Tahiti

Tahiti is part of French Polynesia. French Polynesia includes Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaroa, Maiao, Mehetia, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Tupai, Maupelia, Manuae, Motu One. The island of Tahiti appears to be two large islands (land masses) connected by narrow and natural bridge. The entire island is surrounded by reefs. You can see large waves breaking about ¼ to ½ mile from shore.  There is one major road that goes around most of the island.  There is a potion of the Tahiti coast that does not have a road.  There is also a road that goes through the center of the island but you need a tough 4x4 vehicle to travel it.


Genuinely friendly people. Everyone wears flowers in there ear.  A famous Tahitian flower is called the "Tiare".  In many parts of the island you will see young men "spear fishing".  The spears are made from tree branches and will have a thinner sharper tip.  In some cases the tip will be made from a piece of metal.  Wood carving, painting, traditional dancing and other artistic expressions are popular.  The weather is always warm in Tahiti.  There are times that you will need a light rain coat or umbrella for short periods of rainfall.  In some parts of the year, it rains nights and morning to then clear up for a sunny afternoon.  In other parts of the year it may tend to rain late in the afternoon.  The hotel season is between December and April.  The Dry season is from April to June and again from October to December. 

Bicycles are a common form of transportation and fun for locals.  Although high performance surfboards are a commodity and expensive to purchase, you can purchase basic surfing and other water sporting goods at local food markets.  Tribal tatoos and tatoos of aquatic life are common amongst native men and women.


Europeans did not land in Tahiti until 1767, starting with Wallis.  Tahiti was colonized by the French thus French is official language of the country. Like most colonized nations, the language became a hybrid of the native Tahitian language mixed w/French.  Many Tahitians speak "Reo Mao'hi" at home. By 1842 France imposed a "Protectorate" status on the Tahitian Islands.  In 1996 Tahiti gained "Internal Autonomy" political status which led to its own government.  The local currency is The Polynesian Franc which is based off of the French Franc and the Euro.  In 2007 there are approximately 254,000 people living in the Tahitian Islands and 170,000 of them living on the main island of Tahiti.  The Capital City of Tahiti is called Papeete (pa-pe -e-te). The phone country code is 689. 220 volt vs 110 volt are the standard electrical outlets provided. Also be cautious of un standard entry way steps. There may only be a 1to 2 inch difference in floor heights, that are almost un-noticible.

Tahiti as a vacation spot is most popular amongst the French. You will also find Australians, New Zealanders, and Americas traveling to Tahiti. The approximate flight/travel time from Lax (LA, California) to Tahiti is 8hours.  Tahiti and neighboring islands have accommodations such as The Radisson on Tahiti and the Intercontinental on Moorea.  Travelers can enjoy tours, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, swimming, fishing, and sight seeing just to name a few activities.


There are many white and black sand beaches commonly called “plages”.   You will tend to find clear water beaches having white sand and scattered sections of reef. Some of the famous surfing spots located in Tahiti include Teahupoo, Papeno, Supinas, LaFayette, and Beach Combers. 


Teahupoo is a world famous surfing destination and host to major surfing competitions. Famous professionals incuding Thierry Vernaudon, Mark Occhilupo, Mike Stewart, and cory lopez have surfed this location. Teahupoo is located in the south east part of the island where the road ends. There is a small café that serves fish, hamburgers, and ice cream made from poi (Taro Ice Cream).


Tahiti is a great pacific destination.  Warm weather, exotic culture, and fun activities for all to enjoy.