Tahiti

Geography

Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of the Society Islands. It is in French Polynesia, which belongs to France. Tahiti lies in the central Pacific Ocean. The island has two parts, Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti, joined by a narrow strip of land. It has high mountains, beautiful beaches, and coral reefs. These attract many visitors and support fishing.

Population and Cities

As of 2022, about 191,779 people live on Tahiti. It is the most populated island in French Polynesia. The main city is Papeʻete, on the northwest coast. The area's only international airport, Faʻaʻā International Airport, is also there.

History

Tahiti was first settled by Polynesians between the years 900 and 1100. Today, most people have Polynesian heritage, with others of European, Chinese, and mixed ancestry. French is the official language, but many also speak the local Tahitian language. The island was once part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until France took control in 1880.

Nomenclature

Tahiti used to be called Otaheite in old European records. This name comes from the Tahitian phrase "ʻo Tahiti", meaning "it is Tahiti". When early Europeans asked for the island's name, people would answer with this phrase.

Geography, climate and vegetation

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, close to the island of Moʻorea. It is far in the Pacific Ocean. It is about 4,400 kilometres from Hawaiʻi, 7,900 kilometres from Chile, and 5,700 kilometres from Australia. The nearest big land is the North Island of New Zealand, over 3,800 kilometres away.

The island looks like two big round parts joined by a narrow strip of land. The bigger northwest part is called Tahiti Nui, and the smaller southeast part is Tahiti Iti. The highest point is Mont Orohena, which is over 2,200 metres tall. Tahiti has green rainforests and many rivers and waterfalls, like the Papenoʻo and Fautaua Falls.

The weather on Tahiti is warm and wet from November to April. January is the rainiest month. August is the driest month. Temperatures stay between 21 and 31 °C most of the year.

History

See also: Kingdom of Tahiti

Early settling of Tahiti

See also: Polynesia § History

The first people to live on Tahiti came from Western Polynesia to the Society Islands after the year 900 CE. They traveled in big boats called outrigger canoes that could carry families and animals.

Civilization before the arrival of the Europeans

Before Europeans arrived, Tahiti was split into different areas, each ruled by a clan. The most important clans were Teva i Uta and Teva i Tai. Leaders included chiefs, nobles, and under-chiefs. They were religious leaders because of their spiritual power, called mana. They wore special belts made of red feathers to show their status.

First European visits

The first Europeans to see Tahiti might have been Spanish explorer Juan Fernández in 1576–1577 or Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernandes de Queirós in 1606. However, they might have seen a different island nearby.

In 1767, Captain Samuel Wallis became the first known European to reach Tahiti aboard HMS Dolphin. He landed at Matavai Bay and met with local leaders. Later, in 1768, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville visited, followed by James Cook in 1769. Cook made detailed records of the island’s plants, animals, and people.

British influence and the rise of the Pōmare

In 1788, sailors from HMS Bounty who had rebelled against their captain settled in Tahiti and helped a local chief named Tū take control. He later called himself Pōmare I, starting the Pōmare Dynasty. British traders and whalers began visiting Tahiti in the 1790s, bringing new goods but also diseases.

Missionaries arrived in 1797, aiming to spread Christianity. They supported Pōmare II, who became king in 1803. With their help, he united Tahiti under one rule by 1815. The missionaries also introduced new laws.

French protectorate and the end of the Pōmare kingdom

In 1842, France made Tahiti a protectorate, meaning it was under French control but still led by Queen Pōmare IV. However, France took more control over time. In 1880, the last king, Pōmare V, agreed to give Tahiti to France, ending the Pōmare Dynasty.

Later 19th century

In the late 1800s, France fully controlled Tahiti. During this time, many Chinese workers came to the island to help with plantations. The famous painter Paul Gauguin also lived in Tahiti during this period.

Twentieth century to present

In 1946, Tahiti became an overseas territory of France, and its people gained full French citizenship. In 1960, the main airport, Faaʻa International Airport, opened. Today, French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, is an overseas collectivity of France.

Politics and laws

Further information: Politics of French Polynesia

Tahiti is part of French Polynesia, which belongs to France. French Polynesia has its own leaders and rules, but France helps with money, schools, and safety.

People in Tahiti are French citizens and have the same rights. French is the main language, but Tahitian is also used and taught in schools. Some people talk about Tahiti becoming independent, and elections choose the island's leaders.

