Island of Pearls
Manihi, lost in the vastness of the South Pacific,
conjures up castaway dreams of a tropical isle.
Far from the modern world, the crystal-clear lagoon
was once filled with mother-of-pearl and is the site
of Tahiti's first black pearl farm. Today, Manihi is
still the leading supplier for the Tahitian cultured
pearl industry.
This is "farm country" South Pacific style.
Instead of crops, over 60 farms here produce the world's
most sought after gem: pearls. Manihi's lagoon waters
are among the most perfect on earth for cultivating
pearls because of the temperature, density, salinity,
light, and overall climate.
Besides the pearl farms, visitors enjoy exploring the
lagoon and the main village of Turipaoa. There are few
cars here so walking around the town square and along
the coral paths is as peaceful and romantic as the lagoon
itself.
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