Tahiti

Holidays in Polynesia begin in Tahiti, the only island with an international airport, built in 1960. Tahiti concentrates most of the Polynesian economic activity in Papeete, its capital, as well as the famous Papeete Market to explore.

Named “New Cythera” by Bougainville, the island offers a marked duality between modernity and tradition. The more the lush valleys are explored, the more evident this duality becomes. Tahiti retains, in its rivers, waterfalls, valleys and mountains, an unalterable charm.

An exhilarating nature

Tahiti, with the highest peak in Polynesia, Orohena, offers splendid hiking tours guided by professionals passionate about Polynesian nature.

The Three Waterfalls of Tiarei and the magnificent Lake Vaihiria reveal all the splendor of the island. The Papeno’o valley, the largest in Tahiti and Polynesia, is home to many natural riches, including the Vaitu’oru river and spectacular waterfalls.

Hikes to Te Pari, a unique natural formation on the Tahiti Peninsula, reveal exceptional nature. The gardens of Vaipahi and Harrison Smith, accessible by car, highlight the botanical assets of the island.

Beaches, such as Pointe Vénus with its black sand, offer moments of relaxation or water activities. Every year, between August and October, whales and their calves can be admired in Polynesian waters.

Historical treasures

The history of Tahiti persists thanks to sites like the Marae Arahurahu, an altar dedicated to ancestral deities.

The Papeno’o valley, the subject of archaeological excavations and restorations for several years, reveals vestiges such as marae, habitation sites, and agricultural cultivation areas.

The home of James Norman Hall, author of Mutineers of the Bounty, transformed into a museum, welcomes literature enthusiasts.

The Museum of Tahiti and Its Islands traces the history of Polynesia, from its origins to today. Finally, the Black Pearl Museum, inaugurated in 1998, tells the story of this “black gold” through the arts, legends and pearl cultivation techniques.

Tahiti, rich in surprises, offers a fascinating taste of what all of Polynesia can reveal.