Papeete 17°32'S 149°35'W

Tahiti Nui, also known as French Polynesia, is made up of 118 fabulous coral and volcanic islands in five far-flung archipelagoes, each with their own particular character:
the Society Islands, the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Gambiers and Australs, as well as Clipperton atoll.
Tahiti is the largest island with Papeete as the capital of the Territory situated on the Northwest coast with a harbour sheltered by reefs.
It is situated in the South Pacific Ocean half way between California (6,200 km) and Australia (5,700 km).
Tahiti is now the busy hub of French Polynesia. Most of the activity is centered around the city of Papeete. It's the part of the island most visitors see, if only in passing: Papeete's Faaa Airport handles all international flights and many inter-island planes, and many of the cruise and freighter excursions begin at Papeete's harbor. As the only real city in French Polynesia (pop. 100,000), Papeete can teach you a lot about life in the South Pacific. And while you will experience some traffic jams and noise, it's relatively clean, safe and efficient for a city in the developing world.
Cargo ships, ferries and large cruise ships are also part of the mix, as are the roulottes (snack trucks) parked along the waterfront. Just a few blocks inland is the Papeete Market, which is a must-see. Catering to both tourists and residents, it includes handicrafts, flowers and fresh-food items. There's lots of local color, people sitting on the floor making flower leis, tables full of brilliantly colored fish, locals drinking Hinano in the upstairs bar/restaurant. The craft items are largely souvenir grade, but it's a good place to pick up small knick-knacks and woven-straw items.

For pricier fare, you'll find galleries, pearl shops and designer-clothing stores on nearby blocks, especially near Vaima Centre. The Vaima complex is also home to the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, which explains the pearl-growing business and gives you yet another chance to make a purchase.
Papeete is one of few places in French Polynesia where things remain lively well into the night. Try to visit at least one of the clubs or discos to watch the locals cut loose on the dance floor.

Tahiti has one big advantage over other islands as far as visitors are concerned: It has a frequent, reliable and inexpensive form of public transit. These small, open-sided buses follow set routes and can transport you short distances in and around Papeete or all the way around the island. They're safe, fun and a great way to immerse yourself in local life.

Out of Papeete, along the north shore of the island one can make a stop at Point Venus, on the outskirts of Papeete. Matavai Bay, which is enclosed by the point, was used as an anchorage by many of the early European ships to reach Tahiti. Captain Cook built a fort on the point during his first visit to the island. The black-sand beach near the point is now a popular seaside destination. Farther east is the Arahoho Blowhole, where water from incoming waves explodes through a hole in the rocks.

If you continue along the coastal road, you'll reach the town of Taravao, where the two portions of the island meet. If you continue to circle Tahiti Nui, you'll soon reach the Gauguin Museum, which details the artist's life and has some reproductions of his work. The wonderful Harrison Smith Botanical Garden is right next door. It has a lovely miniature forest of Tahitian chestnuts and other examples of local plantlife. From there, the road circles back toward Papeete. About 9 mi/15 km from the city, you'll reach the Museum of Tahiti and Its Islands, which has good historical and cultural displays.

TOURISM OFFICE

Tahiti Tourisme
Pomare Boulevard
Paofai Bldg, entry D.
P.O. BOX 65
Papeete
Tahiti French Polynesia
Tel.: + 689 50 57 00
Fax: + 689 43 66 19
E-mail: tahiti-tourisme@mail.pf
Internet: www.tahiti-tourisme.com

GENERAL INFORMATION TAHITI AND HER ISLANDS

Area: 4167 sq km (1609 sq miles).
Population: 231,500 (2000).
Population density: 55.6 per sq km.
Capital: Papeete (Tahiti Island).
Population capital: 25,553 (1996).
Language: The official languages are French and Tahitian.
Other Polynesian languages are spoken by the indigenous population. English is widely understood, mainly by islanders accustomed to dealing with foreign visitors.
Religion: Approximately 55 per cent Protestant and 34 per cent Catholic.
Time: Gambier Islands: GMT - 9.
Marquesas Islands: GMT - 9.5.
Society Archipelago, Tubuai Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago (except Gambier Islands), Tahiti: GMT - 10.
Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. US-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Currency: French Pacific Franc (CFPFr) = 100 centimes.
Country Code: + 689 ~
IDD Access Code: 00 ~