

This mountainous island provides opportunities for spectacular adventure among its scenic valleys, grottoes and waterfalls. Visit ancient archaeological sites and the Gauguin Museum, take a 4 x 4 safari or a dramatic helicopter tour, go deep-sea fishing or shark feeding, or enjoy the exciting shopping, dining and nightlife of bustling Papeete.
Set amid 30 acres of landscaped gardens, this resort enjoys a convenient location close to downtown Papeete and the airport.
Featuring contemporary Polynesian décor, with in-suite kitchenettes, each room offers a luxurious home base for travelers of all kinds.
Located on the west coast, in the heart of tropical gardens with direct access to the lagoon featuring a view of Moorea island and in the evenings, beautiful sunsets.
The largest of the Society Islands, Tahiti is a mixture of Polynesian, French, and Chinese cultures. The island, made up of the main island Tahiti Nui and the peninsula, Tahiti Iti, is also the most developed of the South Sea destinations. Long before the cruise liners weaved through the distant reef, others sought out these exotic beaches: Captain James Cook on Endeavour, William Bligh on Bounty, and many of the great Polynesian voyagers. Romantics also entered the harbor. Moby Dick author Herman Melville and artist Paul Gauguin, among many, were greeted with the soaring sight of magnificent Tahiti, towering over the town of Papeete. The town itself is a relatively recent invention, founded in 1818 by whalers (the indigenous Polynesians were based farther up the coast at the beautiful Matavai Bay). Papeete is still very much a provincial French town, albeit one with a distinctly Pacific flavor.
The wet season in French Polynesia is November to April—three quarters of the annual rainfall (70 inches at Papeete) falls during this period. This is considered the off-season and holidaymakers can expect temperatures of 80 to 86º F. Expect heavy humidity, but there is always the possibility of a cooling breeze.
The locals take any chance to celebrate and will gladly bring tourists into the fold, which will most certainly include a plethora of feasting, singing, drumming, and dancing. After Christmas, New Year's, and Easter, the next big holiday is Bastille Day on July 14th—this is a French protectorate, after all. Festival Tahiti, a celebration of island culture, runs from late June to late July.
Climb Every Mountain : Climbing is popular in Tahiti, with the favorite summit being 6,778-foot Aorai. It is at the end of a rugged road and, despite being in the South Seas, cold at the higher elevations.
Take a Hike : Tahiti has a rugged interior, which is also very wet. The territory's only national park, Parc naturel Te Faaiti, is on the slopes of Mount Orohena. There are daily hiking tours from Papeete.
Surf's Up : Surfing is a major sport in French Polynesia, with Tahiti Nui's west coast generally the preferred location.
Hit the Links : Tahiti has several golf courses. One of the better ones is the International Golf Course Olivier Breaud, which attracts professional players.
Shop for Pearls : Throughout the world, the black pearl symbolizes Tahiti. Many Tahitians wear them almost casually, although the best of the pearls are pricey luxury items.
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