Friday, day of celebration

This event was created in 2010 in collaboration with the city of Papeete, the “GIE Tahiti Tourisme” and the “Service de la Culture”. It is a monthly event designed to introduce visitors to local culture and a reaffirmation to the population of French Polynesia. During this monthly theme, the city of Papeete proposes various cultural activities: local music and handcraft exhibition during the day, dance presentations and the showing of documentary films in the evening…It is a celebration giving one an opportunity of rediscovering the Polynesian culture.

Mahana pae is celebrated during every last Friday of each month. Every “Mahana Pae” has a different theme. Since its creation, the Mahana pae has taken on various themes like those of love and family, the art of tattooing, traditional Polynesian sports and the Tahitian pearl…

For 2012, the 1st “Mahana Pae” of January, takes the theme of the island tour of Tahiti: « Tere Faati ‘ia ora na i te matahiti api ». It consists of doing a tour around the island on board a Truck, the traditional public transport, to the rhythm of Ukulele. This festive island tour stops over at various cultural sites as the waterfall of Ti’arei, the surf spot of Teahupoo and the marae Arahurahu. In addition, city of Papeete city also offers numerous animations for the local population..

The next theme for February will be « Te Penu e te ‘Umete », that means the traditional Polynesian mortar and pestle … These tools are made with wood or stone, to honor Polynesian sculpture during these festivities.

Oceania on a Widescreen

The Pacific International Documentary Film Festival or FIFO has become the indisputable meeting for Polynesian film makers and movie-goers alike. Dedicated to the lovers of Oceania film, the festival is a real opportunity for passionate and amateur film lovers to witness various documentary films produced in the Pacific.

Created in 2004, the festival is also a film competition where the best film receives a cash prize. Various activities are organized during the festival with the aim of promoting the development of movie projects. On the program for 2012, pacific television conferences, digital encounters, debates, training workshops for amateur and professional script writing and the projection of the film, “Nuit de la Fiction” shall close the festival.

The 9th edition of the FIFO stands out this year with 17 films in competition and 19 non-competition films. This edition will take place at the “Maison de la Culture” in Papeete from February 6 to 12. French famous film-maker Elie Chouraqui is the president of the jury for this 9th edition. He will have the honour of awarding the best film documentary and three other films with special prizes. The awards ceremony shall take place on February 10, a momentous occasion everyone has been waiting for.

Umu iti

The Traditional fire walk has been practiced in French Polynesia since the beginning of time.

The fire coals were first prepared. Originally the Polynesian people used to dig a traditional oven directly in the ground meant for 2 purposes :
- The first was to cook the Ti, the plant root of the Auti (Cordyline fructicosa) which was designated to be eaten during the dry season between May to November, Matari’ î i raro. When the tuber was cooked, it could be conserved for 9 or 12 months, that was essential for this shortage season.

- The second purpose was a more spiritual one. Polynesian people think that they can purify their body and their mind with the fire walk on the traditional oven.

The fire walk ritual is supervised by the local shaman, Tahu’a. He prepares the traditional oven from 6:00 am with the very combustible wood, the Ati and volcanic stones. The ceremony of fire walk begins around 6:00 pm with presents and incantatory dances. After a long spiritual preparation the shaman is the first one who crosses the oven (8 metres long). If he is not burned that means that he has the blessing of gods and the ceremony can continue. Then he invites the public to follow him and to do the fire walk. He explains to uncertain people that they have just to believe…

Nowadays, this incredible fire walk is frequently practiced. Luckily, the event has never been exploited in spite of the impact of tourism in French Polynesia.

Te A’itua

The Marquesian archipelago is the most distant and emblematique archipelago of French Polynesia. The Marquesian people possess a culture that has always inspired artists from all around the world from the famous French singer Jacques Brel to American novelist Herman Melville.

This Marquesian culture is celebrated every four years during the Marquesian arts festival which takes place in the three most populated islands of the archipelago namely and Hiva Oa. In 2011, the island of Nuku Hiva was chosen for the 8th festival.

Since its first edition in 1986, the festival has always served to celebrate the Marquesian culture. During this event the emphasis is placed on various Polynesian arts like song, dance, tattoo art, traditional gastronomy and sculpture.

At the onset, the festival focused purely on the Marquesian culture then later opened up to celebrating other Polynesian cultures with visits from delegations from Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa and Easter islands. Each ethnic group is represented during this festival to honour its culture and revel in the exchange.

The theme of this 8th Marquesian arts festival was Te A’itua meaning « the apprentice of knowledge » in Tahitian language. It represents the gathering of young Polynesian peoples celebrating their cultural heritage. To date, each yearly festival proves to be a fruitful endeavour.

Domaine Dominique Auroy - The Wine of Rangiroa

Wine is an essential ingredient for a successful Christmas dinner. French Polynesia proposes you to taste its Tahitian Wine for the yuletide. Indeed, from 1997 a vineyard located in the Archipelago of Tuamotu produces various wines for the great pleasure of connoisseurs. This extraordinary vineyard is directly established on the white sands of the Rangiroa Atoll.

The adventure began with Mr Dominique AUROY and his then-perceived “mad” project to plant and exploit vineyards in French Polynesia. Starting his adventure in 1992, after a series of trials and research for feasibility in different Polynesian archipelagos. The Rangiroa atoll proved to be the environment most adaptable for a vineyard plantation, mainly due to the absence of plant disease caused by fungus and insects. In 1997, the development started with 3 hectares of vineyard planted on the atoll. The acclimatization and the first grape harvest in 1999 were a great success.

Nowadays, Rangiroa (meaning “the Island with a huge sky” in Paumotu language) is a unique atoll wine-growing area in the world. The vineyard of Rangiroa named “Ampelidacees” is today composed of 10 hectares and offers 3 various white wines and one rose wine. In 2009, the white wine produced in Rangiroa “Blanc du Corail” was rewarded the silver medal during the 15th “Vinalies” an International wine competition in Paris. The wine of Tahiti is now a new Polynesian resource that can be added to the pearl and the tourism.

Hura Tapairu

Dance is an integral part in the life of the Polynesian people. Practiced at an early age, every dance has a history. Every year the art of the Polynesian cultural dance is celebrated during the “Hura Tapairu” festival, meaning “the dance step of beautiful girls” in theTahitian language. A dance competition that takes place in December. Originally, the tapairu were young girls that served the queen and were selected for their excellent artistic expression. With its first edition in 2004, this challenge immediately was differentiated from other Tahitian traditional competitions.

The first difference is the liberty of expression granted to the dance teams. During this challenge there is no imposed theme or choreography. The second difference is the fact that the Hura tapairu competition is open to all international delegations. Originally the Hura Tapairu was created to allow small groups to present in front of an audience.

For this 7th edition, the competition was divided in two categories. The first category named “Overall”, grouped the dance Ote’a (a traditional Polynesian dance assimilated to Tamure) and the Aparima (a traditional dance executed more slowly) together. The second category was the Hula, a graceful and very slow dance native to the island of Hawaii.

26 teams enrolled in the competition for 2011, each one trying to be more and more creative to win the ultimate prize of 400 000 Pacific francs (3 300 Euros). The Hitireva group emerged victorious, obtaining the first place thanks to their energy, their passion and their hard work.

More than a competition… a Polynesian tradition

French Polynesia seems stuck in time every year during the month of November. Each Polynesian is concentrated on the Hawaiki Nui Va’a Race. With its first edition in 1992, the Hawaiki Nui Race has pitted many a brave Polynesian warrior (Maohi) in the attempt at “taming” the ocean with the aide of their “Va’a ”. Va’a, the traditional Maohi term for outrigger canoe involving a team 6 rowers, each one having a precise role to play on the team. The first one sets the rythm, the middle moves the canoe forward and the last one steers direction. It is the most popular sport in French Polynesia enjoyed by 50 percent of the Tahitian population.

In the Hawaiki Nui Race the 3 different stages are set in the heavenly islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. A gruelling race where competitors have to paddle a total of 125 km in 3 days to complete the race. Even if they own sophisticated equipment as paddle in carbon fibre, competitors must show a great physical and mental strength to finish this difficult race.

For this 20th edition, 158 teams started the race marking a new participation record since its conception. Although participated by teams from all around the world such as France, United States or Germany, the Polynesians teams consistently garner the top spots. Upon publication of this issue the Shell Vaa team proved victorious as overall champion. We can feel an international interest for this sport which attests to one’s endurance, courage and mental toughness.

Matari'i I Ni'a

Every year French Polynesia, celebrates the “Season of Abundance” which takes place around the 20th of November. The advent of this season, announced by the Pleiades constellation rising, is witnessed by Polynesians after sunset. In the past, Polynesians observed the stars in the darkness of the ocean scape to guide their pirogue (canoe) during their sea travel.

