Hao
31 miles long, 1 412 persons.
31 miles long, 1 412 persons.
This big island in the central Tuamotu Archipelago is located 920 kilometers
(572 miles) east of the island of Tahiti at 18°03’38” south latitude and 140°59’15” west longitude. It is the administrative
center of a district that includes the associated districts of Amanu and Hereheretue.
Hao has one of the largest lagoons in French Polynesia.
Running from northwest to southeast for 55 kilometers (34 miles), Hao has only one pass through the coral reef connecting the lagoon with the ocean. That pass—named kaki—has very strong currents.
The village of Otepa is located on a motu to the north, 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the airport. Six main roads crisscross through the village and two roads, one next to the lagoon, the other next to the ocean, cover the entire motu. Water pipes installed by the Pacific Nuclear Testing Center are found along the sides of all roads.
A French National Gendarmerie brigade serves as the atoll’s police force.
Hao has one of the largest lagoons in French Polynesia.
Running from northwest to southeast for 55 kilometers (34 miles), Hao has only one pass through the coral reef connecting the lagoon with the ocean. That pass—named kaki—has very strong currents.
The village of Otepa is located on a motu to the north, 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the airport. Six main roads crisscross through the village and two roads, one next to the lagoon, the other next to the ocean, cover the entire motu. Water pipes installed by the Pacific Nuclear Testing Center are found along the sides of all roads.
A French National Gendarmerie brigade serves as the atoll’s police force.
Source : Présidence Tahiti
