Tahiti: A Virtual Guide

Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia. The 402 sq. miles of Tahiti's surface area consists of mountain peaks reaching over 7,353 ft into a lei of wispy clouds. The deep green valleys are covered with rainforests and soft ferns, with waterfalls cascading into cool rivers and streams leading to flat coastal land, with fields of taro and flowers.
Although the geography and environment of Tahiti is very attractive and comparable to the other islands, the large local population and all that implies doesn't make this island an ideal vacation destination for longer than a couple af days.

The other islands nearby (Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine) are peaceful oasis of beauty and romance far more suitable for vacations or honeymoons than Tahiti.

Tahiti, however, offers enough interesting excursions and sites to make it worth a short stay. You can visit the Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens, learn something of the history of the islands at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, view the undersea world at the Lagoonarium and go to he Gauguin Museum were you'll see a displays of some of the artist's paintings. The museum is open everyday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Activities include golf at Tahiti's spectacular American designed championship golf course, island adventure tours , helicopter excursions , horseback riding, tennis, snorkeling, scubadiving, sailing , surfing , wind surfing , deep sea fishing ,water skiing and day trips to the atoll of Tetiaroa (Marlon Brando's) to name just a few.

Papeete

Papeete, the capital and commercial hub of French Polynesia, hosts the government offices, hospitals, banks, airline and travel agencies, boutiques and black pearl shops, etc.. The Central Market (Marché Central) is a must, located 1 block behind the waterfront. You will see traditional Tahitian crafts, flowers, fruits, fish, etc..

The waterfront is attractive, with a tree lined promenade along a marina with an international yachting community. International cargo freighters, copra ships, luxury liners and sailing yachts share the harbor.

There are several excellent restaurants (this is a little France after all) with menus featuring French , Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese and American choices (there is now a MacDonald :-( , in addition to local specialties (upstairs in the Central Market, nice lunch fare with a local band - a popular place). Prices vary to fit just about any budget, starting at about US$12 for a main course.

If you are on a budget or want to get into some local color, there is also some good food to be had on the waterfront parking lot in the center of town. This is where, after 6 pm, you will find the "roulottes", about 2 dozen licensed food trucks offering a variety of inexpensive but fresh and well prepared dishes. This is funky dinning on hard stools amongst locals, tourists, airline crews etc..where the sights are almost as good as the food.

A busy small city, Papeete hums with happy sounds in a tropical atmosphere with French flavor and a Tahitian easygoing disposition.

Museums
The James Norman Hall Home, situated in Arue looks northwards over Matavai Bay where James Cook first landed in 1769. The well loved James Norman Hall, War Hero, pilot, adventurer, poet and writer worked in Tahiti for over 30 years. Most successful and famous for writing the trilogy, 'Mutiny on the Bounty', 'Men against the Sea' and 'Pitcairns Island' his beloved library contains over 3000 books. Or visit the only museum in the world dedicated to pearls will show you this gem of the sea through such different aspects as: art, history, mythology, philosophy and religion. At the Paul Gauguin Museum you will find an amazing retrospective of the life and works of Paul Gauguin, the famous French artist who spent the last 12 years of his life in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands.

Safari 4x4 excursions
Crossing Tahiti via the Papenoo valley by four-wheel vehicle, you will find the mountains rich in archaeological sites and offer spectacular views of impressive waterfalls as far as the Maroto Pass. The trail emerges at the tunnel mouth of the Maroto on the famous natural Lake Vaihiria, the place of the 'eels with ears' legend, before climbing down the Mataiea plain.

Walking Tours
Take one of the many hiking trips of 1 to 3 days in the interior of Tahiti available, discover the 'Pari' on the Peninsula or discover Tahiti-iti peninsula.