This abundance season called “Matari’i I Ni’a” is an occasion for Polynesians to honour the fruits of the sea and the earth in the form of various festivities.

This season, usually during the hot and humid period, is known to bring happiness and prosperity to Polynesians. A week long series of events of traditional song and dance representations and traditional sports competitions are organized to give thanks to God and the Earth for the gifts bestowed on them.

Polynesians appreciate this opulent season that allows them to celebrate and honour their culture and traditions. Both play an important role in their lives. Their friendly open-minded nature reflects their generosity and happiness in sharing their culture with foreigners.

This week of celebration is full of sharing and conviviality. It is also considered a good opportunity for community leaders to emphasize of culture and environmental conservation to young people.

A treasure waiting to be discovered

French Polynesia’s reputation boasts white sandy beaches, translucent lagoons, Polynesian hospitality and the fragrance of tropical flowers under the sun. A less known, but equally ravishing aspect of the islands, lies inland: the mountains. Those who make the effort to go on a hike are rewarded with stunning surroundings and panoramic views.

Tahiti and the other high-lying mountains in the Society archipelago, and the Marquesas and Austral archipelagoes present the opportunity to discover and explore wild valleys, seemingly endless waterfalls and mape forests (Tahitian Chestnut trees that were used for communication in ancient times by hitting the tree trunk with rocks making thudding sounds that carried through the valleys). Whether you prefer a mellow walk for an hour or a more demanding hike for two nights with a sleepover in a shelter, the professional guides on each island will show you the islands from a new angle and will teach you about the mountains’ legends and plants on your way.

One of the most popular hikes, and also the most strenuous one, is the climb up the Aorai. Mount Aorai is Tahiti’s third tallest mountain with its 2066 meters/6778 feet. The 10 km/6.3 miles hike takes two days along a well-maintained trail. If you manage to overcome your vertigo as you pass by the impressive 300 meter/ 984 feet high cliffs of Mato Mati—or “Devil’s Rock”— you will have earned the right to wake up the next morning to a magnificent scene: a 360 degree panoramic view of the mountains, the lagoon, the Presqu’ile, several waterfalls and the island of Moorea.
Talk about seeing the turquoise waters of the lagoon from a different perspective!

The fruit of the effort

While oranges seem like a rather common fruit, it is considered special by Tahitians. Why? Because Tahiti’s oranges aren’t to be found on display among the other fruits in the store. In fact, harvesting oranges in Tahiti is a sort of conquest, requiring much effort, and resulting in great reward.

The oranges grow in obscure places, hidden deep in the valley of Punaruu on Tahiti’s West coast. The only way to harvest the oranges (from June to August) is to hike through the forest, and only those in great physical condition can make their way to the shelter. There, they spend the night and early the next morning they continue on to their secret “orange spot.” The location of the oranges is never revealed.

The orange pickers fill up two big bags each and attach them on both ends of a long bamboo stick. With the heavily loaded stick upon their shoulder, they hastily begin to make their way down. Once back at the point of departure, the women gather the oranges in nets of 10 and put them for sale on the side of the road. No sooner than they have come down, the men return to the forest to pick another batch of oranges, and so it continues, until they have gathered about 80 kg/176 lbs.

One can easily recognize the orange-pickers, not only because of their great physical shape, but also because they tend to have a bump at the base of their neck from having shifted the heavy bamboo stick from one shoulder to the other. It almost looks as if an orange was growing on their back!

On the road of traditions

In and around Polynesia islands, the truck is famous and everybody used it once in her life. Important point of the polynesian way of life, it's a truck chassis with an open air sheltered cabin and wooden bench seats. It's the real traditionnal mean of transportation in Tahiti and her islands.

No schedulded times neither stop places all around islands; you just have to wait along the road, to make a sign to the driver and to pay the fare before going on. This traditionnal "bus" will stop where you want when signalled.

Not only a mean of transportation, the truck is a symbol and a part of polynesian way of life. Decorated with palm leaves and tropical flowers, the truck will invite you to join people inside to sing famous old tahitian songs and to learn how to play ukulele and to'ere (percussion instrument). By meeting the population, you will join a real fest and share an important custom which is disappearing.

Actually, for comfort and safety reasons, modern busses take the place of the trucks. But you can still pass a leaves decorated truck with a lot of local music on a festive and dancing sunday. Tradition is still on the road!

6 days for the future

A scientific conference has been organised by the Manta Polynesia Research & Protect association and by the TOPDIVE-Bathys group. It took place at the beginning of June in Tahiti and Bora Bora to evaluate the ecological and environmental situation for the manta rays living in the lagoon of the Pearl of the Pacific. It's important to protect this amazing animal suffering from tourism.
The manta ray is a majestic fish who can be 8 meter large for 2-ton weight. Called by mistake the "Evil of the Seas", this quiet and harmless animal like to swimm in deep warm waters.

This convention took place because of the unstocking of the lagoon by the manta rays. From 2004, some areas have been protected, where local people can observe these big fishes on every days. Scientists want to create an area where tourism could also mean environmental protection. The best way to communicate for this plan is the information and the education: every providers and every tourists must know about this protected specie and his way of life. How is it living? What does it eat? Why is it coming in the lagoon for reproduction? If everybody understand the lagoon, they will know how to protect it and wonderfull fishes.

The interaction between humans and animals is inevitable: we have to make it in an intelligent and durable way.

How to choose the most beautiful Tahitian black pearl?

During your stay in French Polynesia, don't forget to bring back home a Tahitian black pearl, one of the most famous souvenirs of our islands. Several shops and boutiques propose you jewels and loose pearls. No matter who you are, you will find the one to seduce you.
Each Tahitian black pearl incarnates the Polynesian charms. You need to know how to choose the one which suits you most: small or big, perfectly round or unusual shapes, black, green or champagne colour... It's hard to make a choice!

The way the surface looks and the lustre of the pearl are the 2 most important points. Pay attention to details such as a hollow, a scratch or an excrescence. Small imperfections can easily be hidden when you will create your own jewel. And take your time to appreciate the range of reflections of the pearl and its brilliance.
An official classification will help you to make your decision: 4 classes grade pearls from A (high quality) to D (weak lustre and imperfection). You will receive an authenticity certificate for each pearl.

Now you have the pearl, you just have to create an original jewellery depending on your inspiration: a ring, a pendant, a bracelet...? Vaima Perles can advise you. This boutique, opened in 1977, is located in the town center of Papeete at the Vaima shopping center. Its workshop proposes to the customers a large choice of quality jewels: pearls with satin, wood or gold. If you don't want to wait to travel into Tahiti or if you can't come to our islands, take a moment to visit their website and buy a part of the dream... www.vaimaperles.com

The Monoi Road

The monoi is a natural oil obtained by soaking tiare Tahiti flowers in copra oil extracted from coconuts. This product is one of the root of the South Pacific islands culture. And it's also a real pleasure for senses with the perfume and the sweet skin after a massage !
To promote and share about this gift of the nature, the "Monoi Road" took place on June 5th: a circle island tour by truck (local open air bus). 130 persons joined the first edition of this cultural event. You could meet Polynesian, European and Japanese people, all seated in one of the 4 trucks and seduced by the project.

The circle island tour started from Papeete local market in the town center and was highlighted by 22 stopovers. Each step explained the traditionnal and industrial way to make monoi, the botany and the daily use of this perfumed oil. Everybody learnt about tahitian beauty rituals (hair care, skin care, massages, perfumed body oil...) trought initiations. At noon, a traditionnal local meal (= ma'a tahiti) has been served to each participant in a friendly athmosphere.

All purposes of this Monoi Road have been completed: the monoi has been celebrated, the public audience could discover (once again) this ancestral product and the message ran around the island.

The most important regatta in South Pacific

If you are mad about sailing, come to French Polynesia from May 12th to 16th and enjoy the Tahiti Pearl Regatta: this race takes place between Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora islands.

Every year, worldwide skippers practice friendly competitive yachting. Thanks to this race, you can navigate for your own pleasure and discover polynesian islands in the same time. Everbody and every kind of yachts can take part in this event: the main objective is really to enjoy the sea and the lagoon, spending 4 days around amazing sceneries.

Warm and festive atmosphere aboard but not only: spectators and local people of these 3 islands organize big parties such as the opening evening or a Polynesian evening on a motu, or the parade of disguised crews... The highlight of the week is the prizegiving for the winning crew: only humor and good spirits are welcome!

When this regatta formula started in 2004, there were only nine boats lined up on the starting line. The Tahiti Pearl Regatta has really grown in popularity since this time: more than 50 boats were participating in 2009. So hurry up and sign up to take part in this 7th edition!

