithic monuments in the world. A true wonder of the world are the megalithic moai sculptures on Easter Island but not less intriguing are the mysterious me’ae in Marquesas and others.