Mahina: A Tranquil Gem in Tahiti

• HelloIa ora na
  [Yah oh-rah nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [Nah-nah]
• YesE
  [Ay]
• NoAita
  [Eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMāuruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Thank youMāuruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryPārahi
  [Pah-rah-hee]
• How are you?Aita pea rā?
  [Eye-tah pay-ah rah]
• Fine. And you?Māuruuru. E oe?
  [Mah-roo-roo. Ay oy]
• Do you speak English?E mea oe e haere i te reo anglais?
  [Ay may-ah oy ay hare-ay ee tay ray-oh ang-lay]
• I don't understandAita au mārama
  [Eye-tah ow mah-rah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE mea i te haere i te meni, māuruuru
  [Ay may-ah ee tay hare-ay ee tay may-nee, mah-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au e kai e te manu
  [Eye-tah ow ay kye ay tay mah-noo]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE mea i te uita, māuruuru
  [Ay may-ah ee tay wee-tah, mah-roo-roo]

• Help!Aita!
  [Eye-tah]
• Go away!Hina!
  [Hee-nah]
• Call the Police!Tā te gendarmerie!
  [Tah tay jen-dar-may-ree]
• Call a doctor!Tā te taote!
  [Tah tay tao-tay]
• I'm lostAita au i te mita
  [Eye-tah ow ee tay mee-tah]
• I'm illAita au ora
  [Eye-tah ow oh-rah]

• I'd like to buy...E mea i te faahoro
  [Ay may-ah ee tay fah-ah-ho-ro]
• I'm just lookingE mea i te titau
  [Ay may-ah ee tay tee-tow]
• How much is it?E aha te moni?
  [Ay ah-hah tay mow-nee]
• That's too expensiveTe moni e kai
  [Tay mow-nee ay kye]
• Can you lower the price?E mea te haere i te moni?
  [Ay may-ah tay hare-ay ee tay mow-nee]

• What time is it?E aha te haapiti?
  [Ay ah-hah tay hah-ah-pee-tee]
• It's one o'clockE tahi haapiti
  [Ay tah-hee hah-ah-pee-tee]
• Half past (10)E haamāhuru
  [Ay hah-mah-hoo-roo]
• MorningPoipoi
  [Poy-poy]
• AfternoonAō
  [Ah-oh]
• EveningAha
  [Ah-hah]
• YesterdayArohe
  [Ah-roh-hay]
• TodayA tenei ra
  [Ah tay-nay rah]
• TomorrowApare
  [Ah-pah-ray]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Maha
  [Mah-hah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [Vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Ahuru
  [Ah-hoo-roo]

• Where's a/the...?I te aha te...
  [Ee tay ah-hah tay]
• What's the address?E aha te tahi faaahiti?
  [Ay ah-hah tay tah-hee fah-ah-hee-tee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E mea e haere i au (i te mahere)?
  [Ay may-ah ay hare-ay ee ow (ee tay mah-hay-ray)]
• When's the next (bus)?No te aha te haere i te raahui (miki)?
  [Noh tay ah-hah tay hare-ay ee tay rah-ah-hoo-ee (mee-kee)]
• A ticket (to ....)E mea i te tiket (i ...)?
  [Ay may-ah ee tay tee-ket (ee ...)]

Mahina, located on the northern coast of Tahiti, is steeped in ancient Polynesian history. The area was one of the first places settled by the Polynesians, who arrived in canoes from other islands around 1000 AD. The rich natural resources and fertile land made Mahina an attractive location for early settlers, who established agricultural practices and fishing techniques that would sustain their communities for centuries.

In the 18th century, Mahina witnessed the arrival of European explorers, including Captain James Cook in 1769. Their encounters with the local population marked a significant turning point in the island's history. The introduction of new goods and ideas began to reshape the traditional lifestyle of the Tahitians, leading to both cultural exchanges and conflicts.

The early 19th century brought missionaries to Mahina, aiming to convert the local population to Christianity. The influence of missionaries resulted in significant cultural changes, including the introduction of new educational systems and the Latin alphabet. While some traditional practices were suppressed, this period also led to a preservation of certain aspects of Tahitian culture through new forms of expression.

During the late 19th century, Tahiti became a French protectorate, and Mahina was affected by the colonial administration and the establishment of plantations. The French introduced new agricultural practices, which transformed the local economy. Additionally, the colonial period saw the construction of infrastructure, such as roads and schools, that connected Mahina to the broader region of Tahiti.

In recent decades, Mahina has experienced a renaissance in cultural pride and identity. Efforts have been made to revive traditional Tahitian arts, dance, and music. The neighborhood hosts various cultural events and festivals that celebrate its heritage, attracting both locals and tourists. This revitalization reflects a broader trend across Tahiti to embrace and preserve Polynesian culture amid modernization.

Mahina is located about 12 kilometers northeast of Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. The easiest way to reach Mahina is by taxi or rental car from Faa'a International Airport, which is approximately a 20-minute drive. Buses also run regularly from Papeete to Mahina, providing an affordable option for travelers. Look for the 'L' buses that connect the various neighborhoods along the coast.

Mahina is best explored by car, as public transport options are somewhat limited. Buses run along the main road, but they may not be frequent. Taxis are available and can be booked via local companies. For a more adventurous option, consider renting a bicycle to traverse the scenic coastal paths and enjoy the beautiful views.

Mahina is generally safe for tourists; however, like any place, it's wise to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas, petty theft can occur in crowded places or at popular tourist spots. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. The local hospital is located in Papeete, so for serious medical issues, heading there is advisable. Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and familiarize yourself with the nearest medical facilities upon arrival.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate, but avoid overly revealing attire when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during ceremonies. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Ia Ora Na' (Hello), and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like poisson cru and fresh tropical fruits. Don’t waste food or refuse hospitality, as this may be considered impolite.

To experience Mahina like a local, visit the local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Participate in community events or festivals if your visit coincides with them. Engage with local fishermen and learn about their traditional methods. Spend time at the beaches, like Plage de Mahina, to soak up the sun and interact with the friendly locals. Don’t miss out on the beautiful sunsets, which are best enjoyed from the shoreline.