A unique moment!

Don't miss the next total solar eclipse scheduled on July 11th, 2010. The best place to witness the event will be in French Polynesia, in the Tuamotu archipelago. Tatakoto, Hao, Anaa and Hikueru atolls will allow you to see the greatest point of the eclipse (totaly phase during 4min 45sec).

Astronomers chasing eclipses and other cosmic geeks, globe-trotters and travellers have already booked their stay in our islands. Observing the total eclipse offers particular challenges, with the track crossing a large part of the South Pacific Ocean. International company Air Tahiti Nui will propose charter flights, Aranui ship and 6 Archipel Croisieres catamarans organize special cruises to these atolls. Also Aremiti Ferry and liner Paul Gauguin will follow the wake of the eclipse. And of course, hotels and family pensions are full since a long time!

Thousand of tourists could enjoy a magic stay and live these 4 amazing minutes, when the nature hangs in time. Best weather conditions are hopefully combined to allow a perfect observation.

This special event is always expected but always a surprise, so don't hesitate and book your seat right now for this special moment!

The Vanilla Island

Sharing the same lagoon as its bigger sister island of Raiatea, Taha'a is an unspoiled island that retains all of its authenticity. Located in the Leeward Islands 230 kilometers (143 miles) northwest of Papeete, the some 5,000 people living on Taha'a are thinly spread out among several villages, including Patio, the biggest. There is no airport on the island, which is linked to Raiatea by inter-island ferryboat. This particular feature has helped Taha'a maintain a calm and relaxing lifestyle that's close to nature.

Known as the "Vanilla Island", visits are possible to any one of the many vanilla plantations on Taha'a that account for 80% of the production of the aromatic plant in French Polynesia. Visitors may also discover the heart of valleys during hikes, enjoy gardens presenting a vast number of flowers and tropical fruits and visit Faaha Bay, the legendary birthplace of the Polynesian god Hiro dominated by three 500-meter (1,640-foot) mountain peaks.

Taha'a boasts one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Society Islands, offering a wide range of activities for nautical lovers—snorkeling in coral gardens, swimming, visiting a Tahitian cultured pearl farm and taking a picnic and enjoying a moment of complete relaxation on any one of several beautiful white sand beaches on the "motu", islets, encircling the island.

Just follow your desires at your own pace. Whatever your stay is on Taha'a, the "Vanilla Island" will leave you with a sweet scent souvenir.

The Princess Orchid

Everyone knows the evocative aromatic scent of vanilla. In the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia, Taha'a is not only the birthplace of this "brown gold" spice, but is also the nuptial center for its reproduction. This amazing fruit from a beautiful orchid is a luxury due to the work involved in its creation. If you're fond of good food and patient, learn about vanilla's conception.

Vanilla is a plant that requires unlimited tender-loving care and attention, only providing its pods to those who know how to care for it and recognize its value. Thus, man has learned how to pollinate, or marry, the vanilla by observing insects gathering pollen from the delicate white orchid flowers. The fertilization is always done by hand individually with each flower. If the operation is successful, the flower produces a green vanilla pod of 12-25 centimeters (5-10 inches) long containing thousands of tiny seeds that have yet to reveal their sweet scent.

The transformation of these harvested pods requires equally as much attention and patience. But once again, the waiting and the work involved will be highly rewarded. The process begins by immersing the vanilla pods in a bath of boiling water. The pods then undergo 10 months of alternating periods of drying in the sun and sorting. Each chosen pod develops a shiny brown covering and, above all, begins to acquire the sweet aroma synonymous with warmth, fondness of good food and escape.

An increasing number of restaurants throughout the world are cooking only with vanilla from Taha'a as expert connoisseurs are attracted by this national treasure nestled in the Leeward Islands.

Therefore, visitors to French Polynesia should take the necessary time to choose only the best vanilla pods to take home with them.

Tahitian Culture's "Stone" Foundation

Stone fishing is an ancient way of fishing developed by Tahiti's earliest Polynesians. Today it's also a genuine public festival.

This unique activity involves many boats that gather at each end of an island. Standing in the bow of the boat, men beat the lagoon water's surface with a stone attached to a long rope.
The scared fish gather in the "rau", what the Tahitians call a huge net woven from coconut palms. Everyone from the island holds the net in the water, gradually reducing the opening, trapping the fish in a circle that becomes smaller and smaller. Now it's time to begin harpooning the fish, with personalities given the honor of killing the first fish. The rest of the fish are divided up among the participants.

Preparations for this event begin two days earlier. Each family on the island must weave 10 meters (nearly 33 feet) of "rau" (netting). Cooks have already begun preparing the big "ma'a", or traditional Tahitian meal, that will be served on the day of the stone fishing.

Meanwhile, boats are decorated with coconut palms and tropical flowers for a contest to be held just before the fishing begins. This tradition is carried on in the Leeward Islands, such as Maupiti, where Pierre Lesage took these beautiful photos.

This day has the double advantage of preserving the Tahitian culture while providing the perfect pretext for the islanders to get together and share much more than the fruit of fishing.

© Photo P.Lesage - www.kapstock.com

Monoï Here: Tahiti's Monoï Week Festival

The 3rd Monoï Week Festival's workshops combined the traditional and the modern, providing participants with an introduction to the world of this completely natural cult product known as Tahitian Monoï.

The Nov. 18-21 festival brought together Tahitian "mamas" from all of French Polynesia's archipelagos along with Monoï laboratories. This joint effort promoted all the traditional and beneficial aspects of Monoï, introduced the plants of the Maohi, or ancient Tahitian, pharmacopoeia and described the activities related to this product. The public had an active participation in this gathering, participating in workshops and exhibitions and by going aboard Le Truck, or Tahitian bus, to learn how to prepare Monoï.

This provided an understanding of the important role that this natural oil plays in the culture and daily lives of the Tahitians. First, there's the preparation, the oil obtained by soaking Tiare Tahiti flowers in copra oil extracted from coconuts. Then there's the many uses of Monoï—a skin moisturizer, a protection against mosquito and other insect bites, a sun tan lotion, a hair treatment oil and a massage oil. Thus, it is easy to understand why Monoï has justifiably earned its famous reputation as a gift from nature that man has known how to use for hundreds of years.

So allow yourself the pleasure of enjoying its gentle caress and its flowered perfume. You'll have only good feelings with Monoï.

A Happy Event Only for the Best of Everyone.

Tahiti and Her Islands are natural treasures that must be protected during tourism development. Bora Bora, the Pearl of the Pacific, is taking the lead. And while each resort is aware of what is at stake and act according, certain hotels are real examples of eco-citizen behavior.
Take, for example, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, which opened in 2006 with its revolutionary system known as SWAC, or Sea Water Air Conditioning. Seawater with a temperature of 5° C (41°F) is drawn from an ocean depth of 915 meters (3,000 feet) through a 2.4 km (1.5 mile) long pipe to the nearby coral reef. The ice-cold water is pumped through a heat exchanger and sent through a fresh water circuit providing the resort's air conditioning. SWAC is designed to save up to 90% of the resort's electricity consumption for air conditioning.
Meanwhile, the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa has participated since 2001 in the "Toa Nui Project". This involves regrouping endangered coral to create coral colonies in a protected environment. Guests can admire these baby coral reefs as they look through glass windows in their overwater bungalows. The hotel began a partnership in 2008 with the French Polynesia Reef Check Association to help educate the public about protecting the marine environment. This year, the Bora Bora resort was one of five South Pacific Management resorts in French Polynesia to receive a Bronze Green Globe Certification. This is recognition for daily efforts on improving and protecting the environment and the ecosystem.
Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora recently achieved the Green Globe Certified Silver benchmark status within the worldwide group of sustainable tourism operators.
Ten years ago Le Méridien Bora Bora created a Sea Turtle Protection Center, a combined scientific and tourist project. The center has raised and released more than 500 turtles since 1999, helping them to avoid poachers and to repopulate among the outer islands. The hotel also regularly participates in environmental actions—building of coral reefs, fish breeding and in the creation of a coral nursery.
Finally, the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach & Private Island, like many resorts, focuses on energy conservation, animal sea life protection, creation of coral gardens and nurseries. It also flies a European Blue Flag, the symbol of exceptional environmental quality of the Foundation for Environment Education.
Bora Bora and the rest of Tahiti and Her Islands remain aware of today's environmental problems and their high susceptibility to even the slightest disruption. That is why the people native to these islands as well as those "passing through" must always bear in mind that "we do not inherit the earth from our parents, we borrow it for our children".

