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About Tahiti
Tahiti lies in the South Pacific. It is the largest of the 118 islands and isles that comprise French Polynesia. Tahiti is located in the Society Islands, an archipelago which includes the islands of Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine and Moorea, and has a population of 127,000 people. The legendary name 'Tahiti' not only identifies this island but also the group of islands that make up French Polynesia.
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in Tahiti
In Tahiti there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.|
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Security in Tahiti
Tahiti is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Tahiti you can click here.Discounted Travel Insurance
Backpacker Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world. Click below to view our discounted backpacker rates...
Map of Tahiti
Tahiti and her islands are some of the most beautiful in all the south Pacific. Tahitians are very respectful and generous and kind. To hear random people say 'hello' on the street to strangers or even passersby is not uncommon.
Cities of Tahiti
- Papeete is the capital city and the administrative center. Once a sleepy town, today its harbor is busy with cargo freighters, copra ships, luxury liners and ocean-going yachts. There are sidewalk cafes, shops overflowing with French fashions, shell jewelry and handicrafts and a wide variety of restaurants serving Tahitian, French, and Asian cuisine.
- Faa'a hosts the international airport built on the lagoon.
History of Tahiti
Polynesians first settled in the Pacific around 4,000 years ago. Using wooden double-hulled sailing canoes lashed together with natural fibers and applying their knowledge of the wind, currents and stars, the first intrepid navigators sailed eastward, settling the central island groups of the Cook Islands and French Polynesia between 500 BC and 500 AD. Other great expeditions undertaken around 1000 AD established the Polynesian triangle consisting of Hawaii (to the north), Easter Island (to the east), Tahiti and her islands (to the west) and New Zealand (to the south-west.)
Climate in Tahiti
The climate is tropical. Summer is from November through April, with a warmer and more humid climate and winter is from May through October, when the climate is slightly cooler and drier.
Travel to Tahiti
Holders of a passport from the EU, and most countries of North or South America don't need to apply for a visa for a stay of up to one month. All other foreigners entering French Polynesia must have a return ticket.
By plane - Tahiti is served by Faa'a International Airport, which is close to the main city of Papeete. Expect to be greeted by a small band, ladies handing out flowers any time of the day or the night.
By plane - Tahiti is served by Faa'a International Airport, which is close to the main city of Papeete. Expect to be greeted by a small band, ladies handing out flowers any time of the day or the night.
Getting around Tahiti
- By bus - The most common form of transportation around Tahiti is "le Truck". It is a rickety public open-air bus with wooden passenger cabins that will stop on the side of the street and serve different cities.
- By boat - The ferry or catamaran will take you to Moorea and other adjacent islands. It now takes about half an hour by catamaran to go from Tahiti to Moorea.
- By plane - there are regular flights between all the islands out of Tahiti. It will take you about 10 minutes to go to the sister island of Tahiti, Moorea. Helicopters are one other option.
Things to do and see in Tahiti
Tahitian Culture
- 'Le Marché' - This is the large two-story Papeete's market place where many things can be bought.
- The Arahoho blowhole on the North side of Tahiti Nui.
- Les Trois Cascades - Three beautiful waterfalls inside the island of Tahiti Nui.
- Tomb of King Pomare the Fifth - The tomb of the only king of Tahiti, when France was a monarchy.
- Pointe Venus Lighthouse - Black sand beach and clear blue water by a fishing reef. A name given by Captain Cook during his scientific observation mission of the Planet Venus.
- Botanical Garden/Gauguin Museum - At Papeari, on the west coast, the botanical garden made by Harrison Smith lies alongside the Gauguin Museum in the magical setting of the Motu Ovini.
- The Olivier-Breaud Golf Course - You can admire the wonderful layout of this golf course set in the magnificent Atimoana complex which was a sugar cane farmland rum in the 19th century.
- Arahurahu Marae - A restored religious site containing various stone block structures dedicated to the old gods and where important ceremonies used to take place.
- All nautical activities: surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling (most resorts will provide you with the equipment for free), canyoning, stingray and shark feedings, water sports, deep sea fishing, kitesurfing...anything.
- You also have the possibility of hiking, 4WD safari, golf.
Tahitian Language:
Iaorana (E-yo-or-ahna) = Hello
Mauruuru (ma-rou-rou) = Thank you
Vahine (vah-heen-ney) = Woman
Tane (tah-ney) = Man
Nana (nah-nah) = Goodbye
Maeva (ma-ay-va) = Welcome
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