Legendary Tahiti
The mystique of Tahiti as a tropical island paradise began when
the first European visitors returned to their countries with glowing
reports of a gentle climate, friendly natives, abundant food and
uninhibited love under the swaying palms. Bouganville, Cook, the
Bounty mutineers and even the missionaries helped to perpetuate
this image. Poets, painters, writers, whalers, traders, beachcombers,
drifters, seamen, voyagers,
explorers, adventurers, filmmakers and South Seas characters spread
the fame of Tahiti far and wide.
The legend of Tahiti as an earthly paradise has filled a void for
many dreamers for over 200 years.
The Maohi ancestors of today's Polynesians were well-established
in Tahiti and all the neighboring islands. The Marquesan island
of Ua Huka contains an archaeological site dating from 300 A.D.
Research reveals evidence of man's presence in Huahine as early
as 850 A.D. Historians believe the Polynesians may have originated
in Indonesia and spread eastward in two great waves as a result
of population pressures.
Although the origin of the Polynesian people is still unclear, they
believed themselves to be direct descendants of the Sky-father and
the Earth-mother. Tahitian oral history tells of Ta'aroa, a benevolent
god who created an entire retinue of gods and demi-gods, who were
in constant communication with man.
Long before Captain Samuel Wallis sailed into Tahiti's Matavai Bay
in 1767 and claimed the island for the King of England, Tahiti was
settled by a dynasty of Maohi kings, the Hui Arii. Polynesian society
was in full power in Tahiti when nomad tribes were still wandering
and fighting throughout Europe. In addition to the colorful myths
and legends of gods and heroes, the Tahitians had a well-developed
hierarchy of social and religious chiefs, well defined customs,
a complicated code of court etiquette, sophisticated dances and
drama and high standards of craftsmanship.
In this age of jet travel, the possibility of escaping to the romantic
South Seas has become a reality for voyagers from many countries.
Tahiti and Her Islands still hold the enchantment that mesmerized
Melville, Darwin, Zane Grey, Somerset Maugham and Nordhoff and Hall.
Tahiti is still a place of romance, legend and magic. Visitors can
still enjoy landfalls unchanged since the voyage of the great navigators;
beaches and turquoise waters as beautiful as Robert Louis Stevenson
observed from his yacht; welcoming faces and colors as vivid as
Paul Gauguin painted them. And such exquisite beauty that even the
most taciturn of visitors agree that Tahiti is a state of mind.
The scenery, the flowers, the laughter and the fun of Tahiti still
exist. These, and the Polynesians themselves, are Tahiti's legendary
assets.
Totally Tahitian Experiences
Over water bungalows, Tahiti’s signature accommodation, are
unique to Tahiti and provide an incredibly memorable experience.
From the outrigger canoe breakfast deliveries to the glass coffee
table that allows for fish viewing from the living room, it is a
hotel room beyond the ordinary.
Tahitian Cultured Pearls are Tahiti’s largest export and
are found only in French Polynesia (well, the Japanese are experimenting
and producing some of lesser quality). Visitors can explore black
pearl farms in Manihi, Rangiroa and Raiatea, and watch the grafting
of the blacked-lipped oysters that create these
exotic and highly prized pearls. Before buying pearls, it’s
a great idea to stop by the Tahiti Pearl Museum in Papeete to learn
how to judge the value based on size, color and shape.
The Cuisine of Tahiti is a delectable array of fresh fish, exotic
tropical fruits and vegetables, with a Polynesian influence and
unmistakable French flair. Not to be missed is poisson cru, fresh
fish marinated with lime and coconut, mixed with vegetables. Parrot
fish, ahi, mahi-mahi and other fresh fish are divine in a light
sauce made from vanilla beans and coconut milk.
Baguettes anyone? Check out those little boxes outside homes that
look like mail boxes. Those are for residents’ twice-daily
delivery of French baguettes. Visitors can pick up a baguette at
the market for about 35 cents. Grab a few things to go with it and
have a marvelous picnic on a secluded beach.
Stop by the roulottes or catering trucks that gather at the wharf
in downtown Papeete each evening. Hungry visitors can wander through
dozens of roulottes to choose their fare. Unbelievably delicious
meals – including stir fry, curry, roast pig, pizza, and flaming
crêpes – can be had at bargain prices in a fun atmosphere.
The Hawaiki Nui Va’a could best be described as the Super
Bowl of outrigger canoe races. It’s the world’s largest,
longest and most exhilarating international open ocean outrigger
canoe event, and is the ultimate test of strength and endurance
for both men and women. Six-person crews race 72 miles from the
island of Huahine to Raiatea, then to Tahaa and finally to Bora
Bora. An entourage of avid fans follow by canoes and boats, creating
a colorful regatta throughout that week in mid-October.
Tetiaroa is Marlon Brando’s private island that he graciously
opens to visitors. It’s just an hour’s boat ride from
Tahiti, so it’s ideal for a day trip. Known as the bird island,
this spectacular atoll was once the playground of Polynesian kings.
