Tahiti: The Jewel of the Pacific

• HelloIa ora na
  [yah oh-rah nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [nah-nah]
• YesE
  [ay]
• NoAita
  [eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMāuruuru
  [mah-oo-roo-roo]
• Thank youMāuruuru
  [mah-oo-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryTāviri
  [tah-vee-ree]
• How are you?E aha to e?
  [ay ah-hah to ay]
• Fine. And you?Maita'i. E te huru?
  [my-tie. ay tay hoo-roo]
• Do you speak English?E parau no te reo Anglito?
  [ay pah-rah-oo no tay ray-oh ahn-glee-toh]
• I don't understandAita au e parau
  [eye-tah oh ay pah-rah-oo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE haere atu i te menū, māuruuru
  [ay ha-eh-ray ah- too ee tay men-oo, mah-oo-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au e 'ai 'ia
  [eye-tah oh ay eye ee-ah]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE haere atu i te moni, māuruuru
  [ay ha-eh-ray ah- too ee tay moh-nee, mah-oo-roo-roo]

• Help!Tauturu!
  [tow-too-roo]
• Go away!Haere i muri!
  [high-ray ee moo-ree]
• Call the Police!Tapaina te Pūrautira!
  [tah-pie-nah tay poo-rah-oo-tee-rah]
• Call a doctor!Tapaina te taata rii i te here!
  [tah-pie-nah tay tah-ah-tah ree ee tay hay-ray]
• I'm lostAita au i te haere
  [eye-tah oh ee tay high-ray]
• I'm illAita au i te rii
  [eye-tah oh ee tay ree]

• I'd like to buy...E haere atu i te hōro'a...
  [ay ha-eh-ray ah- too ee tay hoh-roh-ah]
• I'm just lookingE faaite ti'a
  [ay fah-ee-tay tee-ah]
• How much is it?E hia moni?
  [ay hee-ah moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveE o te moni 'aure'a
  [ay oh tay moh-nee oh-oo-ray-ah]
• Can you lower the price?E haere atu i te moni i raro, māuruuru
  [ay ha-eh-ray ah- too ee tay moh-nee ee rah-roh, mah-oo-roo-roo]

• What time is it?E hia te ora?
  [ay hee-ah tay oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockE tahi ora
  [ay tah-hee oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Te toru i te 'ahuru
  [tay tore-oo ee tay ah-hoo-roo]
• MorningPoipoi
  [poy-poy]
• AfternoonApetahi
  [ah-peh-tah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [poh]
• YesterdayAroto
  [ah-roh-toh]
• TodayA tenei
  [ah tay-nay]
• TomorrowApo'ipo'i
  [ah-poh-ee-poh-ee]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Maha
  [mah-hah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [ee-vah]
• 10A'huru
  [ah-hoo-roo]

• Where's a/the...?E hia te...
  [ay hee-ah tay]
• What's the address?E hia te tuhinga?
  [ay hee-ah tay too-hee-ngah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E haere atu i te mahere, māuruuru
  [ay ha-eh-ray ah- too ee tay mah-hair-ray, mah-oo-roo-roo]
• When's the next (bus)?E hia to 'āpo'i?
  [ay hee-ah toh ah-poh-ee]
• A ticket (to ....)E haere atu i te tiketi (i te...)
  [ay ha-eh-ray ah- too ee tay tee-keh-tee (ee tay)]

The first settlers of Tahiti arrived around 200 AD, navigating vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean in double-hulled canoes. These early Polynesians brought with them a rich culture, including a complex social hierarchy, intricate tattooing traditions, and a deep knowledge of navigation and agriculture.

In 1767, British explorer Samuel Wallis became the first European to visit Tahiti, naming it King George Island. Wallis' arrival marked the beginning of increased European interest in the island, which was later visited by French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1768, who gave it the name 'Nouvelle-Cythère'.

Captain James Cook visited Tahiti three times between 1769 and 1777. His expeditions were significant in mapping the island and documenting its flora, fauna, and the way of life of its inhabitants. Cook's observations contributed greatly to European knowledge of the Pacific region.

In 1789, the famous mutiny on the HMS Bounty led by Fletcher Christian against Captain William Bligh had its roots in Tahiti. The island's idyllic environment and hospitable people had a profound impact on the crew, leading them to revolt and eventually settle in the Pacific.

Tahiti became a French protectorate in 1842, following pressure from French Admiral Abel Aubert du Petit-Thouars. The annexation was formalized in 1880, making Tahiti and its dependencies part of the French colonial empire. This period saw the introduction of Christianity, Western education, and infrastructure development.

French artist Paul Gauguin arrived in Tahiti in 1891, seeking inspiration and a new way of life. His time on the island profoundly influenced his work, characterized by vibrant colors and depictions of Tahitian people and landscapes. Gauguin's legacy continues to attract art enthusiasts to Tahiti.

During World War II, Tahiti served as an important strategic base for Allied forces in the Pacific. The island's infrastructure was significantly developed during this time, including the construction of the Faa'a International Airport, which remains the busiest airport in French Polynesia today.

In 1984, Tahiti and the broader region of French Polynesia gained increased autonomy from France, establishing a local government and an assembly. While still part of the French Republic, French Polynesia manages its own affairs in many areas, fostering a blend of traditional Polynesian culture and modern governance.

Tahiti is serviced by Faa'a International Airport (PPT), located near the capital city of Papeete. It is the main gateway for international flights to French Polynesia. Airlines such as Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, and Hawaiian Airlines offer direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles, Paris, and Honolulu. Once you arrive at the airport, taxis and shuttle services are available to take you to your accommodation.

Public transportation on Tahiti is limited but includes buses that run between Papeete and other towns. Taxis are widely available, though they can be expensive. Renting a car or scooter is a popular option for tourists who want to explore the island at their own pace. For inter-island travel, Air Tahiti operates regular flights to other islands in French Polynesia, and ferries are also available.

The official currency in Tahiti is the French Pacific 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 local markets. ATMs are available in Papeete and other major towns, but may be scarce in more remote areas.

Tahiti is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is recommended to take standard precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in busy areas like Papeete’s market. Always use hotel safes for valuables and be cautious in less frequented neighborhoods.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for medical assistance, 17 for the police, or 18 for the fire department. The main hospital in Tahiti is Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française in Papeete, which offers comprehensive medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually but respectfully. Beachwear is appropriate for the beach but not for town areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your hat and cover your shoulders when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful on buses. Avoid loud conversations and keep your belongings close. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ia Orana' (hello in Tahitian) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as poisson cru. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings from locals, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Tahiti like a local, visit the Papeete Market early in the morning for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often very friendly and willing to share their culture and traditions. Don’t miss the traditional dance performances and local festivals, which offer a glimpse into Tahitian heritage. For a unique experience, take a drive around the island to discover hidden beaches and scenic viewpoints.