The World's Most Beautiful Outrigger Canoe Race

The Hawaiki Nui Va'a Race is probably French Polynesia's most exciting spectator sport event. This international outrigger canoe (va'a in Tahitian) competition has been held each October since 1992.
The physically challenging three-day, three-stage, four-island race is held in the Leeward Islands, covering a distance of 129 kilometers (80.2 miles) and involving some 10 hours of paddling in the men's competition. Women and junior category paddlers race in one stage—25 kms (15.5 miles) in the lagoon shared by the islands of Raiatea and Taha'a. The first stage for the men covers the 45 kms (28 miles) separating Huahine from Raiatea. The second stage the following day covers 26 kms (16 miles) of lagoon paddling between Raiatea and Taha'a. The third and longest stage covers the 58 kms (36 miles) between Taha'a and Bora Bora, the Pearl of the Pacific.
The Polynesian canoe has been the traditional means of transportation since ancient times to discover new land. However, in those days the canoes were twin-hulled with sails and carried families, animals and food supplies. Today, small outrigger paddling canoes are still used by fishermen as they explore the lagoons for the evening's dinner or for fish to sell on shore. The canoes, or va'a, were originally made hallowing out a tree trunk and attaching a wooden outrigger. But as their use evolved into competition, their construction changed. Today they have evolved into racing machines with sophisticated paddles specially shaped for faster speeds. The Hawaiki Nui canoes have six places, each place protected by special canvas to keep the water from entering the hull. Five places are for paddlers. The rear place is for the coxswain, who besides steering the canoe also shouts encouragement to his paddlers.
This major sporting event in Tahiti and Her Islands also attracts paddlers from France and elsewhere in the Pacific Rim—California, Hawaii and New Zealand. Spectators, team managers and security forces number in the hundreds, creating a flotilla of boats of all sizes and missions that closely follow each stage of the race. There were 134 canoes on the starting line of this year's event. The winner, Team OPT, broke the four-year winning streak of the Shell Va'a team.
The three days of intense racing enable a public to experience an exceptional race, reviving memories of the voyages of their Maohi ancestors, the first Polynesians in search of new horizons to conquer. At the same time, the race provided yet another exciting Polynesia event.

© Photographic archives (2007) JB Calvas - Tahitipresse

Cultural Treasures from the lagoon

Tahiti cultured pearl farms are found in the lagoons of many atolls and islands in French Polynesia. Over-the-water structures, isolated between the sky and the sea, house the talented people and their valuable knowledge, as well as pearl oysters. The marriage of technical skills and this incredible shell gives birth to the famous Tahiti cultured pearl, populary known as the "black pearl".

A pearl farm is above all a business that needs to operate with sensitivity and patience since an oyster needs at least 18 months after a grafting before it can produce its gem.
Pearl farmers must select the very best oysters for grafting with a nucleus. This extremely delicate operation long remained the specialty of Japanese grafters. Today, some Tahitians and Paumotu residents of the Tuamotu Archipelago also have mastered this technique. A small, perfectly round nucleus is inserted into the gonad of an oyster, along with a graft, a small piece of mantle from a sacrificed oyster. The mantle's cells form a pearl sack and secrete pearl material. The grafted oyster is placed in the lagoon, attached to protective plastic nets and lowered to a depth of some seven meters (23ft).

After 1,5 years of attention and care, there's excitement at the pearl farm because the time has arrived to begin harvested the grafted oysters. Each oyster is opened and the pearl is removed. If the oyster is still in good shape, the grafter replaces the pearl with a nucleus of equivalent size to that a second, larger pearl can be produced. The samed oyster can be grafted up to three or four times. It's called over-grafting.

The pearl farm remains on alert during the harvesting period. Each oyster is a gift, each pearl is a surprise for the person who finds it. Sometimes, nature is even more generous, offering "the exceptional pearl". That is the pearl you want and what you had imagined: the most beautiful pearl of the Pacific.
That's the pearl for you. At the moment, it certainly is very safe inside an oyster, waiting for you.

A path to paradise

The Vaipahi Gardens located along Tahiti's south coast in the district of Mataiea 49 kilometers (30 miles) from Papeete are rich in cultural heritage and abundant in natural beauty.

Restored and reopened in August 2007, the gardens include archaeological relics and legendary traditions. Spread out over more than a hectare (2.5 acres) on the montainside of circle island road, they offer ponds, a waterfall and walking paths.

There over 75 different species of vegetation, all kept fresh by water from lake Vaihiria in the center of the island, Tahiti's only fresh water lake. According to ancient Tahitian legend, the nearby Vaima river once played an important religious role because the spirits of the former Teva tribe considered this waterway as "the path of purification of souls" in their quest to reach paradise.

There are three walks available, each lasting 1/2 hours. One of the walks takes visitors along marked paths next to the river. Along the way are archeological sites steeped in history, as well as shaded areas created by pine trees that adorn the forest, a rather surprising sight on the island of Tahiti. This walk ends at a plateau with overhangings cliffs and a spectacular view of the entire park encompassing the Vaipahi gardens and the varying shades of blue in the lagoon and ocean, framed by the sunny shores of the main island.

Just like the ancient Tahitians, you are approaching paradise.

© Photo H. Leue - Tahiti Tourisme

Second biggest atoll in Polynesia, Fakarava offers to scuba divers exceptional dive sites. The 800 meters large pass (the largest in Polynesia) and a 1121 km² crystal-clear lagoon that shelters every kind of fishes existing in the Tuamotu: groupers, barracudas, loaches, eagle rays, manta rays, tiger sharks, pelagic sharks, and also turtles and dolphins.

Around this lagoon, listed by UNESCO as a “biosphere reserve”, runs a 16 km² of emerged land. This is where the real show takes place for nature lovers: white and pink sandy beaches, original and preserved sites and the old village Tetamanu with its church made of coral reef…

Some 850 residents in Fakarava enjoy this full of life and unique lagoon while exploiting its resources in a responsible way. You will have the possibility of visiting the famous pearl farms situated on “motu” (islet) and bring back with you one of the most beautiful souvenirs from the lagoon: a Tahitian black pearl.

© Picture Eric Cheng - Text M. Jurczyk

If it is said that Polynesian islands mean heaven, relaxed way of life and dolce farniente… The surprise could be in Moorea where you will discover a part of its natural beauty by making a well-named effort: the Raid Painapo, or pineapple race.

Every year in September, the Te Moorea Club association organises a 20 to 30km orientation race through the mountains, to be covered by a 3 person team. A circuit that is as difficult as surprising due to the dense vegetation in Opunohu valley and the pineapples fields all aligned at the mercy of beaten tracks. The surprise is all the bigger because the circuit is kept secret until the very last moment.

Sportive holiday’s lovers will find there a real exotic and original race. For most athletic people, the association, which promotes ecotourism, also organise a Raid Moorea, a 42km triathlon which combines kayak, mountain biking and race. A tour of the Mount Rotui is also organised during the year.

Let us know if the supplying is composed by famous pineapples…

© Picture M. Bonifait

Taste buds excited….

Tahiti and its islands offer several varieties of fruits and vegetables: uru (fruit of the bread tree), mango, grapefruit, taro…And it goes the same for sea products that fishermen bring just before the sunrise: mahi mahi, crayfishes, red and white tuna. Difficult to resist this temptation…..!
Polynesian cuisine comes from different traditions: the local one, the French and Asian ones that bring delicious flavours. It is obviously rich in various foods as well as in cultural inputs. Small lagoon side restaurants, guest houses or caravans localised in harbours during the festivals in July, all serve the famous raw fish marinated in green lemon, basted with coco milk and served with fresh salad. If you want to feel a bit like in fenua (the country), here is this traditional recipe:

Components : 800g tuna, 1/2 cucumber (100g), 1 tomato (50g), 1 pepper (25g), 1 big onion (80g), juice from 8 green lemons, 1 glass of coco milk, salt and pepper.

Preparation :
- Dice the fish (1cm / 1cm), put it under fresh water, drain and put it in a salad bowl.
- Squeeze the lemons and pour the juice on the fish, mix the whole. Let it stand in the fridge during 20 minutes.
- Slice thinly the onion and pepper, dice the tomato and thinly cut the seeded cucumber.
- Drain some of the lemon juice, then add the vegetables and rectify the seasoning.
- 5 minutes before serving, add the coco milk.

Have it on a salad bed in individual containers or better in a half coconut! Serve it fresh.

© Picture Sekkaki - Tahiti Tourism

A place full of history….

