The Edges and the Heart of Tahiti
Both the main island of Tahiti and the outlying Islands of Tahiti have proved to be among the most magical destinations in the world. On his latest trip there, ISLANDS' Ty Sawyer used the main island as a springboard to explore the edges of Tahiti and, in turn, discover the true heart of this South Pacific paradise.

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Ty visited the islands of Fakarava, Huahine and Nuku Hiva for his ISLANDS feature article "From the Edge." He writes: "For years, Tahiti has inspired me, grounded me, romanced me, sent me on wild adventures and fascinated me. It's a place that rattles my soul with its beauty & lets me hear the silence. So here I am, immersed in the most beautiful water on the planet. In the quiet twilight, I close my eyes and slip under the water." Read the full story.

Fly into Tahiti at Faa'a International Airport. This airport can be your launching point to explore other Tahitian islands. Hop on Air Tahiti for an hour-long flight to Fakarava (there's only one flight per day, so don't miss it). Or go to the Marquesas Island of Nuku Hiva (a three-hour flight departing just once a day, except twice on Fridays). Fly to Huahine on multiple flights per day. airtahiti.aero

Stay on those Tahitian islands at these inviting places. On Fakarava, the name says it all at Le Maitai Dream Fakarava, which has just 30 units overlooking a tropical lagoon, 689-93-41-50. On Huahine, venture off the beaten path to Te Tiare Beach Resort, where you'll find 11 deep over-water bungalows and five shallow over-water bungalows, which all face west for optimal sunset viewing. The resort is only accessible by boat (catch it in Fare, the main town on Huahine), tetiarebeachresort.com. Maurii Pension on Huahine features traditionally built beachside bungalows. But to experience overwater bungalows, Le Meridien on Bora Bora is a celebrated place to stay. lemeridien.com

Play "pearl lottery" at the Pearl Guest House Havaiki where you swim out, choose a pearl oyster and keep whatever is inside. Black ones are the most common. Get a green one, and you've hit the jackpot.

Day trip to Tetamanu on the southern coast of Fakarava, where you can snorkel completely surrounded by sharks, rays and lagoon fish. Then visit one of the first Catholic churches built all of coral in 1874.

Eat a low-key island lunch at Tetamanu Village on Fakarava. On Huahine, head to Te Marara, a waterside restaurant in the town of Fare. Try its renowned fresh-caught grilled mahimahi with a sauce made from locally grown vanilla. And, of course, wash it all down with Hinano beer.

Learn more at tahiti-tourisme.com.