Tahiti and Her Islands are best known as a romantic paradise.
Honeymooners and couples of all ages rediscover each other in the
seclusion of the islands. More and more are renewing their marriage
vows in a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony. Though not a legal
ceremony, the ritual is deep and meaningful. Couples are bedecked
in pareus, flowers, shells and feathers and the groom approaches
the beach in an outrigger canoe. His bride, who was carried in on
a rattan throne, awaits him on the white sand beach. A spectacular
sunset and lapping lagoon create the stunning backdrop. Tahitian
music and dancers enhance the ambiance. A Tahitian priest marries
the couple and gives them their Tahitian names and the Tahitian
name of their first-born.
Stone fishing tournaments are an exciting time on the island of
Tahaa. In the method of their ancestors, the villagers wade into
the lagoon, beating the water with stones tied to ropes. The frenzy
frightens the schools of fish, driving them ashore, where they are
easily collected for a feast.
Celestial navigation -- the ancient Polynesians who settled the
South Pacific islands, were geniuses in guiding their way using
only the stars, waves, currents, bird flights, sun and wind. A visit
to the Tahiti and Her Islands Museum on the island of Tahiti is
a good way to explore this amazing bit of history.
Shark feeding -- visitors are in the water with hungry reef sharks
circling about as a guide carefully hand-feeds the ominous creatures.
Even those who don’t swim (if they’re adventurous enough)
can participate. The guide strings a rope to hold on to, participants
just don a mask and snorkel and watch the excitement. Rangiroa is
known as one of the world’s greatest shark dives. In Tiputa
pass, literally hundreds of these creatures create the famous shark
wall. People are intrigued by the sharks in Tahiti, which are non-aggressive
– even docile. Divers who swim with a variety of species are
amazed that they can get so close without being harmed.
Tattoo is one of the few Polynesian words that worked its way into
our language (taboo is another). This ancient Polynesian custom
dates back to the days of warring on neighboring tribes. Full of
symbolism, often done without anesthetic, and using traditional
instruments, this remains an important part of Tahitian
tradition.
The rare tiare apetahi flower can only be found on one mountain
peak on the sacred island of Raiatea. Botanists have tried to grow
it elsewhere without luck. It has a wonderful Tahitian legend tied
to it and is prized by all Tahitians. Legend says the delicate petals
of the tiare apetahi represent the five fingers of a lovely Tahitian
girl who fell in love with the son of a king and died of a broken
heart because she could not hope to marry him. The petals close
at night, and at daybreak they open with a slight crackling sound
– thought to be the sound of her heart breaking. It’s
a couple hours hike up the mountain, but worth every minute.
Games they play -- in the spirit of their ancient ancestors, Tahitian
sporting events include stone lifting, fruit carrying (running through
the streets with hundreds of pounds of fruit carried on a pole),
grueling canoe races between the islands and javelin throwing. (Nothing
like our javelin throwers -- Tahitians aim at a single coconut,
60 feet away on top of a pole that’s 40 feet high and tottering!)
Visitors can see these events during the seven-week long Heiva I
Tahiti celebration in June and July.
Maraes, or religious stone temples, are found throughout the Society
Islands. These sites were sacred and very important places of political
and social gathering in ancient Polynesia. Experts are learning
more and more about the early Polynesians as they restore and uncover
the maraes.
Tamure means “dance” in Tahitian, and it’s done
with an energy and passion that is unsurpassed. From the slow, graceful
dances to the fast, rhythmic action, visitors must see this demonstration
of native culture. Even years after visiting Tahiti and Her Islands,
travelers find that the mere sound of Tahitian music evokes powerful
memories of the fervent tamure.
Pareus are seen just about everywhere. These colorful pieces of
fabric are worn as a cover-up, a dress, shorts, a shawl, or can
be spread out as a picnic cloth or beach towel. Created with traditional
designs and bright tropical colors, pareus are inexpensive and make
the perfect souvenir. Visitors can find pareus
throughout the islands, but the largest selection is at Le Marché,
the downtown market in Papeete. Many are hand painted by local artists.
Men and women like consider cool and colorful pareus to be the ultimate
island garb.
How are the Tahitians keeping their culture alive? Although 75
percent of the population is Polynesian, the French influence is
profound. In the past few years, Tahitians have made a dedicated
effort to keep their culture alive by teaching the Tahitian language
in the schools, encouraging traditional sports and arts and crafts,
and keeping Tahitian dance and music alive.
Hospitality is a Tahitian way of life. Tahitians are proud of their
islands and want to share the beauty with visitors. Even tipping
is contrary to their beliefs -- it’s simply not expected.
Every visitor to Tahiti should take the time to chat with locals
and learn about their culture and lifestyle. It can make the experience
of this
beautiful paradise even richer.
Source: Tahiti
Tourisme
Tahiti Vacation Specialists
See also: Tahiti
Vacation Packages
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