Mangareva is part of the Gambier archipelago and is also the most remote island from Tahiti (1 700 km East from Tahiti). It is also the only inhabited one of this preserved and authentic archipelago. Mangareva, one of the most isolated island of the world, encloses the mysteries of the old Polynesian culture (one can find several archaeological remains) as well as signs of the Christian era with different cathedrals and churches that were constructed in the middle of the 19th century.
The Tahiti and its islands museum in Punaauia now proposes a touring exhibition dedicated to Mangareva in cooperation with the Quai Branly museum in Paris. Ten statues that left the archipelago about 150 years ago are now back to be honoured. These unique pieces, seldom not to say never seen by the public, have been lended by the Quai Branly museum, the museum of Cahors, the museum of La Rochelle and the ethnological museum of the Vatican. One can discover in particular eight tiki (hominoid statues) representing old mangarevian gods that are very original.
This exhibition that will be shown until the 24th of September 2009 offers a unique occasion for visitors to admire these art pieces but also gives the opportunity to the population of Mangareva to regain parts of its past that some took many years earlier.A ceremony with mangarevian dances and songs was organised to inaugurate the opening of the exhibition.
To allow visitors to impregnate a little bit more of this island’s culture, a documentary space has also been put in place with information about various topics: archaeology, the creation of atolls, pearl production…..

Source Tahiti Presse
© Photo M.-A. Bolard

On the way to the holy island….

After a 40 minute flight from Tahiti, you have reached Raiatea. You will be able to take walks on Uturoa’s quay, the capital city of the island, as much as you like and have a break and sit at the terrace of a restaurant to enjoy a fresh fruit juice or a snack.
Then go and discover this island which is full of mystery…
To warm up, you can hike about an hour and a half to the top of Mount Tapioi. The result is worth the effort because as a reward a breathtaking view of Huahine, Taha’a and Bora Bora islands is expecting you up there. If you still have energy, you can also climb up the highest mount of the island: Mount Temehani which is 2400 feet high. On the way, you will observe a lot of different plants, alleys planted with pines beside coconut groves, a surprising mix very charming for the sight as well as for the fragrance. It is also during this climbing that you will discover a unique plant, the strange “Tiare apetahi”, that has become the sacred symbol of the island.
You can easily drive around the island. Observe the landscape and stop on the road whenever you like to take a picture of the mountain which is covered in trees, looking so imposing but fragile at the same time. In the South of the island you will see numerous waterfalls and the international Taputapuatea marae which has now been added to the French projected list for world heritage of the UNESCO.
Last but not least, you can take a boat trip to the neighbouring island, Taha’a, to observe through your diving mask the wonderful submarine grounds of its coral gardens.

© Picture L. Desmons

The cetacean of the abyss return to Polynesia…..

Polynesia represents a mandatory stop for whales. In fact their lifecycle follows the different times of the year: towards the end of June, when the austral winter is setting off, they travel to Polynesian waters and leave at the end of October. You will find them first in Rurutu, Australes islands, and then they will slowly come to Tahiti and Moorea.
Thanks to the moratorium that prohibits whale hunting, the number of humpback whales seems to be on the increase. In 2007, there were between 400 and 500 of them swimming in the moana (abyss in Tahitian) of our islands.
These giants of the ocean are giving us something of a show: geysers gush out of their backs, their jumps let them look like dancers, their fights can sometimes surprise us, their nuptial parades are enchanting, so much emotion for human beings who feel so small beside them….
Pierre Follin is fascinated by these animals and has become an expert while watching them time and again. He is now paying tribute to them with an exhibition (until May 31st), “In the wake of whales”, at the Eleuthera diving center, at Taina’s marina on Tahiti. He also has created a website to share his knowledge: www.baleinomane.net and will soon present them with a book of his own.
For now, his choice is to show them in black and white to avoid that we focus on the blue of the water but rather look at the amazing movements of these marine creatures.

© Picture - Pierre Follin

Polynesia in colours…..

Philippe Dubois is a painter who has been living in Polynesia for 23 years. It is on the very charming island of Moorea that he found his inspiration and worked on his creations. Every year since 15 years, from April until the beginning of May, he exhibits his work in the “Galerie des Tropiques”, which is located on the seafront of Papeete (Tahiti). This year, there were about 50 new pieces that the visitors could discover and buy if they wanted to.
Philippe Dubois shows us on his paintings parts of the daily life of Polynesian people: fishing, traveling in a truck (bus), a cargo ship delivering its goods, a vahine on her bicycle….
Always faithful to his own style, we can find once again characters without faces, very simple landscapes and a range of colours made of marine and turquoise blue contrasting with blazing yellow and red colours that warm up just by looking at it. This year the artist also proposes some shades of brown used in a low-key manner such as in the “The reading” scene for example. Those paintings are very pleasant to see and take the audience in the heart of the Polynesian culture. You can relax for a moment of serenity and forget the fast rhythm of modern life.

If you come along during this time of the year, you can gaze at Dubois’s paintings. If you are there during another period, don’t hesitate to have a look in the gallery because there is always something interesting to see in there.

© Picture D.R - Tahitipresse

The legend of the 3 waterfalls

The legend relates the story of a young princess called Fauai who was kept away by his father from all the men. As she wandered in the valley one day, escorted by guards, she met a young man, Ivi, with whom she decided to escape from her father’s guards. As those were running after them, the water from the mountain began to flow and covered the two friends. Nowadays we say that they are living in happiness behind the waterfalls called Haamaremare rahi and Haamaremare iti. On their way back, the guards were covered as well by the water, which is now the place where the third waterfall called Vaimahuta is located.

Today it is possible to go to Tiarei’s village in order to admire this water gushing out from the rock of the Faarumai 3 waterfalls. The starting point of the walk is located 17 km away in the North West of Papeete. You will have to walk about 15 minutes to discover them deep in the valley. On your way, you will be surrounded by a luxuriant vegetation typical of Tahiti : banana, coconuts, coffee, mango and guava trees. You will also see a taro, manioc and watercress plantation. At the bottom of the waterfalls, there are some observation platforms to fully enjoy this natural show. When going back to the car park, don’t hesitate to walk through the bamboos border to the water….

© Picture L.Desmons

The "ori" and the "pa'oti"

Tahitian dance plays an important role in the Polynesian culture. But as time went by and with the arrival of missionaries it suffered from several influences and changes. Many of those associated the Polynesian dance with nudity and thought of it as shameful and therefore decided to prohibit it.
But dance is deeply established in the habits of the population. During the 50’s, Madeleine Moua and her dance group Heiva turned the rather old and rural art into a more city-based and professionalized activity. In addition, the development of tourism promoted this Polynesian cultural aspect as folklore.
The basic movements of Tahitian dance are the « ori » for the woman (hips movement starting from the knees, the top of the body stays still, the arms are streched and the heels are joint) and the « pa’oti » for men (scissors’ movement with the legs, bended knees alternatively opened and closed, heels stay together).
There are four major types of dance :
- The « Otea » , the most famous. Originally a somewhat warlike dance for men, this dance is now practised by both genders and is organised around a topic. The music that accompanies the dancers is made of rhythmic motifs called “pehe”.
- The « Aparima ». The hands of dancers mime the story related to the audience. The “Aparima” can be mute or sung.
- The « Hivanau ». Male and female dancers form a circle and a male soloist gives a phrase that the choir takes over.
- The « Pa’o’a ». The gestures of this dance remind the tapa-making art (vegetal tissue obtained by the technique of threshed bark). Male and female dancers are squat in a semi-circle. A soloist gives a theme that the others answer and a couple go in the middle to perform a dance encouraging their movements by sounds of “hi” and “ha”.
Percussions or string instruments give the rhythm depending on the type of dance.
Costumes also hold an important function. They have to be creative and avoid non vegetal material or non traditional colours.
The show of Tumata Robinson, “Heiva”, gives a good picture of Tahitian dance. The group will be in France in July for the cultural festival “Terre du son”, then in Canada to end in New Zealand at the Cultural centre of Djibaou.
In Tahiti, don’t miss the “Heiva” festival from the 29th of June until the 20th of July (dances, songs, historical reconstruction and sport competitions in a shared joy atmosphere).

© Picture Christian Durocher - Tahitipresse

Marae and traditions….

A marae is and old place of worship, a Polynesian sanctuary we can find either on the coast or in the inside of the land. Most of the time you have to go through trees regarded as sacred before having the opportunity to discover the secret of this cultural, social and political place of Polynesian society.
A marae is built of a rectangular platform made with dried stones. At one of the end of the site you can find the common element of all marae : the sacred place, the “ahu” in Tahitian language. This altar, which can have several levels and rise up like a pyramid, was mainly dedicated for priests and the “arii” (the leader). In addition we can find the “unus”, sculpture having a human or animal shape that represent the link with the spirit of a God or an elder. The tiki, sculptures fixed at the marae’s entrance have the same function.
Because Polynesian civilisation is more oral than written, it is nowadays still difficult to know the exact sequence of those old ceremonies but we know that sometimes human sacrifices took place.
There are different sizes of marae reflecting a certain hierarchy. The smallest were for families’ local celebrations and the biggest might have been royal marae and gather leaders of several archipelagos to discuss social topics, celebrate Gods or crown a king.
The biggest marae to visit in Polynesia is the one of Taputapuâtea, located in Ôpoa, on Raiatea Island. Possible read : Tahiti in the old times, Teuira Henry (daughter of the missionary J-M Orsmond).

