Pictures
Pictures
and credits.
Every picture is an artwork made from a reference photograph of the real place. This page lists the photographers and the licences.
How the pictures were made
Every picture on Polynesian Compass is an original artwork made for this guide with an image model (Higgsfield, GPT Image 2.5). Where a picture shows a real place, it was generated from a reference photograph of that exact place, so that the geography, landmarks and viewpoint are faithful; the light and weather are the best case. The reference photographs and their photographers are listed below with their licences. A few pictures of general subjects (a flower, a stream, a dinner table) were made from a written description and have no reference photograph.
The artworks are © Polynesian Compass, 2026. They are not photographs and do not record what a place looked like on a given day.
Mount Otemanu rising above the Bora Bora lagoon with a line of thatched overwater bungalows on the rightAfter a photograph by Damien Chaudet, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Aerial of Raivavae in the Austral IslandsAfter a photograph by Dmitry, Adobe Stock Enhanced License (Adobe Stock 232693694)
The green lagoon at motu Farakau on FakaravaAfter a photograph by Fanny98716, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Heiva dancers performing an 'ote'a at dusk on an open-air stage beside the lagoonAfter a photograph by Moerani Manate, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A scuba diver drifting in clear blue water beside a blacktip reef shark over a coral slope in the Moorea lagoonAfter a photograph by Kounilig, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The cargo-passenger ship Aranui anchored below the towering basalt spires of Ua Pou in the MarquesasAfter a photograph by Sémhur, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A wooden pier reaching into a glassy lagoon at Les Tipaniers on Moorea at sunsetAfter a photograph by DANIEL JULIE, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Sunset over Moorea seen from Tahiti's west coastAfter a photograph by American (de.wikipedia), CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Matavai Bay on Tahiti's north coastAfter a photograph by Fabe collage, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
The Papeno'o valley in Tahiti's interiorAfter a photograph by Pom', CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The wave at Teahupo'o breaking as a thick glassy barrel over the shallow reefAfter a photograph by Olivier Dugornay, CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Inside Papeete's covered market in the morningAfter a photograph by Saga70, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The Faarumai waterfall on Tahiti's east coast dropping a thin white ribbon down a fern-covered basalt cliff into a dark poolAfter a photograph by Matthew Dillon, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The view from the Belvedere lookout on MooreaAfter a photograph by Justin Hu, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
A quiet beach at Haapiti on Moorea's west coastAfter a photograph by DANIEL JULIE, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A humpback whale breaching in deep blue water just outside Moorea's reefAfter a photograph by Fanny MARTRE, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Pink whiprays gliding over a pale sandbank in knee-deep turquoise water off Moorea's north-west motuAfter a photograph by Corentin Largeron, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Mount Otemanu's dark twin-towered summit rising over the Bora Bora lagoonAfter a photograph by Sergio Calleja, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Matira Beach at the southern tip of Bora BoraAfter a photograph by Fresh Hibiscus, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Aerial photograph of Bora BoraAfter a photograph by Thomas Stadler, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Crystal-clear shallows off a palm-fringed motu in Bora BoraAfter a photograph by Slim MARS, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Approaching Huahine from the seaAfter a photograph by Fabien BELLANGER, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Ancient stone marae platforms with upright slabs on the grassy shore of Lake Fauna Nui at MaevaAfter a photograph by Kounilig, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Avea Bay on Huahine ItiAfter a photograph by Daniel Julie, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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Large freshwater eels with pale blue eyes gliding in a clear shallow stream over dark stones in the village of Faie on HuahineMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Aerial view of Raiatea's coastAfter a photograph by Sergio Calleja, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The marae of Taputapuatea at Opoa, RaiateaAfter a photograph by Kounilig, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A kayaker's-eye view up the Faaroa river on Raiatea, French PolynesiaMade from a written description; no reference photograph
A single tiare 'apetahi flower on the misty Temehani plateau of RaiateaMade from a written description; no reference photograph
A reef motu off Taha'aAfter a photograph by Roman, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Vanilla vines with glossy leaves and clusters of green pods climbing a shade trellis on a Taha'a plantationAfter a photograph by Rv (fr.wikipedia user), CC BY 1.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Snorkeler's-eye view in the coral garden channel between two motu off Taha'aMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Aerial view of MaupitiAfter a photograph by Kyprianos Biris, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Tereia beach on Maupiti, French PolynesiaMade from a written description; no reference photograph
A reef manta ray gliding slowly over a sandy cleaning station in clear shallow lagoon water at MaupitiMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Aerial of Avatoru pass on RangiroaAfter a photograph by tensaibuta, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Bottlenose dolphins leaping together in the standing waves of Tiputa pass on Rangiroa at sunsetAfter a photograph by kajikawa, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A pearl farm on Rangiroa's lagoonAfter a photograph by Sémhur, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The Blue Lagoon on RangiroaAfter a photograph by kajikawa, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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Fakarava's lagoon from a motuAfter a photograph by Pierre BURGALAT, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The wall of grey reef sharks in Fakarava's south pass, TumakohuaAfter a photograph by Pacificbluefilm, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The old village of Tetamanu on Fakarava's south passAfter a photograph by Tahitipix, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Les Sables Roses on FakaravaAfter a photograph by Thierry Dewilde, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Tikehau atollAfter a photograph by VinceTraveller, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Bird Island on Tikehau atoll, French PolynesiaMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Anaho Bay on Nuku HivaAfter a photograph by daboost, Adobe Stock Enhanced License (Adobe Stock 2076211132)
