29 Captivating Tahiti Facts That Will Compel You To Travel!

Do you desire to witness heaven on Earth?

If that's the case, Tahiti is the destination for you! It is a world-renowned island known for its Polynesian charm, vibrant culture, and romantic ambiance.

When you visit this heaven on Earth, you will see for yourself how picturesque the Tahitian islands are. This is one of the Pacific Islands which is secluded, tropical, and beautiful. Continue reading to learn more about the captivating place known as Tahiti.

Geographical Location Of Tahiti

Tahiti is the biggest island in French Polynesia's Windward group of the Society Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean. Tahiti has an area of around 403 sq mi (1,043.7 sq km). It is the economic, cultural, and political heart of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity, and a French Republic overseas republic. Here are some facts about the geographical location of the island of Tahiti.

The high and hilly paradise, with surrounding coral reefs, was created by volcanic activity and is divided into two sections, Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti. Tahiti Nui is larger and in the northwestern half, while Tahiti Iti is smaller and in the southeastern part.

Tahiti Nui is majorly uninhabited. Tahiti Iti has remained secluded since its southeastern half (Te Pari) is only accessible by boat or on foot. The remainder of the island is bounded by a large road that runs between the mountains and the sea.

Mont Orohena (Mou'a 'Orohena) 7352.4 ft (2,241 m) is the highest point. Mount Roonui, or Mount Ronui (Mou'a Rnui), rises to 4370 ft (1,332 m) in the southeast.

The Society archipelago is made up of ten islands and atolls and is a volcanic hotspot.

This magical place is located as such that the rainy season runs from November to April, with January being the wettest month and August the driest month. With minimal seasonal changes, the average temperature varies only slightly, between 70-88 F (21.1-31.1 C).

History Of Tahiti

Tahiti developed as a volcanic shield between 1.4 million and 870,000 years ago. Polynesians first arrived in Tahiti between 300 and 800 AD. They make up over 70% of the island's population, with the remainder made up of Europeans, Chinese, and people of mixed descent. The island was a part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until it was annexed by France in 1880, when it was declared a French colony and the population became French citizens. Continue reading to discover more facts about the history of Tahiti.

Prior to the advent of the Europeans, the island was split into many chiefdoms, which were relatively specific areas governed by a single clan. These chiefdoms were linked by allegiances based on the blood ties of their chiefs and their military prowess. The Teva was the most powerful clan on the island, with dominion extending from the peninsula to the south of Tahiti Nui.

Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, a Portuguese navigator serving the Spanish Crown on an expedition to Terra Australis, was possibly the first European to set eyes on Tahiti.

On February 10, 1606, he discovered an inhabited island that he named Sagittaria. However, whether or not the island he saw was in fact Tahiti has not been determined.

The next European visitors arrived during the 12-year era between the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War, which was marked by fierce Anglo-French competition.

Captain William Bligh's HMS Bounty arrived at Tahiti on October 26, 1788, with the goal of transferring Tahitian breadfruit bushes to the Caribbean. To transplant the tree seedlings, the group stayed at Tahiti for around five months.

On April 28, 1789, less than a month after leaving Tahiti, the crew began to mutiny against Fletcher Christian's proposition. The ship was taken by the rebels, who threw the captain and unfaithful crew members overboard; those who remained loyal remained onboard. After that, a small group of rebels returned to Tahiti with the intention of settling there.

Arrivals of whalers, British missionaries, and French military expeditions during the 19th century irreversibly altered Tahitian life, while also provoking a French-British competition for control of the islands.

Up until the late 19th century, Tahiti was dominated by the Pomare Dynasty. Whereupon, King Pomare V was somehow convinced to give up Tahiti and most of its territories to France.

During the First World War, two German battleships targeted the island's Papeete district. Two German armored cruisers shelled the colony, sinking a French gunboat and a captured German cargo in the dock.

By 1958, all islands of Tahiti had been named as French Polynesia and recreated as a French Overseas Territory. The French government conducted 193 nuclear bomb tests above and below the atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa between 1966 and 1996.

In 2004, French Polynesia was designated as an Overseas Country within the French Republic, with self-government and the aim of providing for its people through trade and investment. After this, Tauatomo Mairau claimed the throne of Tahiti in 2009 and sought to re-establish the monarchy in court.

Traditions And Culture Of Tahiti

Tahitians received a thriving culture from their forefathers. Polynesian arts, which include weaving, woodcarving, and tattooing, are rooted in that culture's mythology. Each holy tradition provides a unique tale about life, love, and people's long-standing interaction with nature.