© Picture - Benoit Buquet

The origin of the Polynesian canoe

The first canoes appeared in French Polynesia upon arrival of the first inhabitants 5000 years ago. Coming from East Asia, these explorers navigated thousand of miles to reach the islands of Pacific. Without any sailing equipment, these people oriented themselves according to the natural elements such as the wind, the heave, the marine fauna and the stars which were leading them the way. Polynesian people developed a high sense of observation of the nature that they used in their trips. It was together that the men used to go into the forests to choose the most accurate material to make the longboat that they will name “va’a matu”. The final result is a double canoe carved into the wood. The skiffs are linked by a pontoon which is covered by one or many shelters. The sails are triangular and are made out of dried pandanus leaves which permitted to protect the people. Everything was very specific and no mistake was allowed in order to brave this kind of expedition.
For many historic reasons, the canoe has been neglected for many years. It is in Hawai during the sixties that the canoe took back its place. Polynesians living there decided to revive one very important element of their roots and highlight an ancestral know-how. They went back researching their past culture and found their identity.
Then, the canoe became, very quickly a national sport. This is moreover the emblem of the Polynesian flag since 1984. Races are organized, with the most popular being the Hawaiki Nui. This competition attracts hundred of people every year in October and generates happiness upon the arrival of each step connecting Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa & Bora Bora. This sport involves high physical efforts as rowers do not only cross lagoons but the ocean as well. It generates a high team spirit too and Polynesian people are very proud of it.
Distinguished each year, these teams in competition are sponsored by the main companies represented in French Polynesia.

© Picture - Christian Durocher

This legend talks about the origin of the name of the island of Moorea.

A long time ago, Temaiatea and his wife were living at Tupuai-Manu which is now called Maiao. The wife became pregnant and gave birth to an egg. Her husband took this egg and brought it to a small cave located near the shore named Vaionini where he left it. One night, the woman had a dream. She saw that she had given birth to a yellow boy. When she woke up she told her husband about her dream. The man went back into the cave in order to observe the egg but once there he saw that the egg had hatched: it was a baby lizard. Temaiatea gave him the name of Moo-rea. The couple fed the lizard in the cave until he grew up and became a huge lizard. This is why the wife who was now afraid, told her husband: “we have to abandon Moo-rea otherwise he will eat us”. The husband did not agree to this and said: “he is still our eldest son!” The woman insisted and the man built a canoe for two and they left the island to go to Tahiti. On his side, Moo-rea did not stop to linger and think about his parents who used to feed him. After some time without any visit from them he realized that he was abandoned. He threw himself into the ocean and swam towards the east. He faced three currents: Teara-Veri with currents similar to the shape of a scolopendra, Tefara which looked like a pandanus tree and Tepua, with its powerfull currents covering the ocean with a soapy like froth. He had fought against the first two but was too exhausted to brave the last one which was too strong for him. So Moo-rea died and his body drifted around and failed on Aimeho. Aimeho is the former name of the island of Moorea. In the early morning two fishermen found the huge yellow lizard on the beach. They ran into the village screaming “a yellow lizard, a yellow lizard”. This is why from that day on, Aimeho became Moo-rea, Moorea.

*Te moo: the lizard in Tahitian language and rearea : yellow
*Te veri: the scolopendra
*Te fara: the pandanus tree
*Te pu’a: a piece of soap

© Extract from the newsletter of the Society of Oceanic Studies n°138.

Experience the magic of the Tuamotus

350 Km northwest from Tahiti and after one hour by plane, Tikehau is a delicate coral atoll only 26 Km in diameter. While it is only a pipsqueak in comparison to its gargantuan neighbor Rangiroa, the tiny atoll encompasses all the beauty and charms that characterize the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Connected to the sea via only one pass, Tikehau's lagoon is perhaps more deserving of the word "paradisiacal" than most atolls due to its particularly blue lagoon and never ending swaths of white and pink sand beaches. The beauty on land is equaled underwater as the atoll has the reputation of having one of the most dense fish population in the world. To enjoy it, you only need to put on a mask, fins and a snorkel and plunge in. For those searching for complete solitude, head out to any of the wild and remote islets that encircle the lagoon and make up the heart of this unique landscape. This is the magic of the Tuamotus and the magic of Tikehau.

© Tahiticommunication - AC

This month we have decided to introduce you to some paumotu recipes (recipes from Tuamotus)

Ipo iti iti
Ingredients: 1 cup of flour without yeast, 1 cup of coconut water (and have another in reserve), sugar, coconut milk, coconut water (for cooking).
Preparation: mix in a salad bowl of flour with a bowl of coconut water, and if necessary add the coconut water in order to make a smooth and thick pastry. Boil the coconut water (half the pot). When it is boiling, take tablespoons of the pastry and make it cooked in the coconut water.
Note: If you want to get smaller "ipo", take a teaspoon, if you want bigger "ipo", then take one tablespoon. Cook about 25 minutes (the balls "IPO" back to the surface when it is ready). Reduce heat and add sugar (according to your taste) and coconut milk. Let simmer for another 5 minutes. Serve with fish of course !

Farao Maoa - shell fritters
Ingredients: shell, flour without yeast, onion, garlic, pepper, salt.
Chop the shells and keep them in a bowl. Add flour, salt, onions cut in cubes, garlic and pepper. note: flour only serves to bind the shells, save enough flour to make pancakes. Then fry the fritters in hot oil. Ideal for breakfast !

© Tahiti Tourisme - J. Sekkaki

While French Polynesia is world famous for it's swimming pool-like lagoons, few people realize that these stunning waters are also a unique place for whale watching and diving with whales.

Each year between July and October, these marine giants migrate from the icy Arctic to spend the Austral winter in the warmer waters of Polynesia. Oftentimes, the whales give birth here in the tropics.

Conscious of the importance of this location for the marine mammals, the island authorities have turned the country's waters into a marine sanctuary of over 4 million square kilometers. Here the hunting and capture of whales is completely prohibited. The clarity comfortable temperature of the water along with the fact that the whales often come in close to shore or into the lagoons, make the islands ideal for whale watching.

Equipped only with a mask, fins and a snorkel, visitors can jump in and swim relatively close to the graceful creatures. This activity is offered on the islands of Moorea and Tahiti as well as Rurutu in the Australs, which is often referred to as "The Island of Whales." It's an absolutely unforgettable experience to have an up close encounter with one of the world's most beautiful animals in one of the world's most beautiful locations.

© Tahiticommunication – All rights reserved
Photo Philippe Bachet

Discover the “magic Island”

Much more than a spectacular silhouette seen from the coast Tahiti, Moorea has plenty of charms that make it stand out among the islands of French Polynesia. It’s seventeen ancient volcanic peaks, the highest at 1200 meters, are what make the island’s form so majestic. The island’s heart is at the Opunohu and Pao Pao (Cook’s) Bays that lie at the base of all that volcanic splendor and are among some of the most beautiful seaside landscapes in the country.

To visitors, Moorea is like a huge tropical garden intermixed with banana and coconut plantations. There are several hiking trails that make it relatively easy to explore the lush interior. Beyond the flora and fauna there are also an exceptional number of archaeological sites, many of which are some of the best preserved in Polynesia.

Moorea’s lagoon is no less striking than its mountains – imagine postcard blue water fringed by white sand beaches. Underwater, divers and snorkelers will find an impressively rich and thriving marine world which has given much of the flash to Moorea’s nickname, “The Magic island.”

Only a few kilometers from Tahiti, the island of Moorea is a perfect example of Polynesian tranquility, beauty and authenticity.