The Vaipo waterfall in the Hakaui valley on Nuku HivaAfter a photograph by Sémhur, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Hatiheu Bay on Nuku Hiva's north coast seen from the ridge roadAfter a photograph by Reutova, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The ceremonial site of Kamuihei on Nuku Hiva, Marquesas IslandsMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Atuona and its bay on Hiva Oa from the hillsideAfter a photograph by BMR & MAM, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The great stone tiki Takai'i at the Iipona site in Puamau, Hiva OaAfter a photograph by American at de.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Vaitahu bay on the island of Tahuata, Marquesas, seen from the waterMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Avera Bay on Rurutu in the Austral IslandsAfter a photograph by Jonathan.burckel, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Inside Ana A'eo cave on Rurutu, French PolynesiaMade from a written description; no reference photograph
A humpback whale mother and calf resting just below the surface in clear deep-blue water off Rurutu's cliffsAfter a photograph by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Tubuai's wide shallow lagoon from a white-sand motuAfter a photograph by Jérémie Silvestro, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A calm beach on Tubuai's north shore in the Austral IslandsMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Rikitea village on Mangareva from aboveAfter a photograph by Henning Axt, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
St Michael's Cathedral at Rikitea on MangarevaAfter a photograph by FRED, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A traditional double-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoe under crab-claw sails crossing the open blue ocean near RaiateaAfter a photograph by Phil Uhl, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A double-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoe at night on a calm ocean under a blazing Milky WayMade from a written description; no reference photograph
A six-person outrigger canoe (va'a) racing across a turquoise lagoon at RaiateaAfter a photograph by United144, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
School children in white dresses and flower crowns singing a himene on the steps of a village church in TahitiAfter a photograph by Eric Beugnot, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The great marae of Taputapuatea on Raiatea at dawnAfter a photograph by Kounilig, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The restored marae Arahurahu in Paea, TahitiAfter a photograph by Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The reclining stone tiki Maki'i Tau'a Pepe at the Iipona site on Hiva OaAfter a photograph by Moth Clark, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A row of carved wooden to'ere log drums and a tall pahu drum with a sharkskin head under a thatched fare in TahitiMade from a written description; no reference photograph
A bowl of poisson cruAfter a photograph by Arnaud 25, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The roulottes food trucks at Place Vai'ete on the Papeete waterfront at blue hourAfter a photograph by Peter Gill / UK, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A Tahitian earth oven (ahima'a) being opened in a gardenMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Point Venus on TahitiAfter a photograph by Garegnani Denis, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A Tahitian black pearl with peacock-green and aubergine overtones resting in the iridescent interior of a black-lipped oyster shellAfter a photograph by Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Strings of black-lipped pearl oysters being lifted from a turquoise lagoon at a Gambier pearl farmAfter a photograph by Olivier Bruchez, CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Divers hanging in the current of Tiputa pass on Rangiroa as grey reef sharks pass in the blueAfter a photograph by Slim MARS, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
A snorkeler's view in waist-deep crystal water off MooreaAfter a photograph by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A green sea turtle grazing over a coral garden in sunlit shallow lagoon water off MooreaAfter a photograph by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A humpback whale mother with her calf tucked beneath her pectoral finAfter a photograph by Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Te Tara o Mai'aoAfter a photograph by Gorka Jeanmarie, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
The ridge trail to Mount Aorai on Tahiti above a sea of cloudAfter a photograph by Matthew Dillon, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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A surfer deep inside the glassy barrel at Teahupo'oAfter a photograph by Olivier Dugornay, CC BY 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Taharu'u black-sand beach in Papara, TahitiMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Sunset at TikehauAfter a photograph by Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A passing tropical shower moving off over Huahine's lagoon with a vivid rainbow against a dark cloudAfter a photograph by Justin Hu, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
A white twin-turboprop regional airliner with a simple turquoise tail stripe and no legible markings parked on a tiny island airstrip at Huahine beside a turquoise lagoon and coconut palmsAfter a photograph by Sébastien Vincon, Pexels License (Pexels)
A fast passenger ferry leaving Papeete harbour for Moorea at dawnAfter a photograph by Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Aerial of the Bora Bora lagoon from above the reefAfter a photograph by Fabien Bellanger, Unsplash License (Unsplash)
Aerial of a Tuamotu atollAfter a photograph by Chrisvomdeich, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A line of thatched overwater bungalows on a motu off Taha'a over glassy shallow turquoise waterAfter a photograph by Laurent Seignobos, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A simple 1960s-style thatched bungalow on timber stilts over a Raiatea lagoonAfter a photograph by Robert Preinfalk, CC BY 2.0 de (Wikimedia Commons)
A family-run pension bungalow on HuahineAfter a photograph by DANIEL JULIE, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
A shared dinner table on a pension terrace at dusk on a Tuamotu atollMade from a written description; no reference photograph
Temae beach on MooreaAfter a photograph by Fanny98716, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
