Tahiti Food and Culture

Tahiti culture has distinct characteristics, thanks to the seclusion from the influences of outside world until as late as the 1767, when Samuel Wallis became the first European who visited the island. Tahitians developed a village-based society with farming and fishing as main sources of income. Also, probably the surrounding beauty of nature, made them skillful craftsmen and artists, who decorated every objects from their fishing hooks to their canoes.

Tahitians also loved to decorate themselves. The image of lovely Tahitian women with flowers in their hair is intimately associated with the image of Tahiti as a whole. Wearing a flower also has social significance. If a woman wears a flower on the left ear, this means she is available. An interesting trivia about Tahiti is that the word tattoo was probably originated from the Tahitian word ‘tatau’ with the same meaning.

Dance set to the traditional music of drums and conch shells was the soul of Tahitian culture. Many forms of traditional dances are lost. However, the modern Tahitian dance, which retains some of the ancient flavors, is still very much popular.

Food consists of a major part in Tahitian culture. The staple food of Tahitians in ancient time used to be meat, tropical fruits, vegetables such as yam and breadfruit and seafood. With time, Tahitian cuisine was influenced by the British, French and Chinese cuisines as lot of people from these countries came and settled over here. Tahitian food today is a delightful mixture of Polynesian, French, and Chinese cuisine, though a lot of people still cook in traditional ‘ahimaa’ (earthen oven).

You must taste local delicacies such as ‘poisson cru’ (a raw fish preparation in the gravy of rich coconut milk), ‘papaya chicken’ (a delicious combo of coconut milk, papaya and chicken) and ‘Banana Poe’ (a mouth-watering dessert). Tahitian cuisine uses a lot of lemon juices, coconut milk and of course vanilla for which the island is famous. Also, if you are visiting Tahiti during the summer season, don’t forget to taste the wide variety of tropical fruits available in local markets.

History of Tahiti

Tahiti was the home of Polynesians who started to come and settle here from around 300 AD. Tahiti, like the other Polynesian islands in the Pacific Ocean was completely secluded from the influence of any European or Asian civilizations and developed their own cultural characteristics. The soil of the fertile island and the fish-rich tropical ocean provided the Tahitians adequate food. They were skilled sailors, canoe-makers as well as extraordinary craftsmen. Dancing consisted a part of all occasions, some forms of which still survive through ‘otea’, the traditional dance of the Tahitians.

It was probably in 1606 that the existence of Tahiti was made known to Europe as a Spanish ship spotted the island. It was much later, in 1767; an Englishman Samuel Wallis visited Tahiti as the first European to set foot there. He as well as other Europeans, who arrived later, was impressed by the uncommon beauty of the island and the hospitable, good-looking people that inhabited it. In 1768, a very important year in the history of Tahiti, the French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, visited Tahiti and made the island famous in his book ‘Voyage autour du monde’. Captain James Cook arrived in 1769 and went back with samples of Tahitian flora and fauna along with a rough map of the Polynesian islands.

The British and the French started fighting over the control of the area. European fortune-seekers, missionaries, whale-hunters started to arrive in the islands. Slowly, the pristine atmosphere of the islands gave way to evils such as the introduction of prostitution and alcohol, spreading of infectious diseases and gambling. After the Tahitian Queen Pomare IV accepted French protection, Tahiti fought a long and bitter war against the French occupation. Still, in 1946, the French Polynesia became a French Overseas Property.

At present, the French Polynesia is a French Overseas community and its people are French citizens. The French Polynesia has its semi-autonomous government with its own president, currency and laws. France looks after only the education and defense departments.

Geography and Climate of Tahiti

The French Polynesia, of which Tahiti is a part of, is a group of 118 atolls and islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. The names of the archipelago that the French Polynesia consists of are: Austral, Society, Gambier, Marquesas and Tuamotu. Tahiti, a part of the Society island group, is the largest of all islands in French Polynesia. Tahiti occupies a little over 1000 square kilometers of land and has a population of around 170,000.

