TX7XG – Fakarava

Haru, JA1XGI will be active as TX7XG from Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia, IOTA OC-066.
He will operate on the HF band.
Nearest DX Point TX7XG
TX7XG Log Searchsearch QSL via Family Call.
Direct QSL advertising:
HARUHISA UCHIDA, 2-30-11 Shintomi, Kawagoe City, Japan 350-0043.
Date not yet announced. More information will be provided later.
DXCC Country – French Polynesia/FO.

French Polynesia: France’s colonial legacy in the Pacific

French Polynesia is a large group of islands located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is an administrative unit of France with the official status of an overseas community. French Polynesia’s closest neighbors are the island nation of Kiribati and the Cook Islands. “Polynesia” comes from the Greek word for “many islands” – this simple yet rich name was formalized in the second half of the 19th century, when the islands came under French protection.

French Polynesia is one of the paradisiacal corners of the Earth, where an atmosphere of happiness and peace prevails. Off the coast of the largest island, Tahiti, black pearls are mined, which are among the rarest and most beautiful in the world. The island is beautifully landscaped, scattered with tropical flowers and palm trees, with endless beaches and majestic mountains contrasting with the dazzling blue waters. The pristine nature here is complemented by an exceptionally developed infrastructure. Numerous hotels and resorts are friendly to guests from all over the world, delighting them with first-class service and local touches.

Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia. Author – Philippe Devos.

Geography and Climate of French Polynesia

The Overseas Community consists of 130 islands, varying in size, topography and population, forming five archipelagos. The total area of ​​all islands is 4167 square kilometers. The islands are of coral and volcanic formation, while the second group of islands is characterized by a pronounced mountainous terrain. The highest point is located in Tahiti – it was once a volcano, now Mount Orochena, with an altitude of 2241 meters.

Almost all islands have tropical and trade wind climates, with only the northern Marquesas Islands having a distinct sub-equatorial climate. The hottest period on the islands is from November to May, when rainfall is highest and temperatures can rise to 32 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, the islands are often hit by powerful hurricanes and tropical cyclones.

Most of the French Polynesian islands are covered in dense vegetation, with tropical forests giving way to banana and coconut plantations and evergreen trees bordering grasses.

The fauna of French Polynesia is small and, due to its isolation from the rest of the world, endemic. There are no mammals and only a few rare species.

Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia. Author – Stephen Garrett.

History of French Polynesia

It is not clear when the islands of present-day French Polynesia were first inhabited. There is only scattered evidence that the first humans appeared between the 10th and 5th centuries BC. The first humans settled in the Marquesas Islands, home to the ancient Maui civilization.

Europeans appeared on the islands in 1521 – this was the expedition of the Portuguese navigator Fernán Magellan. During his voyage around the world, Magellan and his crew landed on Pukapuka Island (modern name) and named it San Pablo Island. Over the next hundred years, many other islands were discovered by the Spanish and Portuguese. Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, was discovered by Pedro Fernández in 1606, although the discovery is officially attributed to the Englishman Samuel Wallace (1767). It is worth noting that at different times, Russian and French navigators made a significant contribution to the discovery of the islands. Therefore, the Tuamotu Archipelago even received the informal name of the “Russian Islands”.

In 1788, the indigenous nation of the Kingdom of Tahiti was established, centered on the island of the same name. The kingdom was led by the local paramount chief, Pomare I, who founded the Pomare dynasty. The kingdom included the islands of Bora Bora, Samoa, Hawaii, and Tonga, among others. The dynasty, which consisted of four kings and a queen, temporarily postponed colonizing the islands. It was not until 1842 that France was able to establish a protectorate over Tahiti, and in 1880 it declared the island a colony. The colony also included surrounding islands, and the new land was named the Settlements of Oceania, and soon after, the French Colonies of Oceania.

In 1946, the status of the islands was changed to an overseas territory, called French Polynesia. In the same year, all islanders officially received French citizenship. Today, Polynesia has partial independence compared to other French overseas territories. Therefore, the local government has the power to independently sign agreements with other countries. Polynesia also has its own tax system and customs.

Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia. Author – Arnaud Chatel.

Attractions in French Polynesia

Tahiti

The main island of the Society Islands (one of the five major groups of French Polynesia) is certainly worth the attention of tourists. It is not only the largest island, but also the most densely populated: 70% of the total overseas community population lives here.

The island has a long history full of legends and adventure. However, the natural beauty of the island is even more impressive. Tahiti is a volcanic island with a unique and complex terrain, with many mountains, fast-flowing rivers and dense jungles. The coastal areas are equally pleasing to the eye, as coral reefs form tranquil lagoons that are isolated from the sea.

Historical monuments lovers will love the Queen Marau Residence. Despite its status, this royal residence, built entirely of wood, has a very plain appearance. Not far from the residence is the tomb of King Pomare V, who ruled the country before France declared protectorate. From the heights of the tomb, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.

Picturesque park

Waipahi Water Gardens is located on the south coast of the island. The name of the park means “the sound of the waterfall” in the local language. The name is telling, as the picturesque waterfall is located in the center of a grove of exotic flowers and lush tropical plants. In addition, according to legend, George Harrison, one of the legendary Beatles, visited the park in the 1960s.

In Tahiti, be sure to visit the ancient botanical gardens, which officially opened in 1919. The founder of this magical place was a distinguished American physicist, Professor Harrison Smith, whose love for tropical plants knew no bounds.

Mountains and volcanoes

Among the many natural attractions in French Polynesia, Mount Orochena is one of the most important. This long-extinct volcano towers over all the islands and its stunning views are mesmerizing. The beauty of this mountain is further enhanced by the lava tubes formed by the uneven cooling of the lava flow during the eruption.

Tohiwe Volcano, the highest point of Moorea (Society Islands), also fascinates tourists. This 1207-meter-high mountain is covered with jungle and numerous mountain streams. There are safe hiking trails leading to the summit. During such a hike, you can admire rare tropical plants, while the final destination is a magnificent view of the entire island and the boundless ocean.

By the way, Moorea is only 17 kilometers from Tahiti, so most tourists are willing to include it in their plans for a trip to the French Polynesian islands.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora Atoll is 240 km from Tahiti and is considered one of the top holiday destinations in French Polynesia. Bora Bora is known as the Pearl of the Pacific for its natural beauty and cozy atmosphere. It is often visited by world celebrities seeking seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the world. In addition to beach vacations and swimming, one of the main attractions of the island is diving. In coastal waters, you can admire exotic coral reefs and feed stingrays and sharks under the guidance of experienced guides.

TX7XG. Where is Fakarava Atoll located. Map.