Day 17, Jan 25, 2024 a Day on Tahiti, capital of the French Polynesian Islands
Tahiti
Queen of the Pacific
The heart and soul of the South Pacific, Tahiti is the largest in a chain of islands that make up French Polynesia. The name can either refer to the main island or the entire destination. Commonly referred to as The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia is a collection of 118 islands and atolls scattered across an impressive nautical surface area the size of Western Europe. Still, these tiny islands—many of which remain uninhabited—make up a total landmass of only 1,600 square miles (4,100 sq. km).
The Locale
You may be wondering, where is Tahiti? The islands are situated halfway between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia. They are in the same time zone as Hawaii and located just as far south of the equator as Hawaii is north. Since the word often conjures up visions of a distant, unspoiled paradise, many assume them to be far away; but in all reality, Tahiti is only eight hours from Los Angeles.
The island of Tahiti is divided into two parts: The larger portion to the northwest is known as Tahiti Nui, while the smaller, southeastern peninsula is known as Tahiti Iti. Tahiti Nui is dominated by three extinct volcanic mountains including Mount Orohena, the tallest in French Polynesia; Mount Aorai, known for its incredible views; and Le Diadème, which appears to crown the island as the rightful queen.
Home to the capital city of Papeete, Tahiti is the economic center of French Polynesia. Since all flights arrive through Faa'a International Airport, your tailored Tahiti vacation will begin and end in Papeete. While you may be tempted to jet off immediately to the other islands, we recommend staying at least a day or two. Tahiti strikes an interesting contrast to some of the more quiet, secluded islands in the region; and with a selection of wonderful and convenient Tahiti resorts available, you will never regret staying.
The Allure
Papeete is a vibrant and multicultural city with busy boulevards and a bustling harbor. The downtown municipal market, Le Marché, is an exciting place to purchase all things Tahiti including vanilla beans, monoi oil and colorful pareos. Just down the street at Le Centre Vaima is the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, which is a great place to start if you're hoping to purchase a Tahitian black pearl during your stay. To live like a local, head to Vai'ete Square after sunset. This waterfront promenade comes to life at night when gourmet food trucks, Les Roulottes, open their windows to serve a range of affordable meals including Chinese food, French crépes, steak frites, fresh fish and pizza.
Celebration
Tahiti really is the hub of all cultural activity. Every July, the annual Heiva I Tahiti transforms the island into a spectacular celebration of Polynesian culture and dance. Year round, you can also catch an authentic Tahitian dance show at the InterContinental Resort every Friday and Saturday night. Permanent historical fixtures include the house of James Norman Hall, Point Venus, the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, the Paul Gauguin Museum, and the Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens. These can all be seen on a guided Circle Island Tour, or you can rent a car and explore the island at your leisure.
Impression
Often overlooked by travelers eager to experience the outer islands, Tahiti is more than just a means to an end. How much time you choose to spend here is up to you, but give yourself a chance to see everything the island has to offer—beyond the initial view from the plane.
More info: https://www.tahiti.com/island/tahiti
- Flowers for the ears: Left side > Taken; Right side > Available
- We opted for a West Coast Tahiti bus tour today with three stops. The first pictures were taken out the bus window as we traveled to our initial stop.
The Society Islands are an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean that includes the major islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Huahine. Politically, they are part of French Polynesia, an overseas country of the French Republic. Geographically, they form part of Polynesia.
The archipelago is believed to have been named by Captain James Cook during his first voyage in 1769, supposedly in honor of the Royal Society, the sponsor of the first British scientific survey of the islands; however, Cook wrote in his journal that he called the islands Society "as they lay contiguous to one another."
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_Islands
Arahurahu marae is an archeological site that was restored in 1953. It is a site that reflects part of the maohi culture that thrived in French Polynesia before the arrival of the first Europeans. Typical of the ancient cultural centers, there is a tahua (sacred square),a patu (surrounding wall), un ahu (altar), red unu dedicated to the taura (wooden sculptures dedicated to the guardian spirits). The site can be found in the valley of Tefa'aiti, a calm spot surrounded by pleasant countryside. At the inauguration of the renovated site in 1954, there was a reenactment of the consecration ceremony for an Arii (Supreme Chief). The ceremony much pleased the large crowd and ever since, the same reenactment is performed each year during the Heiva festival in July. When visiting, please remember that this is a historical and religous site of much importance to the Polynesian people.
- Marae Taata at PK 19 in Paea is one of the biggest marae still visible on the island of Tahiti. The architecture of this royal marae is unique in that it unites three marae, each of which was built in a different fashion for three different chiefs: Pouira o Tevahitua i Patea, Tetooha o Taura atua i Patea, and Punuaaitua. The proof of the royal status of these cheifs was evident from the cut stone and the human bones that were found here. It was obviously the scene of important sacred ceremonies because human sacrifices were carried out. It is also cited in the oral histories that Ari'i Maro'Ura was enthroned here under the reign of Pomare 1st.
The stones of the first marae were laid in such a way that they fitted together. The stones of the second were cut, placed and aligned in rows to give an impression of grandeur, which is characteristic of the period of the god Oro.
The stones of the third marae were set in an irregular pattern to accentuate the power of one of the greatest coalitions of the island's clans, the «Te ’Oropa’a» which reigned over the west coast during the18th century.
The monument had to be restored because it had been allowed to fall into disrepair. 
How about these papayas?- On our way to Waipahi Water Gardens
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