The island of Tahiti consists of two almost round lands, joined by a narrow isthmus. The bigger island in the North West is called Tahiti Nui and the south west island is called Tahiti Iti. Each of these islands has a volcanic peak at the center, namely Mount Orohena in Tahiti Nui (2,241meters) and Mount Roonui (1332 meters) in Tahiti Iti. Both mountains have lush green rain forests covering them, many swift streams emptying into cool rivers and of course a wide variety of flora and fauna that will delight any nature lover.

As with any tropical island, Tahiti has a sunny, warm and humid weather almost throughout the year, but the heat never makes you uncomfortable because of the cool Trade Winds. The summer season lasts from November to April and the highest temperature rarely goes beyond 93° F (34° C). It can rain any time of the year, but in January the rainfall is usually the highest. From May to September, the weather is relatively dry and cool. However, even though it rains quite a lot, it is rare to find a day completely without sunshine. The winter is virtually non-existent here as the lowest temperature usually hovers around 61° F (16° C).

You cannot single out a season which will be the best time to visit Tahiti as the weather is almost the same throughout the year and it is impossible to predict when it is going to rain. You can plan your tour anytime of the year and will always be greeted by the warm, blue sea, the fragrant flowers, the bright tropical sun, azure sky and the welcoming smiles of the Tahitians.

The Best Resorts in Tahiti

In any Tahiti resort, you will find the same hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, proximity to a beach and artless, bright smiles that will make you feel welcome immediately. Most resorts even have their own private beaches. Also, most of the high-end resorts offer overwater bungalows, the thatch-roofed cottages built above the ocean water, with waiters often coming to serve meals in a canoe!

Most 5-star hotels have room rates hovering around $180 and overwater bungalows may cost more than $300. On the weekends the rates may shoot up in all hotels. Here are five hotels in Tahiti, some of which are luxurious and some are budget hotels to fit a shallower pocket.

The Intercontinental Resort

This 5 star resort on the west coast of Tahiti, which offers both conventional rooms and overwater bungalows, is located amidst a 30 acres park. An added attraction for this hotel is the weekly show of Grands Ballets de Tahiti, which is based on the mutiny among the sailors of the historic ship HMS Bounty.

Le Meridien

Le Meridien is one of the largest resorts in Tahiti, with a European style building and overwater bungalows. It is a deluxe resort, overlooking a white sand beach. It is situated in the Punaauia region, around half an hour away from Papeete.

The Radisson

The Radisson is one of the newer resorts that offer a private beach experience along with rooms and overwater bungalows. The hotel is situated on the beautiful black sands of the Lafayatte beach and provides a 5 star accommodation.

The Sofitel

The Sofitel, a relatively less expensive hotel, located near downtown Tahiti, has room rates of around $150. It is quite near the airport and around 15 minutes away from the town.

The Mandarin

Mandarin is a 2-star downtown hotel, opposite the Town Hall in the heart of Papeete. The room rates starts from around $125. This hotel does not offer overwater bungalows but is a nice place to stay to have a feel of the urban Tahiti.

InterContinental Resort Tahiti

One of Tahiti’s best resorts that makes for a perfect destination to the French Polynesia is the InterContinental Resort Tahiti.  It is here that you will find the Aquatic Dive Center, a breath taking private beach, 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, Lagoonarium and nearly 30 acres of gardens.  Also, within a short distance of the property, you can find Papeete’s shops, galleries, museums, a amrket and several nightclubs for your entertainment.

One of the restaurants within the resort is the Tiare Restaurant which offers dining all day long.  This restaurant offers authentic Tahitian ambiance, spectacular dining shows and a view to die for of the pool, waterfalls and the Moorea mountains.

The other restaurant in the resort that is slightly more secluded and tucked away is the Le Lotus Restaurant.  This over-water location is one of the most romantic settings on the island with a lagoon view, a bottle of French wine and soft piano music.

