It's All About TAHITI

French Polynesian is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. I’m going to give you a little glimpse into the islands of French Polynesian. Some people will say Tahiti for the area but in fact, it is just one island. There are actually 118 islands and atolls that are referred to as The Islands of Tahiti. I am going to give you some information you may not know in a few posts about the different islands.

First, we will start in Tahiti.

Tahiti is located In the South Pacific. It is the largest island in all of the French Polynesian islands. It is located in what is called the Society Islands. The island of Tahiti is divided into sections Tahiti Nui the larger western sections, and Tahiti Iti the smaller eastern peninsula.

Tahiti Map

The official language of The Islands of Tahiti is French. English is spoken widely in tourist areas. You will have no trouble getting around and communicating with people if you do not know French. I have included some words you can learn in The Tahitian language.

Hello – Ia Orana (yo-rah-nah)

Welcome – Maeva (mah-yeh-vah)

Thank you – Maururu (mah-roo-roo)

Man – Tane (tah-nay)

Woman – Vahine (vah-he-nay)

Child – Tamarii (tah-ma-ree-ee)

Bye/See you later – Nana (nah-nah)

Cheers / To your health – Manuia (mah-nwee-ah)

Good – Maitai (my-tie)

Yes – E (ay)

No – Aita (eye-tah)

I love you – Uua here vau ia oe (oo-ah hay-ray ee-ah oh-ay)

Morning – Poipoi (poy-poy)

Evening – Ahiahi (ah-hee-ah-hee)

Island – Motu (moh-too)

Look – A hi’o (ah-hee-oh)

Ocean – Moana (mo-ah-nah)

How are you? – Maita’i oe? (may-tay oh-ay)

I am fine – Maita’i roa (may-tay ro-ah)

What? – Eaha? (ey-ah-hah)

Why? – No te aha? (noh-tay ah-hah)

No problem – Aita pe’a pe’a (eye-tah pay-ah pay-ah)

Bread – Faraoa (fah-rah-o-ah)

Water – Pape (pa-pay)

Pearl – Poe (po-ay)

Black pearl – Poerava (po-ay ra-vah)

Flower – Tiare (tee-ah-ray)

Beer – Pia (pee-ah)

Let’s go – Haere tatou (ha-ay-ray tah-taw)

Cloth wrap – Pareu (pa-ray-oh)

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia. This is the city you will fly into no matter what country you are flying in from. Faa'a International Airport is the only one in the Tahitian islands. It is under a nine-hour flight from LAX.

Most likely you will either stay in Tahiti the first day you get there or your last depending on your flight coming in. Some people stay a day or two here first to get over the jet lag. You can spend your whole vacation here but I recommend visiting at least one other island on your trip. Each island is very different.

Let’s talk a little about some sights you can see.

With beautiful lagoons, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and extinct volcanic mountains there is so much to see and do on the island of Tahiti. Mount Orohena, is the tallest in French Polynesian. Standing 7352ft above sea level is an extinct volcano. Mount Aorai is the second highest peak in Tahiti. It is known for its views and has hiking trails. The beautiful crown of Tahiti Mount Le Diadème

In Papenoo Valley, you will find some beautiful waterfalls including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls. A full half-day hike you can find Fautaua fall located in the village of Tiarei. and Puraha Falls

Teahupo‘o known as the “heaviest wave in the world. It breaks on a shallow reef which makes it also one of the deadliest waves to surf. It’s a village on the southwestern coast of the island. Teahupoo is a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, but don't risk your life. Lookup a few videos of the waves there are breathtaking. They also hold surfing competitions.

Peter Joli's iconic image

Papeete Market

Located two blocks from the waterfront in the Papeete, the market covers two stories. You can find Tahitian-made crafts, oils, vanilla, fruits, flowers, pareos, carvings, Food, and more. Worth a visit to pick up a few souvenirs.

Don’t forget to pick up a Tahitian Black Pearl they come in a range of colors and sizes you can choose from.

Famous in Papeete, you will also find colorful food trucks called Les Roulottes. They’re great places to sit and eat and try local food.

Point Venus is in Tahiti’s northernmost area. it is a popular place for picnics on a black-sand beach. This spot is also where you will find a tall white lighthouse built in 1868.

Matavai Bay Lookout for a short hike with wonderful views.

Museum of Tahiti features exhibits the volcanic origins of the Islands of Tahiti, and the evolution of its peoples.

Tip you can rent a car and drive the whole island yourself or there are also plenty of tour operators that do excursions. They have circle islands tours that will take you to all the highlights on the island.

There are plenty of beaches on Tahiti for swimming and snorkeling on reefs. There are also diving outfits that you can go diving with. Lots to see under the water.

You may also take a day trip to the sister island of Moorea.

Moorea is the sister island of Tahiti. To get to Moorea from Tahiti you can take a short flight or about a 40-minute ferry from Tahiti. Moorea is a heart-shaped island. It has rugged mountains and crystal clear lagoon water. It has very calm water. I enjoyed kayaking in the lagoons. There is great snorkeling here as well around the reefs. There are tour companies that also offer excursions.

Let’s talk a little about places to stay on the island of Tahiti. You have luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. Some resorts have rooms with kitchenettes. Tip you can cook some of your meals and save a little money that way. There are moderate resort and budget-friendly hotels on the island of Tahiti. They also have vacation home rentals. You may want to try a Tahiti guest house. We’re you can learn more from the local people and live the way they do. There are yacht charters that you can also do. Lots of the resorts are on the beach with wonderful views.

Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts

Hilton Hotel Tahiti

InterContinental Resort Tahiti

Tahiti is a beautiful island that deserves to be visited. If you only have a day to spend on the island of Tahiti try to visit one of the attractions on the island. There are plenty of places to stay and things to see. I recommend at least one day on the main island. Either before your flight home or before you fly off to the other islands.

Please follow me. More posts to follow on other French Polynesian Islands. If you have not already followed me on Instagram at @UnlockTheAdventureTravel or contact me at carissa@unlocktheadventuretravel.com for help planning your vacation.