Discover the Charm of Pirae, Tahiti's Hidden Gem

• 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/SorryPardon
  [par-dohn]
• How are you?Aita pea pea?
  [eye-tah pay-ah pay-ah]
• Fine. And you?Maita'i. Pehea 'oe?
  [my-tie. pay-hay-ah oh-ee]
• Do you speak English?Ua haere 'oe i te farii 'angarau?
  [oo-ah hay-ray oh-ay ee tay fah-ree ahng-ah-rah-oo]
• I don't understandAita au mohio
  [eye-tah oh moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAita au e haere i te faanui
  [eye-tah oh ay hay-ray ee tay fah-ah-noo-ee]
• I don't eat meatAita au e 'ai parau
  [eye-tah oh ay eye pah-roh]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAita au e haere i te moni
  [eye-tah oh ay hay-ray ee tay moh-nee]

• Help!Aita!
  [eye-tah]
• Go away!Haere i te moana!
  [hay-ray ee tay moh-ah-nah]
• Call the Police!Haamata i te farereira!
  [hah-mah-tah ee tay fah-ray-ray-rah]
• Call a doctor!Haamata i te taote!
  [hah-mah-tah ee tay tay-oh-tay]
• I'm lostUa haere au i te nehenehe
  [oo-ah hay-ray oh ee tay nay-hay-nay]
• I'm illUa pahaeha au
  [oo-ah pah-hah-ay-hah oh]

• I'd like to buy...Aita au e 'ai haamata
  [eye-tah oh ay eye hah-mah-tah]
• I'm just lookingUa haere au i roto i te nehenehe
  [oo-ah hay-ray oh ee roh-toh ee tay nay-hay-nay]
• How much is it?Eaha te moni?
  [ay-ah-hah tay moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveRahi roa te moni
  [rah-hee roh-ah tay moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?Aita 'oe e faahou roa te moni?
  [eye-tah oh-ay ay fah-ah-hoo roh-ah tay moh-nee]

• What time is it?Eaha 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 tahi mea
  [ay tah-hee may-ah]
• MorningPoipoi
  [poh-ee-poh-ee]
• AfternoonArepiti
  [ah-ray-pee-tee]
• EveningAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• YesterdayIne
  [ee-nay]
• TodayAtea
  [ah-tay-ah]
• TomorrowApo
  [ah-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Fa
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-no]
• 7Fitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [ee-vah]
• 10Aho
  [ah-hoh]

• Where's a/the...?E hia i te...?
  [ay-hee-ah ee tay]
• What's the address?E aha te tuhinga?
  [ay-ah-hah tay too-hee-ngah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Aita 'oe e 'ohi i au (i roto i te mahere)?
  [eye-tah oh-ay ay oh-hee ee oh ay (ee roh-toh ee tay mah-hay-ray)]
• When's the next (bus)?I hia i te hopuahi?
  [ee hee-ah ee tay hoh-poo-ah-hee]
• A ticket (to ....)E hopuahi (e ...)?
  [ay hoh-poo-ah-hee (ay ...)]

Pirae, located on the northeastern coast of Tahiti, is one of the areas where early Polynesian settlers established their presence. Archaeological evidence suggests that these settlers arrived in Tahiti around 1000 years ago, bringing with them their traditions, language, and agricultural practices. The lush environment of Pirae provided fertile land for farming and fishing, making it a vital part of the island's early economy.

The arrival of European explorers in the 18th century marked a significant change for the inhabitants of Pirae. Notably, the ship of Captain James Cook visited Tahiti in 1769, leading to increased European interest in the islands. This contact introduced new goods, ideas, and diseases to the local population, dramatically impacting their way of life and social structures.

In the early 19th century, Christian missionaries arrived in Tahiti, including Pirae, to spread their faith and establish schools. The London Missionary Society played a crucial role in this effort, leading to the conversion of many Tahitians. This period saw the introduction of Western education, which was instrumental in changing the cultural landscape of Pirae and the rest of Tahiti.

The 19th century was a tumultuous time for Tahiti, including Pirae, as local leaders navigated pressures from both European powers and internal disputes. The establishment of French protectorate status in 1842 led to increased political control from France, with Pirae becoming a focal point for administrative activities. This period shaped the political identity of the region and laid the groundwork for future governance.

In recent decades, Pirae has transformed with urban development while still preserving aspects of its rich cultural heritage. The establishment of cultural centers and festivals, such as the Heiva i Tahiti, showcases traditional dance, music, and crafts, allowing residents and visitors alike to engage with Tahitian culture. This revival is part of a broader movement across French Polynesia to celebrate and maintain indigenous traditions in the face of globalization.

Pirae is located just a few kilometers east of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. To reach Pirae, you can take a taxi or a rideshare service from the international airport, which takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, local buses (le truck) run regularly from Papeete to Pirae, providing a cost-effective option for travelers. The bus ride offers a glimpse of local life and typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Pirae is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented from local shops. The public bus system (le truck) is an efficient way to navigate the area and connect to nearby neighborhoods. Taxis are also available, but it's advisable to negotiate the fare in advance. Note that there is no train service in Tahiti.

Pirae is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in isolated areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas, petty theft can occur in crowded places. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy markets or tourist spots.

In case of an emergency, dial 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police, or 18 for fire services. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Pirae for medical needs. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in the area can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear light, casual clothing suitable for the tropical climate, but avoid overly revealing outfits when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; it's customary to remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Public Transport: Do be polite, offering your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Ia Ora Na' (Hello). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as poisson cru. Don't waste food or refuse offers of hospitality, as it's considered impolite.

To experience Pirae like a local, visit the markets for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the residents, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the area. Don't miss the stunning views from the hills in Pirae; hiking trails offer beautiful panoramas of Tahiti. Attend local cultural events if possible, as they provide a deeper understanding of the Polynesian culture and traditions.