If you are ready to book your trip to Tahiti, check out the reviews of this resort and view more photos here: InterContinental Resort Tahiti

Hotel Tiare Tahiti

The Hotel Tiare Tahiti is located in the downtown area of Papeete, Tahiti.  This hotel is just 2 blocks from the Cathedral Church and also the Museum of black Pearls.  If you venture just 3 blocks away, you can visit the Papeete Market.  The Faa’a International Airport of Tahiti is less than 6 kilometers away.  This hotel stands 5 stories tall and offer 38 guestrooms with air conditioning and sea view balconies.

You can find pretty decent rates for this hotel and see more pictures and read reviews of previous patrons by visiting here:  Hotel Tiare Tahiti

Sheraton Hotel Tahiti

Located in the capital of Tahiti, Papeete, is another great Polynesian experience in the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti.  This resort is less than 7 kilometers from the Faa’a International airport and just 2 kilometers Papeete’s Municipal Market and the city center.

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted in an open-air, thatched roof lobby.  The resort resides on a lagoon and provides magnificent views of the neighboring Island of Moorea.  The resort utilizes large windows and courtyards to really emphasize its pristine views. To further enjoy the scenery, you will want to take advantage of the infinity edged swimming pool with it’s spectacular view of the bay.

The Sheraton Hotel Tahiti provides 200 contemporarly classic guestrooms that provide either a garden view or lagoon view.  So when you are ready to book your trip to Tahiti, check out the reviews and see more photos of this resort here:  Sheraton Hotel Tahiti

Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti

If you would like to experience a true French Polynesian hideaway, look no further than the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti.  Once at the resort, you will  find many ways to kick back and relax such as swimming in the pool, enjoying the amenities of the day spa or Hammam steam room or wading in the exotic black sand bay.  You can also enjoy the mouth watering dishes of the best Polynesian and French cuisine.

The Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti provides 165 luxurious guestrooms all set along the natural curve of the exotic bay and offering a private Lanai in which you can enjoy the magical views that overlook Lafayette Beach.

If you would like to see more photos of this resort, read customer reviews and check for the best rates online, just visit here:  Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti

Le Meridien Tahiti

Located in the Punaauia Region on the west coast of Tahiti is the resort, Le Meridien Tahiti.  This resort is surrounded by green mountains and overlooks a breathtaking white sand beach. About 1 and 1/2 kilometers away you will find the Museum of Tahiti and just 15 kilometers away is the downtown area of Papeete.

The resort, Le Meridien Tahiti, boasts 2 lovely restaurants, a poolside bar and a lounge for your entertainment. One of the restaurants, La Plantation, serves International Cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, while Le Carre Restaurant is more of a gourmet restaurant with an incredible lagoon view.  The pool at this resort is a sandy bottom, lagoon style pool with poolside drinks and surrounded by lush, tropical greenery.

Le Meridien Tahiti boasts 150 guestrooms as well as the world famous over-water bungalows.  The resort also offers trip excursions to the nearby Caves of Maraa, the Paul Gauguin Museum and the Seashell Museum.

So when you are ready to book your trip to Tahiti, be sure to check out more photos of this resort, read reviews from previous patrons of the resort and find the best rates available online by visiting here: Le Meridien Tahiti

Sofitel Tahiti Resort

On Tahiti’s west coast, close to downtown Papeete, you will find the Sofitel Tahiti Resort.  This beautiful resort is surrounded by mountains and a lagoon and offers a magnificent view of the Island of Moorea and is located just 100 meters away from Maeva Beach.

The resort’s dining options include the following:

• Le Sakura, which features a show cooking style and specializes in Japenese Teppan Yaki.
• Le Bougainville, serving International Cuisine and offering an amazing lagoon view.

The resort has 216 guestrooms all equipped with air conditioning and wireless internet access.  You will also find in-room safes for your valuables, satellite TV and DVD players and mini-bars.

There is an 18-hole golf course located near the resort and you have an option to take professional golf lessons at the resort’s practice facilities.

If you would like to see more photos of the resort, read reviews from prior patrons and check for room availability for your next Tahiti vacation, just click here: Sofitel Tahiti Resort