© Tahiticommunication – All rights reserved

A mysterious and preserved island

Huahine is a peaceful haven where time seems to have stopped. At 170km northwest of Tahiti in the Society Archipelago, this garden of Eden (as it’s often called) is the perfect place to enjoy sincere Polynesian spirit. Visiting Huahine means that you get the best of both worlds: the calm and serinity of times past mixed with all the luxury available in the modern world.
The lush vegetation of the cliffs, the white sand beaches and the island’s rarely visited yet sublime lagoon make for an unforgettable backdrop to your vacation. Huahine’s other major draw card is its sacred places. An undeniable force eminates from the island’s many archaeological sites that spread into the valleys and along the coast. These vast areas, which are among some of the most important and best preserved in the Polynesian Triangle, show that Huahine was a very important religious center in ancient times. Awe inspiring at every level, a visit toi Huahine is a voyage outside of time yet straight to the heart of Polynesia.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved
©TC-AC

At the heart of traditional Polynesian sports

Imagine being in the center of a race, but no ordinary race; no, these guys are carrying over 50kg of fruit each: bananas, mangos, pineapples, oranges you name it.
Even more outrageous, imagine climbing up a coconut palm or watching the stone lifting competition, an event where Polynesian athletes lift giant stones weighing over 150kg up off the ground. This ultimate Polynesian cultural experience is known as the Heiva Tu’aro Maohi, the Polynesian Sports Festival. During the month of July on the island of Tahiti, this event lets the people of Polynesia go back to their roots to practice their traditional sport. Javelin throwing, canoe racing by sail and in three, six or 16 men boats, coprah contests, these are the sports in which Polynesiand excel. But besides being sporting events, many of these activities are practical in origin and are often a part of many local people’s everyday life. For example, the coprah competition comes from the harvesting of coconut meat from the dried nut. The competition involves seeing who can scoop out the soft, white meat with a special knife called a pana, the fastest.
The festival is an intensely colorful event with its athletes perfumed in sweet scented monoi oil, dressed in pareu and topped with flower crowns. The Heiva Tu’aro Maohi brings together over 300 athletes that come from all of French Polynesia’s five archipelagos. It’s a unique opportunity to admire the strength of Polynesian culture.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved
© DR

The image of Polynesian beauty

The great explorers such as Cook, Bougainville and Wallis as well as other notable visitors like Paul Gauguin, created the myth of the 'vahine,' the sultry Polynesian woman. Soon, in the world's imagination, the Tahitian woman had long black hair and with natural charms and sensuality danced an exotic dance.
This myth is reborn in the Miss Tahiti pageant, the winner becoming known as the most beautiful of all Polynesian women.
For the last 60 years Polynesians have elected their Miss to become the ambassador of Polynesian beauty to the world. On the night of the election, the feminine beauty of the culture hits center stage. The contestants wear magnificent gowns made from all sorts of vegetation as well as beautiful Polynesian fabrics as they show off their charms and talents.
More than just a simple competition, Miss Tahiti is an expression of the Polynesian population through the realm of physical beauty. Last April 26th, Hinatea Boosie, a 20 year old of mixed heritage was elected Miss Tahiti 2008, thus becoming the new face of the mythical 'vahine.'

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved
©Greg Boissy

Beautiful, strong and unique !

Known and revered from ancient times by the Polynesians, the wave at Teahupoo has become one of the Meccas of surfing over the last ten years. The site is superb: it faces the near vertical mountains of Tahiti Iti beneath which lies the tiny village of Teahupoo. The strong swells of the Pacific are stopped well before the beach, breaking against the coral reef. The wave that forms is unique in the world for its strength, perfection and beauty. Rising up to ten meters high, a veritable wall of water breaks on the coral with a sound as loud as thunder. The wave entices surfers with its danger and unpredictability.
Each year the best 44 surfers in the world compete on the wave for the celebrated Billabong Pro, one of the biggest competitions on the professional surf tour. Several meters from the break, the public amasses in boats to watch the pros glide across this monster of nature. Visitors are left with a lasting, memorable experience that hovers somewhere between being scary and fascinating.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved
©TC

The coconut palm: King of the Tuamotus

For visitors to French Polynesia, the characteristic silhouette of the coconut palm symbolizes a vacation in a tropical paradise. At the same time, one should never forget the inestimatable value that Polynesians give this tree. To them it is the king of it's kind and is often called the "tree of a hundred uses." While not only valuable for it's delectable flesh and sweet juice, the coconut palm is also known for its wood, fiber and fronds. These substances are used in arts and crafts as well as to make daily objects, construction and clothing. For this reason, the coconut palm is at the heart of Polynesian daily life, particularly for the Pa'umotu, the people of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Here the people have held on to their ancestral knowledge and still make the most out of the tree - it is a source of life on the fragile atolls. In the Tuamotus, the coconut trees or tumu hakari, as they are known in the local language, surround the inhabitants like pillars which symbolizes the strong link between the people and the tree. To delve into the culture of the Tuamotus is delving into an art of living, built in many ways around the coconut palm, which is a even a symbol of life itself out on these magnificent rings of coral.

© Tahiticommunication – ll rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash
© Lucien Pesquie

Sailing through the Leeward Islands

Bora Bora is called the "Pearl of the Pacific," Raiatea the "Sacred Island" and Taha'a the "Vanilla Island." These are the three islands that make up the dreamy itinerary for the internationally recognized Tahiti Pearl Regatta. For four days the participants of the regatta enjoy seascapes of the open ocean and calm, emerald lagoons. While remaining a real challenge, the nautical event also basks in Polynesian warmth and hospitality. From this May 8th to 12th, over sixty crews, both Polynesian and international will come together to compete and approach the Leeward Islands by sea. Certainly these will be unforgettable moments with the horizons dominated by steep silhouettes of high islands rising out of blue water and fringed with white sand islets. Encompassing an area as large as Europe, French Polynesia's islands with their varied and spectacular landscapes make the country an ideal location for ocean cruising.

© Tahiticommunication – ll rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash
© Marine Nationale-PM Boudard Sabine

In search of the ultimate escape: Tikehau

Of all the atolls that make up the vast Tuamotu archipelago, Tikehau is arguably the most perfect. Here, everything you'd hope for can be found: a turquoise lagoon, abundant and healthy marine life, virgin rose-colored and white sand beaches and a delicate ring of low-lying, palm fringed islets.
From the center of this coral ring that floats in the middle of the immense South Pacific, you'll find a the view of the lagoon looks like a giant, natural swimming pool. The landscape is magnificent but it also is a place of abundant life that is one of the most fish-filled regions in Polynesia. Visitors to Tikehau can expect to swim amongst Manta rays, sea turtles and parrotfish.
With a surplus of beauty and calm, Tikehau offers the perfect compromise between a Crusoe-esque experience and one of modern comfort - on one of the atoll's private islets is a high-end resort offering luxury and isolation. Less than an hour's flight from Tahiti, Tikehau is simply an inimitable destination.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash

A dual with Polynesia's ocean going giants

Encompassing an area as vast as the European continent, French Polynesia is a playground for amateur sport fishermen. French Polynesian fishermen head out armed only with a fishing pole and a harness to the great blue where they confront species known for their fighting qualities: tuna, swordfish and of course the Marlin (Haura,in Tahitian). The largest of the catch can weigh over 500 kilos!
The fact that Polynesian waters harbor so many of these giants, draws in many sport fishermen. At the end of March, the 11th Tahitian Billfish Tournament will bring together over 60 fishing boats and expects to attract many foreign crews. During the four-day tournament, the boats will search out these huge fish along the coasts of Tahiti for a truly adrenalin charged experience.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash

Preserving what nature made perfectly

With its sloping lagoon of infinite blues and string of coral islets, Bora Bora really is this magnificent Pearl of the Pacific that has been waxed on about by so many writers and travelers. Situated 270 km northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year who come from around the world in search of true paradise.
Preserving the natural beauty of the island is a constant preoccupation of the local government and population. For leading a good example and innovatively solving problems, the island was given "La Marianne d'Or," a national French award. The prize was given for acheiving environmental preservation goals and also for putting in place long-term development plans. More than ever the Pearl of the Pacific is an example of a good balance between tourism and environmental protection.

©Tahiticommunication – Tous droits réservés
Crédit photo - DR

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Tahiti

Kung Hi Fat Choi! Around the world everyone is wishing each other a happy new year in Chinese. The Chinese calendar isn't fixed to the Western calendar and so each year the new year falls on a different day - although it is always in the month of Februrary.
This major holiday for Chinese in every corner of the globe is also celebrated on Tahiti where there are over 15,000 Polynesian of Chinese descent. Chinese have been in Tahiti for over a century and a half and are of course at the forefront of the new year festivities. In the center of Papeete there is a lion dance set to the music of drum beats and exploding fire crackers.
Visitors can also explore other Chinese traditions such as consulting oracles at the Chinese temple or enjoying the lantern festival. Tahiti is a perfect place to celebrate this occassion since it is enlivened with the mix of Chinese and Polynesian cultures.

