Tahiti Overview

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean.

Made famous by the Mutiny of the Bounty, its enchanting scenery, beautiful people and the vivid colours of French painter Paul Gauguin, French Polynesia has become one of the icons of the South Pacific.

The island consists of two roughly round portions centered on volcanic mountains, connected by a short isthmus named after the small town of Taravao, which sits there.

The northwestern part is known as Tahiti Nui, or big Tahiti, and the southeastern part, much smaller, is known as Tahiti Iti (small Tahiti) or Taiarapu. Whereas Tahiti Nui is quite heavily populated (especially around Papeete) and benefits from rather good infrastructure, such as roads and highways, Tahiti Iti has remained quite isolated, its southeastern half (Te Pari) being accessible only by boat or hiking.

Tahiti is some 28 miles (45 km) long at the widest point and covers 1,048 km² (404 sq. miles), with the highest elevation being at 2,241 meters (7,352 feet) above sea level (Mount Orohena).

Tahiti Facts

Land mass: 1360 sq. miles
Population: 220,000
Total islands: 118
Hotels (approx.): 180
Language: Tahitian, French, English
Temp (Celsius) : Jan 32° ; Jun 29°
Currency: CFP100 = (approx.): US$0.65

Tahiti Basic Information

The main attraction of this island is the incredibly beautiful and often dramatic tropical scenery with its hiking trails through tropical forest to refreshing and remote waterfalls.

Moorea also has some of the South Pacific's most attractive tropical scenery with the added attraction of some fine golden sand beaches.

The famous lagoon of Bora Bora, with its picturesque setting and picture postcard white palm fringed beaches, lies in the western portion of the Society Islands about a 45 minute flight from Papeete.

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