Tahitians are ardent protectors of their traditional cultural history, and as such, they exemplify the beauty of timelessness. They like celebrating their traditions via art, singing, and dance. Read further to know some intriguing facts about the traditions and culture of Tahiti.

The traditional dance of Tahiti is known as Otea and represents the Polynesian culture. The dance was previously associated with all elements of island life. Tamure, or quick hip-shaking motion, has become an identifiable feature of this enthralling art form, rivaled only by the thunderous sounds of the Tahitian drums.

On the islands, music is a part of daily life. The quick tribal beats of the wooden drums known as pahu are what distinguish Tahitian music. The toere is played alongside these drums, which are customarily coated with sharkskin. Conch shell, nose flute, and ukulele are some traditional instruments.

The tattoo comes from the Tahitian word 'tatau'. It is an ancient art form that is intended to express one's individuality and personality. Tattoos were sported by nearly everyone in ancient Polynesia, showing one's ancestry and social status.

The annual Heiv I Tahiti Festival, held in July, is a celebration of traditional culture, dance, music, and sports, featuring a long-distance race in contemporary outrigger canoes, the Tahitian word for which is va'a, between the islands of French Polynesia.

In the 1890s, the French artist Paul Gauguin resided on Tahiti and painted a number of Tahitian scenes. The Paul Gauguin Museum honors his work.

The Museum of Tahiti and the Islands is an anthropological museum dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Polynesian artifacts and cultural activities. It was established during the mid-'70s.

Tourist Attractions In Tahiti

The picturesque islands of Tahiti are rather famous tourist spots. After all, who wouldn't want to vacation to the dreamy island paradise? When you do visit the captivating destination, you wouldn't want to leave! Here are some best tourists attractions in Tahiti that you must go to when you do visit this place.

You must stay at the overwater bungalows at least once, but be prepared to pay a high price. Tahiti's first overwater bungalows were built in the '60s to provide access to the lagoon where there were no sandy beaches.

If you love waterfalls, then you must go to the Les Trois Cascades or the Faarumai Waterfalls. To reach them you must hike a little way through beautiful scenery.

You must visit the black sand beaches on the East Coast and the white sand beaches on the West Coast.

The Huahine Natural Aquarium, located close to Mahuti Bay in the island's south, allows visitors to interact with marine life in the shallows of a natural lagoon.

The Paul Gauguin Museum, Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, Black Pearl Museum, James Norman Hall Museum, and Musée Gauguin are some museums you can go to. 

The forests of Tahiti will keep you on your toes. It's an opportunity to enjoy Tahiti's amazing diversity or to participate in water sports.

French Polynesia has a strong French influence in its cuisine, which is complemented with unique Tahitian ingredients.

FAQs

How did Tahiti get its name?

Bougainville initially wrote 'Tahiti' in 1768 as 'Taiti', and Cook in 1769 wrote it as 'Otaheite'. The island came to be called 'Tahiti' by its inhabitants.

What language is spoken in Tahiti?

French and Tahitian language is spoken in Tahiti.

Is Tahiti rich or poor?

The data is based on a 2015 study of expenditure in Tahiti and Moorea. In French Polynesia's most populous islands, 55% of individuals earn less than $1,150 per month, whereas 16% live in poverty in France. A quarter of Tahiti's population gets less than $600 per month.

How big is Tahiti?

Tahiti covers around 403 sq mi (1,043.7 sq km) of area.

What is Tahiti known for?

Tahiti is known for the Tahitian black pearls, gourmet French Polynesian cuisine, whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, the night sky, mountains, waterfalls, and of course, the black sand beaches and the white sand beaches. 

Are there snakes in Tahiti?

There are no poisonous snakes in French Polynesia.

What is Tahiti famous for?

Apart from its land attractions and French Polynesian culture, Tahiti is famous for its aesthetic airplane window photos.

What is Tahiti best known for?

Tahiti is best known for its black sand beaches on the East Coast and its white sand beaches on the West Coast.

What is the capital of Tahiti?

Papeete is the capital and administrative center of French Polynesia. It is located on Tahiti's northwest coast.

What do people in Tahiti eat for breakfast?

For breakfast, the Tahitian residents usually eat Tahitian raw fish, Tahitian donuts, banana crepes, roasted porc, and coconut bread. Tahitian cuisine is a delectable combination of Polynesian traditions and French influences. Tahitian meals are built on fresh seafood, veggies, and tropical fruits.

What do you drink in Tahiti?

You can have fresh fruit juices, coconut milk, and water.