©Tahiticommunication – Tous droits réservés
Crédit photo - G. Boissy

The treasure of Raiatea

In the heart of the Leeward Islands, Raiatea is home to the tiare Apetahi flower, a natural treasure that is unique in the world. The white flowers have five petals and look like an extended palm when open. To see the flower you'll need to hike the flanks of Mt Temahani, the highest summit of the island.
Today only an estimated five hundred plants remain and thus the flower has become a protected species. Many people have tried to cultivate the flower elsewhere, without success - the Tiare Apetahi it appears will eternally be linked with its birth island, its only place of refuge.
Polynesian legend states that the goddess Tiaitau, the guardian of time, climbed Mt Temehani to mourn the departure of her lover, the warrior Tamatoa. Filled with despair she cut her arm to plant it in the earth - it grew into the Tiare Apetahi. Today the flower is the symbol of the sacred isle of Raiatea.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash
Photo Tahiti Tourisme - S. Kobayashi

January 29th to February 3rd 2008

Every year on Tahiti the International Oceana Documentary Film Festival (also called Fifo - an acronym taken from the French name) presents a competition for documentary films made about the Oceana region. Each festival has become a not-to-miss event for those impassioned by the beautiful images of this area and for anyone who wants to learn about the incredible natural and cultural richness of the islands of the Pacific.
During the four days of the festival the screenings and debates draw in thousands of spectators. For this, the fifth annual festival, the jury will be presided by writer Laure Adler who will have fifteen films to judge. This event is not only unique in the region, one of the most vast on the globe, but it is also a rarity within media throughout the world.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash

December 16th to 20th
The Marquesas Archipelago—“Ua Pou”
Theme: “Te Tuhuka,” carriers of knowledge

The first festival of Marquesan arts on the island of Ua Pou was organized in 1986 by the cultural association “Motu Haka o Te Fenua Enata.” Well aware of the fact that as time passed by, the memory of the old “Tuhuka” was in danger of being lost, the members of the organization encouraged young Marquesans to draw knowledge from their traditions and to learn from the last carriers of ancient knowledge.

Henceforth this festival is organized through careful and enthusiastic preparations every fourth year, and is held on one of the four most populated Marquesan islands. Bringing together more than 1,800 participants from all four corners of Polynesia—from Hawaii all the way to New-Zealand—the festival has become one of the most highly regarded cultural celebrations to be found in the South Pacific. Visitors and participants alike come to share cultural heritage through a number activities, such as dancing, sports, singing and so on. This festival is a must-see for visiting travelers who are anxious to discover the less known aspects of the Marquesan culture and at the same time take pleasure in the beautiful surroundings of the Marquesan Islands.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash
Photo E.Bonifait

The Polynesian Festival of Abundance

In ancient times Polynesians followed the movements of constellations to mark the changes of the seasons. Each year around mid-November, the rising of the Pleiades constellation (also called the Seven Sisters constellation) announced Matari’i i ni’a, the beginning of a six month period of abundance which put the less fruitful season of Tau Matari’i i ni’a to an end.

Matari’i i ni’a corresponds to the beggining of the Austral summer and it's a time of an incredible explosion of nature. This is the period when trees go into fruition, vegetables ripen and plants flower. During the first two months of this season the entire country celebrates in dozens of ways: traditional art shows and sports competitions, the arrival of special guests from Hawaii and Rapa Nui, singing, dancing and more. These celebrations offer visitors a unique chance to experience the strong link between Polynesian culture and its natural environment.

© Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash
Photo Tahiti Tourisme - S. Kobayashi

Diving to the heart of the “Avatoru” pass

Situated in the Tuamotu archipelago, the atoll of Rangiroa has been identified as one of the ten best scuba-diving destinations in the world. Warm, crystal-clear water and with a diverse marine fauna, the discovery of the underwater world of Rangiroa is a must-see for visitors.
The months of November and December offer ideal conditions for scuba-diving as the waters are known to be swarming with fish during that period. Since it is at the height of summer in the southern hemisphere, the ocean is warmer, which leads to the growth of algae. At the same time it is the reproductive season and the fish take advantage of the growth of algae to feed their offspring…
Diving in the “Avatoru” pass is an adventure that is highly recommended. Once in the water, there is an instant change of scenery. In total silence, the diver is carried along by the current, and is able to marvel at sharks, schools of barracudas and huge manta rays along the way.

© Isabelle Bertaux - Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash
Photo Eric Cheng

The 3rd “Tattoonesia”

Without a doubt one of the most ancient forms of expression of Polynesian culture, tattooing owes its name to the Tahitian word “Tatau,” which means to “hit” or “strike,” or to “mark” or “label.” For the past three years Tahiti has held a big international tattoo convention dubbed “Tattoonesia” bringing together more than fifty Polynesian and international tattoo-artists from New-Zealand, France, the United States and more. More than 5000 people are expected to visit this prestigious conference, an event that contributes to the international recognition for the art of Polynesian tattooing. Polynesian style tattoos have become increasingly admired around the world because of their original and authentic style.
The event will take place at the exhibition hall “Aorai Tini Hau” in Pirae, on of Papeete’s neighboring districts. With creation, competitions, concerts and fashion shows, Tattonesia will be an animated event, and will also give the public an opportunity to be get a tattoo by some of the world’s best tattoo artists, in completely sanitary conditions of course.

© Isabelle Bertaux - Tahiticommunication – all rights reserved / Translation: Celeste Brash

Islands of Artists

The Marquesas Islands are spectacular, culturally preserved islands some 1,400 km to the northeast of Tahiti. The inhabitants here seem to live somewhere between the sea and the sky, between their traditional way of life and the modern world, and yet they continue to follow their undisputable know-how that has been passed to them by their ancestors. These islands produce the most reputed arts in Polynesia.

Magnificent tiki, pahu (drums), umete (plates or bowls), penu (mortars), vaka (outrigger canoes) and more. Pieces range from creative modern carvings to replicas of ancient objects in rose or sandal wood, volcanic stone or bone, and are invariably impressively artistic. Women string together shells and seeds to make necklaces in island bright colors. More than a souvenir, to bring home a piece of Marquesian art is to have a piece a myth or a symbol of a place that evades time itself. In nearly every village there is an artist market where the locals present and sell their works of the highest quality.

Of course art isn't the only reason to visit the Marquesas; there's mysterious archeaological sites, hiking, horse riding, fishing, great food and a wonderful sense of well-being all around.

©Isabelle Bertaux – Tahiticommunication – All rights reserved / Translation : Celeste Brash

A foot race in a dream setting

Athletes and nature lovers: on your mark! For the last six years the Te Moorea Club, on Tahiti's sister isle of Moorea, has organised a foot race around Mt Rotui, the second highest summit of Moorea (899m). The distance around the mountain is 15km. The race has become a favorite for athletes of all levels who come to sweat it out in a paradaisical setting and good company. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the island of Moorea, its turqoise lagoon, mythc bays and profound beauty. When sport is combined with nature, the result enhances each experience.

©Isabelle Bertaux – Tahiticommunication – All rights reserved / Translation : Celeste Brash
Photo Philippe Bachet / Tahiti Tourisme

XIIIth Taapuna Master competition, the 1st to the 28th of September in Punaauia, Tahiti

For the last 13 years, the Taapuna Masters has been one of the most important surfing competitions in Tahiti. For three successive weekends, the best Polynesian body boarders and surfers can be seen gliding along the powerful waves that break over the coral reef some hundred meters off the coast of Punaauia.
Hollow, forceful and sometimes several meters high, these translucent waves make for some spectacular surf viewing. Grouped en masse at anchor points only meters from the breaking wave, the public gets front row seats for some high entertainment surfing maneuvers. The ambiance is sporty and festive out on the water with views of Moorea and Tahiti in the distance.
Between competitions Polynesian shows and activities can also be enjoyed.

©Isabelle Bertaux – Tahiticommunication – All rights reserved / Translation : Celeste Brash
Photo Shigeo Kobatashi Taapuna Master 2006

Whale watching on the island of Rurutu in the Austral Archipelago

From the months of July to October each year, humpback whales pass by the island of Rurutu (in the Austral Archipelago) to reproduce, give birth and take a rest after their long journey from the Arctic. In the last few years Rurutu has become one of the most renowned place on the planet to view these imposing marine mammals.
The conditions around Rurutu are ideal: there is no coral reef so the mammals pass close to the coast, the water is exceptionally clear and the water temperature hovers around 24C° throughout the year. Geared up with only fins, a mask and a snorkel, visitors can swim in relative security only meters away from the whales.
The effect is like being in a giant aquarium where often mother and baby whales can be observed swimming side by side. Imagine a moment of pure happiness. . .

©Isabelle Bertaux – Tahiticommunication – All rights reserved / Translation : Celeste Brash
Photo Philippe Bachet