Moorea: The Heart of French Polynesia's Tropical Splendor

• HelloIa ora na
  [Yah-oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [Nah-nah]
• YesE
  [Ay]
• NoAita
  [Eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMauruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryTahiti
  [Tah-hee-tee]
• How are you?Eaha te huru?
  [Ay-ah-hah teh hoo-roo]
• Fine. And you?Maita'i. O oe?
  [My-tah-ee. Oh oh-ay]
• Do you speak English?Ua haere oe i te reo angle?
  [Oo-ah hah-eh-ray oh-ay ee teh ray-oh ahng-lay]
• I don't understandAita au e marama
  [Eye-tah oh ay mah-rah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE parau atu au e hio i te meniu, maruuru
  [Ay pah-rah-oo oh ay ay hee-oh ee teh meh-nee-oo mah-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au e 'ai parari
  [Eye-tah oh ay eye pah-rah-ree]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE parau atu au e utu, maruuru
  [Ay pah-rah-oo oh ay ay oo-too mah-roo-roo]

• Help!Aide!
  [Eye-day]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [High-ray ah-too]
• Call the Police!Tefea i te pouhila!
  [Tay-feh-ah ee teh poo-hee-lah]
• Call a doctor!Tefea i te taata here!
  [Tay-feh-ah ee teh tah-ah-tah hay-ray]
• I'm lostUa haehaa au
  [Oo-ah high-hah-ah oh]
• I'm illUa haere au i te pohe!
  [Oo-ah hah-eh-ray oh ee teh poh-hay]

• I'd like to buy...E parau atu au e hoko...
  [Ay pah-rah-oo oh ay ay hoh-koh]
• I'm just lookingTe pura faahou au
  [Teh poo-rah fah-ah-hoo oh]
• How much is it?Eaha te moni?
  [Ay-ah-hah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveTe moni maitai roa
  [Teh moh-nee my-tah-ee roh-ah]
• Can you lower the price?E haamau i te moni?
  [Ay hah-ah-mow ee teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?Eaha te i te haamatau?
  [Ay-ah-hah teh ee teh hah-ah-mah-tow]
• It's one o'clockTe haamatau etahi
  [Teh hah-ah-mah-tow ay-tah-hee]
• Half past (10)Taiatai (10)
  [Tie-ah-tie (ten)]
• MorningPoipoi
  [Poy-poy]
• AfternoonApōpō
  [Ah-poh-poh]
• EveningAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• YesterdayIne
  [Ee-nay]
• TodayI teie po
  [Ee teh-ee-ay poh]
• TomorrowApa
  [Ah-pah]
• 1Ahitū
  [Ah-hee-too]
• 2Arua
  [Ah-roo-ah]
• 3Aritahi
  [Ah-ree-tah-hee]
• 4Ahiva
  [Ah-hee-vah]
• 5Arimaha
  [Ah-ree-mah-hah]
• 6Ariroa
  [Ah-ree-roh-ah]
• 7Ahitoa
  [Ah-hee-toh-ah]
• 8Ahiva
  [Ah-hee-vah]
• 9Ahuru
  [Ah-hoo-roo]
• 10Ahurea
  [Ah-hoo-ray-ah]

• Where's a/the...?E haere i te...
  [Ay high-ray ee teh]
• What's the address?Eaha te nūmera o teie?
  [Ay-ah-hah teh noo-meh-rah oh teh-ee-ay]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E haamata i te hio iau (i te plan)?
  [Ay hah-ah-mah-tah ee teh hee-oh ee-ow (ee teh plahn)]
• When's the next (bus)?Eaha te haamatau o te umu (autobus)?
  [Ay-ah-hah teh hah-ah-mah-tow oh teh oo-moo (oh-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Te farere (i te ....)
  [Teh fah-reh-ray (ee teh)]

Moorea, like many other islands in French Polynesia, was first settled by Polynesians around 1000 AD. These early settlers were expert navigators and voyagers who traveled vast distances in canoes. They established small villages and lived off the abundant marine life and fertile lands. Archaeological evidence, such as marae (sacred stone structures), provides glimpses into their spiritual and social life.

The first recorded European to sight Moorea was Captain James Cook in the 18th century. During his voyages in the Pacific, Cook arrived in the Society Islands in 1769. Although he did not land on Moorea, his contact with the neighboring island of Tahiti marked the beginning of European interest in the region. Other explorers, such as Louis Antoine de Bougainville and Samuel Wallis, also sailed through these waters, contributing to the Western world's knowledge of Moorea.

In the early 19th century, Protestant missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived in Moorea. They established missions, schools, and churches, playing a significant role in converting the local population to Christianity. This period saw profound changes in the social and cultural fabric of Moorean society, as traditional practices and beliefs were supplanted by Christian doctrines and Western customs.

Moorea, along with the rest of French Polynesia, became a French protectorate in the 19th century and was later fully annexed by France in 1880. The French administration introduced new economic activities, such as copra production and pearl farming, which altered the island's economy. Infrastructure improvements, including roads and ports, were also undertaken to better integrate Moorea into the colonial framework.

During World War II, Moorea, like other islands in the Pacific, gained strategic importance. The island was utilized by the Allied forces as a refueling and supply station. Although Moorea did not see direct combat, the presence of military forces brought about economic and social changes that would influence the island's post-war development.

Today, Moorea is known for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant culture. Tourism plays a major role in the island's economy, attracting visitors from all over the world. Despite modern influences, Moorea has managed to retain much of its traditional charm and cultural heritage. Efforts to preserve the environment and promote sustainable tourism are ongoing, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the island's natural and cultural treasures.

Moorea is easily accessible from Tahiti, the main island of French Polynesia. The most common way to get to Moorea is by taking a ferry from Papeete, Tahiti's capital. The ferry ride takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the service. Alternatively, you can take a short domestic flight from Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti to Moorea Airport, which takes roughly 15 minutes.

Once on Moorea, you can get around by renting a car, scooter, or bicycle. Rental agencies are available near the ferry terminal and the airport. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. For a more budget-friendly option, consider using the local bus service, which runs along the coastal road and connects the main villages. Additionally, many hotels offer shuttle services to popular attractions.

The official currency in Moorea is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available on the island, particularly in the main villages of Maharepa and Papetoai.

Moorea is generally a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is still important to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on beaches or in unlocked vehicles. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for the police, 15 for medical emergencies, and 18 for fire services. Moorea has a small hospital in Afareaitu that can handle minor medical issues. For serious health concerns, you may need to be transferred to Tahiti. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in major villages for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing beachwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. It's customary to ask for permission before entering private land or traditional sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and greet the driver. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ia Orana' (hello) or 'Mauruuru' (thank you). A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like poisson cru and fresh fruits. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Moorea like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their island. Don't miss out on attending a traditional dance show or participating in a cultural workshop. For a unique experience, consider taking a guided hike to one of Moorea's scenic viewpoints or exploring the island's lush interior by 4x4 safari.