Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of the Society Islands, located in French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France. It lies in the central Pacific Ocean and is made up of two circular land masses, Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti, joined by an isthmus. The island features high, mountainous terrain with beautiful beaches and coral reefs that support tourism and fishing.

As of 2022, Tahiti has a population of around 191,779 people, making it the most populous island in French Polynesia. The capital of French Polynesia, Papeʻete, is located on the northwest coast of Tahiti, and the region's only international airport, Faʻaʻā International Airport, is also found there.

Tahiti was first settled by Polynesians between 900 and 1100 CE. Today, people of Polynesian heritage make up about 70% of the population, with others of European, Chinese, and mixed ancestry. Although French is the official language, the local Tahitian language is also widely spoken. The island was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until it was annexed by France in 1880.

Nomenclature

Tahiti was once called Otaheite in old European records. This name comes from the Tahitian phrase "ʻo Tahiti", which means "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 lies far in the Pacific Ocean, 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 is shaped 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, rising over 2,200 metres. Tahiti has green rainforests and many rivers and waterfalls, such as the Papenoʻo and Fautaua Falls.

Weather on Tahiti is warm and wet from November to April, with the rainiest month being January. 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 using 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 that affected the population.

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, such as wearing clothes and giving up certain traditional practices.

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. From 1966 to 1996, France conducted nuclear tests nearby, which affected the health of many people on Tahiti. 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, a semi-autonomous territory of France. French Polynesia has its own assembly, president, budget, and laws, though France's role mainly includes subsidies, education, and security.

Tahitians are French citizens with full rights. While French is the official language, Tahitian is also used and taught in schools. There have been discussions about possible independence, with elections determining the leadership of the island’s government.

Demographics

The people of Tahiti are mainly of Polynesian ancestry, making up about 70% of the population. There are also Europeans, East Asians (mostly Chinese), and people of mixed heritage called Demis.

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

Administrative divisions

Tahiti consists of 12 communes, which together with Moʻorea-Maiʻao form the Windward Islands administrative subdivision. The capital of Tahiti is Papeʻetē. The largest commune by population is Faʻaʻā, while Taiʻarapu-Est covers the largest geographical area.

Economy

Tourism is very important on Tahiti, making up 17% of the island's money before the COVID-19 pandemic. The island 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 about 15% of people who are looking for jobs, 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 rich with traditions, including art, dance, and sport. The island’s history is filled with stories of gods like ʻOro and ancient practices such as tattooing and navigation. Each July, the Heivā I Tahiti Festival celebrates these traditions with dance, music, and sports, including long-distance races in modern outrigger canoes (vaʻa).

Tahitian dance is famous worldwide. The ʻōteʻa, a lively dance with fast hip movements and grass skirts, is one of the most recognized. It can be performed by men, women, or both, and often tells a story through dance. Other dances include the ʻaparima, which can be silent or sung, and newer styles like the hivinau and pāʻōʻā. Traditional instruments such as drums accompany these dances.

Sport is also an important part of Tahitian life. The national sport is Vaʻa, a type of outrigger canoe racing. Tahiti is also known for surfing, with famous surfers like Michel Bourez and host locations such as Teahupoʻo. Rugby and football are popular, and Tahiti has achieved success in beach soccer and Pétanque. In 2024, Tahiti hosted the surfing events for the Summer Olympics, with Kauli Vaast winning the gold medal.

The Paul Gauguin Museum showcases works by the famous artist who lived in Tahiti, and the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles preserves Polynesian artifacts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum focuses on pearls, while the Papeʻete Market offers local crafts.

Education

Tahiti has the University of French Polynesia, which is growing with around 3,200 students and 62 researchers. The university offers courses in subjects like law, commerce, 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 individuals across different fields. 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 located 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 through airlines such as Air France, Air New Zealand, and Air Tahiti Nui. 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, starting in Arue and passing through Papeʻete before continuing to smaller villages and then to Teahupoʻo.

Emergency

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Tahiti helps manage emergency situations and search and rescue operations in the area.