Volcanic Sand

The Polynesian Islands were formed several million years ago, thanks to the emergence of volcanoes.

We distinguish high islands and volcanic islands, low islands or coral islands.

The volcanic islands are formed after the eruption of a volcano.

The island is then formed by slow ascent to the surface of erupted material (basalt lava and ash). Once emerged, the cone of the volcano goes off, cools and then starts the process of erosion.

Under the action of rain and wind, the basalt breaks down slowly and comes off the cliffs to be spread by the waters surrounding the island and to be thrown on the coast.

This phenomenon has led to the formation of the famous black sand beaches.

Located in the islands of the Windward Islands, Tahiti is the youngest but also the largest and highest volcanic island of Polynesia.

Polynesian mythology tells that the goddess of fire was chased away from Tahiti by her sister, the goddess of sea. By travelling accross the Pacific Ocean looking for a new home, she was
creating a crater at each stop where she was lightening a fire, that her sister was hurryinh to put out. She finally found refuge in Hawaii on the summit of Kilauea volcano.