Deserted Islands and Tropicbirds: Escape to Aitutaki, Cook Islands in Polynesia
Stephen Rauch Stephen Rauch

Deserted Islands and Tropicbirds: Escape to Aitutaki, Cook Islands in Polynesia

Step into a world untouched by time—where turquoise lagoons meet deserted white-sand beaches, and vibrant seabirds soar overhead. On Aitutaki, one of the jewels of the Cook Islands, I found myself living a real-life Robinson Crusoe moment: alone on a pristine island, tracing the first footprints in the sand, following crabs along coral-strewn shores, and capturing the colors of paradise through my lens. Join me as I explore the beauty, stillness, and raw wonder of this South Pacific escape.

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Exploring Raiatea: A Visual Journey Through the Sacred Heart of the Society Islands
Stephen Rauch Stephen Rauch

Exploring Raiatea: A Visual Journey Through the Sacred Heart of the Society Islands

Discover the hidden beauty of Raiatea, a lesser-known treasure in French Polynesia’s Society Islands. This photo collection invites you into its tranquil landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual heart — from the sacred marae of Taputapuātea to vibrant island life and untouched nature. Experience a place where ancient traditions and breathtaking scenery come together in perfect harmony.

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Postcards from Papeete, Tahiti
Stephen Rauch Stephen Rauch

Postcards from Papeete, Tahiti

Explore the vibrant heart of Tahiti through the lens of Papeete Market and everyday island life. From colorful stalls to tranquil village scenes, discover how tradition, nature, and community shape the rhythm of Polynesian living.

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Postcards from the Hilton Tahiti
Stephen Rauch Stephen Rauch

Postcards from the Hilton Tahiti

Join me at the starting point of my April 2025 expedition through Polynesia and Melanesia, beginning in the vibrant heart of Tahiti. In this post, I share a first look at the journey with a series of photographs taken at the Hilton Tahiti—a serene coastal retreat in Papeete. From shimmering poolside views to glimpses of Moorea across Nanuu Bay, this post captures the calm before the adventure began. It’s the first in a visual travel series exploring some of the Pacific’s most remote and beautiful islands.

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