Demographics

The people of Tahiti are mostly Polynesian, making up about 70% of the island’s population. You can also find Europeans, East Asians (mainly Chinese), and people of mixed heritage known as Demis.

In the 2017 census, there were 189,517 people living on Tahiti. About 75.4% of them were born on the island. Others came from Metropolitan France, the Society Islands, the Tuamotu-Gambier, the Marquesas Islands, the Austral Islands, and other places around the world. Many people from metropolitan France live in areas like Papeʻete, Punaʻauia, and Arue.

Administrative divisions

Tahiti has 12 communes. Together with Moʻorea-Maiʻao, they make up the Windward Islands administrative subdivision. The capital of Tahiti is Papeʻetē. The biggest commune by population is Faʻaʻā. Taiʻarapu-Est covers the largest area.

Economy

Tourism is very important on Tahiti. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it made up a big part of the island's money. Tahiti trades mostly with Metropolitan France, but also with China, the US, South Korea, and New Zealand. Farming Tahitian pearl, also called black pearls, brings in a lot of money, especially to Japan, Europe, and the United States. Tahiti also sells vanilla, fruits, flowers, monoi, fish, copra oil, and noni.

Unemployment affects some people, especially women and young people without special skills. Tahiti uses the French Pacific Franc, which is tied to the euro. Hotels and banks can change money for visitors. Sales tax, called Taxe sur la valeur ajoutée or value added tax, ranges from 6% to 16% depending on what is being bought.

Energy and electricity

French Polynesia brings in its oil from other places and does not make its own. The main power company, EDT, uses small dams, solar panels, and a big battery to help save energy and reduce the need for imported oil.

Culture

See also: Music of Tahiti and Arioi

Tahitian culture is full of traditions like art, dance, and sports. The island has stories about gods such as ʻOro and old ways of doing things like tattooing and finding their way across the ocean. Every July, the Heivā I Tahiti Festival shows these traditions with dance, music, and sports, including races in modern outrigger canoes (vaʻa).

Tahitian dance is famous around the world. The ʻōteʻa is a lively dance with fast hip movements and grass skirts. It can be done by men, women, or both, and often tells a story. Other dances include the ʻaparima and newer styles like the hivinau and pāʻōʻā. Traditional drums play during these dances.

Sport is important in Tahiti. The national sport is Vaʻa, a type of outrigger canoe racing. Tahiti is also known for surfing, with famous surfers such as Michel Bourez and places like Teahupoʻo. Rugby and football are popular sports. Tahiti has done well in beach soccer and Pétanque. In 2024, Tahiti hosted surfing events for the Summer Olympics, and Kauli Vaast won a gold medal.

The Paul Gauguin Museum shows artworks by the famous artist who lived in Tahiti, and the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles keeps important Polynesian items. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum is about pearls, and the Papeʻete Market sells local crafts.

Education

Tahiti has the University of French Polynesia. It has many students and teachers. The university teaches subjects such as law, business, science, and literature. There are also many high schools on the island, including the Catholic Collège La Mennais in Papeʻete.

Notable people

Tahiti has been home to many talented people.

Aline Amaru, born in 1941, is known for her beautiful textile art. Mauatua, who lived from around 1764 to 1841, was a skilled tapa weaver.

In sports, Farahia Teuiria, born in 1972, plays football, as do Pascal Vahirua (born 1966) and Marama Vahirua (born 1980). Kauli Vaast, born in 2002, has represented Tahiti as an Olympic surfer.

Transport

Air

Faʻaʻā International Airport is near Papeʻete and is the only international airport in French Polynesia. It connects Tahiti to cities like Auckland, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Paris, San Francisco, Sydney, and Tokyo. Airlines such as Air France, Air New Zealand, and Air Tahiti Nui fly there. Smaller flights within French Polynesia are offered by Aircalin and Air Tahiti.

Ferry

The Moʻorea Ferry takes about 45 minutes to travel from Papeʻete to Moʻorea. Other ferries, like the Aremiti 5 and Aremiti 7, also serve nearby islands. The main ferry hub is Papeʻete Wharf.

Roads

Tahiti has a freeway along its west coast. It starts in Arue and goes through Papeʻete before continuing to smaller villages and then to Teahupoʻo.

Emergency

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Tahiti helps manage emergencies and search and rescue in the area.