Where is Tahiti

Tahiti is the main island of French Polynesia. The island is home to the country's capital, Papeete, as well as the air gate and main port. 80% of the Polynesian population lives here. The lively island is the center of culture and economic life of the state.

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Geography and location of Tahiti

Tahiti and the other 117 Polynesian islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, almost halfway between Australia and California. It seems that this is disproportionately far away, although the islands of Tahiti are in the same time zone as the more northern Hawaii.

The main island of the Community Islands archipelago is of volcanic origin. Geographically, Tahiti consists of two parts connected by an isthmus - the larger and more densely populated Tahiti Nui and the almost deserted Tahiti Iti. Both islands are characterized by a mountainous landscape consisting of parts of an ancient volcano. The total area of Tahiti is 1042 km². The highest point is Mount Orohena (2241 m).

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How to get to Tahiti

You can fly to the Polynesian islands only through the only international airport, Faaa, which is located in Tahiti, 5 kilometers from Papeete.

The most popular airlines flying to Tahiti are:

• Air France
• French Bee
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Air Tahiti Nui
• United Airlines
• LATAM Airlines Group SA
• Air New Zealand
• Air Tahiti
• Aircalin

To get to other islands in the region, you must take a domestic flight from Air Tahiti or Air Moana. Flights operate regularly throughout the day. Islands that can be reached by domestic flight from Papeete: Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea. It is recommended to book connecting flights in advance, especially during the warm season from May to October, the peak of tourism in the Polynesian islands.

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What to do in Tahiti

• Beach holidays and water activities.
• Diving.
• Surfing.
• Fishing.
• Helicopter excursions.
• Sea cruises.
• Mountain hikes.
• Attractions .
• Shopping in Papeete.

The island's tourism infrastructure consists of several modern resorts, an excellent selection of bed and breakfasts, well-groomed beaches and a variety of restaurants. A huge selection of excursions awaits you in Tahiti. Trekking trips and jungle safaris occupy a key place.

If you are in transit on the island, pay attention to the Fautaua Valley and an organized tour of Tahiti. These will be great options for a quick introduction to nature and culture.

Top attractions in Tahiti include Cape Venus, Waipahi Water Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Paul Gauguin Museum and Robert Wang Pearl Museum.

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Interesting facts about Tahiti

• People appeared on the islands of Tahiti later than on any other currently inhabited corners of the planet. This happened about 3-4 thousand years ago. The first Tahitians were people from Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
• The official language of Tahiti is not Tahitian, but French.
• The Tahitian alphabet consists of only 13 letters.
• There is no word for please in the Tahitian language. For a long time in Polynesian communities everything was common.
• Archery was considered a sacred sport in ancient times in Tahiti.
• Overwater bungalows were first built in Tahiti in the mid-20th century.
• There are no poisonous insects or snakes on the island.
• The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian tatau. Tattoos are considered here the main decorations that are applied upon reaching adulthood.
• Tahitians decorate their heads with a gardenia flower, one of the symbols of Tahiti. It is interesting that gardenia is worn behind the right ear by single men and women, and behind the left ear by married or in a relationship.
• Tahitian traditional dances that entertain tourists create a powerful energy message. Since ancient times they have manifested themselves in many aspects of life. The Tahitians danced the Ori-Tahiti in moments of love, joy, prayer, competition or sadness.

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