Taha'a: The Vanilla-Scented Island Paradise

• HelloIa orana
  [ya oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [nah-nah]
• YesE
  [eh]
• NoAita
  [eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMauruuru
  [mah-roo-roo]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryFakamaruru
  [fah-kah-mah-roo-roo]
• How are you?Aita pe'a pe'a?
  [eye-tah peh-ah peh-ah]
• Fine. And you?Maita'i. 'E 'oe?
  [my-tah-ee. eh oh-eh?]
• Do you speak English?Ua parau 'oe i te reo 'anglais?
  [oo-ah pah-row oh-eh ee teh ray-oh ahn-glay?]
• I don't understandAita pe'a pe'a
  [eye-tah peh-ah peh-ah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE haere atu au e tia i te menu, maru
  [eh hah-eh-ray ah-oo eh tee-ah ee teh may-noo, mah-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au e 'ai i te parau
  [eye-tah oh-eh eye ee teh pah-rah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE haere atu au e fia i te moni, maru
  [eh hah-eh-ray ah-oo eh fee-ah ee teh moh-nee, mah-roo]

• Help!Aita!
  [eye-tah!]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [hah-eh-ray ah-oo!]
• Call the Police!Tapura!
  [tah-poo-rah!]
• Call a doctor!Taporo!
  [tah-poh-roh!]
• I'm lostUa haere iau i te rara
  [oo-ah hah-eh-ray ee-ow ee teh rah-rah]
• I'm illUa mauiui au
  [oo-ah mah-oo-ee oh]

• I'd like to buy...E haere atu au e hoko...
  [eh hah-eh-ray ah-oo eh hoh-koh...]
• I'm just lookingUa haere i to'u titau
  [oo-ah hah-eh-ray ee toh-oo tee-tow]
• How much is it?E hia moni?
  [eh hee-ah moh-nee?]
• That's too expensiveTeie te moni roa
  [teh-ee-eh teh moh-nee roh-ah]
• Can you lower the price?Aita e te faaora i te moni?
  [eye-tah eh teh fah-ah-oh-rah ee teh moh-nee?]

• What time is it?E hia ora?
  [eh hee-ah oh-rah?]
• It's one o'clockE tahi ora
  [eh tah-hee oh-rah]
• Half past (10)E haapiti
  [eh hah-ah-pee-tee]
• MorningPoo
  [poh-oh]
• AfternoonAapootoo
  [ah-ah-poh-toh]
• EveningAaorohi
  [ah-ah-oh-roh-hee]
• YesterdayArohe
  [ah-roh-heh]
• TodayApo
  [ah-poh]
• TomorrowAparaa
  [ah-pah-rah-ah]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Aha
  [ah-hah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [ee-vah]
• 10Aho
  [ah-hoh]

• Where's a/the...?Nohea te...
  [noh-heh-ah teh...]
• What's the address?He aha te tuhinga?
  [heh ah-hah teh too-heen-gah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Aita 'oe e haere teie i te mahere?
  [eye-tah oh-eh eh hah-eh-ray teh-ee-eh ee teh mah-heh-reh?]
• When's the next (bus)?Nohea te hahere mahope?
  [noh-heh-ah teh hah-heh-ray mah-hoh-peh?]
• A ticket (to ....)Te moni aroha (i te ....)
  [teh moh-nee ah-roh-hah ee teh ....]

Taha'a, part of the Society Islands, was settled by Polynesians around 1000 AD. These early settlers developed a rich culture characterized by navigation, agriculture, and social hierarchy. They built marae, sacred places used for religious and social gatherings, which can still be found on the island.

The first Europeans to arrive at Taha'a were members of the Spanish expedition led by Pedro Fernández de Quirós in the early 17th century. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century when Captain James Cook visited the island during his voyages, that Taha'a became known to the wider world.

In the late 19th century, Taha'a, along with the rest of French Polynesia, was annexed by France. This period marked significant changes, including the introduction of new governance structures, the spread of Christianity, and the integration of the island into the global economy.

During World War II, Taha'a and the surrounding islands played a strategic role for the Allies. Military installations were set up on nearby islands, and the region became a crucial point for naval and air operations in the Pacific theatre.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Taha'a shifted its focus towards tourism. The island is renowned for its vanilla plantations, which produce some of the world’s finest vanilla. It also attracts visitors with its crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and luxury resorts.

Taha'a is located in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The nearest international airport is Faa'a International Airport in Tahiti. From Tahiti, you can take a domestic flight to Raiatea, which is the closest island with an airport. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. From Raiatea, you can take a 30-minute boat ride to Taha'a. Several ferry services and private boat transfers are available.

Taha'a is a relatively small island, and many of its attractions are accessible by foot or bike. For longer distances, renting a scooter or car is a convenient option. Local water taxis and boat charters are also available for exploring the surrounding lagoon and nearby islands. Public transportation is limited, so it's best to arrange your own transport.

The official currency in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops on Taha'a, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available, but they can be scarce, so withdrawing sufficient cash before arriving on the island is recommended.

Taha'a is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious when walking alone at night. The island does not have areas with high crime rates targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 17 for police assistance, 18 for fire services, and 15 for medical emergencies. The island has a small medical center for minor health issues, but for serious medical emergencies, you may need to be transferred to a larger hospital in Raiatea or Tahiti. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages. Swimwear is appropriate at the beach but not in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering a home or a religious site. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient as public transportation options are limited. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ia Orana' (hello) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like vanilla-infused dishes and fresh seafood. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Taha'a like a local, visit the vanilla plantations and pearl farms, which are integral to the island's culture and economy. Participate in a traditional Polynesian feast or 'Tamara'a' and learn about local customs and dances. Renting a kayak to explore the island's beautiful lagoon and coral gardens is a must. Interact with locals who are often very friendly and willing to share their heritage and stories.