Tahiti Iti: The Unspoiled Paradise of French Polynesia

• HelloIa orana
  [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/SorryUa here au
  [Oo-ah hair-ray ow]
• How are you?Eaha te huru?
  [Ay-ah teh hoo-roo]
• Fine. And you?Maitai. Oe haere?
  [My-tie. O-ay hair-ray]
• Do you speak English?Ua haere te reo anglais?
  [Oo-ah hair-ray teh ray-oh ang-leh]
• I don't understandAita i ni'a
  [Eye-tah ee nee-ah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEaha te menu?
  [Ay-ah teh meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatAita i te manao
  [Eye-tah ee teh mah-nah-oh]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEaha te moni?
  [Ay-ah teh moh-nee]

• Help!A muri!
  [Ah moo-ree]
• Go away!Haere i te tahi!
  [Hair-ray ee teh tah-hee]
• Call the Police!Tia i te hau
  [Tea ee teh how]
• Call a doctor!Tia i te taata rave
  [Tea ee teh tah-tah rah-vay]
• I'm lostAroha
  [Ah-roh-hah]
• I'm illAita i te ora
  [Eye-tah ee teh oh-rah]

• I'd like to buy...Eaha te mea?
  [Ay-ah teh may-ah]
• I'm just lookingE te tau?
  [Ay teh tow]
• How much is it?Eaha te moni?
  [Ay-ah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveUa rahi te moni
  [Oo-ah rah-hee teh moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?Aita i te moni
  [Eye-tah ee teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?Eaha te hora?
  [Ay-ah teh hoh-rah]
• It's one o'clockE toru
  [Ay toh-roo]
• Half past (10)Te toru i te piti
  [Teh toh-roo ee teh pee-tee]
• MorningPoipoi
  [Poy-poy]
• AfternoonApōpō
  [Ah-poh-poh]
• EveningAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• YesterdayIeri
  [Ee-air-ee]
• TodayHiamoe
  [Hee-ah-moh-eh]
• TomorrowApo
  [Ah-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Whā
  [Fah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Whitu
  [Wee-too]
• 8Waru
  [Wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [Ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [Teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?I tehea...?
  [E teh-heh-ah]
• What's the address?Te aha te tuhinga?
  [Teh ah-hah teh too-heen-gah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Aita i te papa?
  [Eye-tah ee teh pah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Eaha te rā?
  [Ay-ah teh rah]
• A ticket (to ....)Te perehā (ki ...)
  [Teh peh-reh-hah (kee)]

Tahiti Iti, also known as the 'small Tahiti,' has a rich history dating back to the ancient Polynesians who first settled the area around 1000 AD. These early settlers brought with them advanced navigational skills, sophisticated agricultural practices, and a deep spiritual connection to the land and sea. Archaeological sites such as the marae (sacred communal places) and petroglyphs found in Tahiti Iti provide glimpses into the lives and beliefs of these early Polynesians.

The arrival of European explorers marked a significant turning point in the history of Tahiti Iti. In 1767, British explorer Samuel Wallis became the first European to visit Tahiti, followed by French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1768. These encounters opened the door to increased European interest and eventual colonization. The interactions between the indigenous Tahitians and Europeans were complex, involving trade, cultural exchange, and sometimes conflict.

In the 19th century, Tahiti Iti, along with the rest of French Polynesia, came under French control. In 1842, France established a protectorate over Tahiti and its dependencies, which later became a full colony in 1880. This period saw significant changes in the local society, including the introduction of Christianity, the establishment of French administrative structures, and the influence of Western culture on traditional Tahitian ways of life.

During World War II, Tahiti Iti, like many other parts of the Pacific, played a strategic role. The island served as a base for Allied forces, contributing to the broader war efforts in the Pacific theater. This period brought further infrastructural development and increased interaction with the outside world, leaving a lasting impact on the local community and economy.

In recent decades, there has been a strong movement towards cultural revival and preservation in Tahiti Iti. Efforts to restore and maintain traditional practices, languages, and crafts have gained momentum. Festivals, such as the Heiva I Tahiti, celebrate Tahitian culture through dance, music, and sports, showcasing the resilience and vibrancy of the local heritage. This cultural renaissance is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Tahitian people and their commitment to preserving their unique identity.

Tahiti Iti is part of the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. The nearest international airport is Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti. From Papeete, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use local buses to reach Tahiti Iti. The journey by road usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Transportation options in Tahiti Iti include rental cars, taxis, and local buses (Le Truck). Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region at your own pace. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips. The local buses are an affordable option, but they have limited schedules and routes. Bicycles and scooters can also be rented for shorter trips.

The official currency in French Polynesia is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in more remote areas. ATMs are available in major towns, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more secluded parts of Tahiti Iti.

Tahiti Iti is generally a safe destination, but standard travel precautions should be taken. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid isolated areas at night and stick to well-lit streets. The towns of Taravao and Teahupo'o are safe but always remain aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 18 for fire services, 17 for police, and 15 for medical emergencies. The main medical facility in Tahiti Iti is the Taravao Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in larger towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting Marae (sacred sites), dress conservatively and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do greet the driver and other passengers when boarding local buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm 'Ia Orana' (hello). A light handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Polynesian dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tahiti Iti like a local, visit the local markets in Taravao for fresh produce and traditional Polynesian crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share their culture and stories. Don't miss the iconic surf break of Teahupo'o, especially during the surf competitions. For a unique cultural experience, attend a traditional Polynesian dance show or a Heiva festival if your visit coincides with these events.