Tahiti and Moorea, part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, were first explored by Captains Cook and Bligh, but they were made truly famous by the paintings of the artist, Paul Gauguin, and by the words of author, James A. Michener.
Admiral Du Petit-Thouars arrived from France in the mid-19th century, and won over the Tahitian chiefs who were growing tired of the self-imposed Pomare monarchy. Du Petit-Thouars proposed a treaty, and within its framework Tahiti became recognized as a sovereign state of France, with the Queen (Pomare) being responsible for internal affairs.
In 1946, the whole of French Polynesia, including Tahiti, became an overseas territory, and citizens of the island were given French citizenship, this was changed to an overseas country in 2004.
Over 60% of all residents of French Polynesia live on the island, in and around the capital city of Papeete.
Moorea, with a very similar landscape, is commonly reached by ferry from Tahiti. The author, James A. Michener described Moorea by saying, "It's a monument to the prodical beauty of nature."
For additional info about the islands of French Polynesia, and their most interesting history, go here.
French Polynesia is an overseas possession of France.
Its flag depicts a canoe (piroque), sailing under a golden sun. Its crew of five is representing the five islands groups; the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu chains. Red and white are traditional Polynesian colors.
Larger Tahiti flag
Located in the archipelago of the
Society Islands, Tahiti is the largest island of
French Polynesia, and was formed from volcanic activity.
The island is divided into two sections, with the northwestern portion being Tahiti Nui ("big Tahiti") and the smaller, southeastern portion being Tahiti Iti ("small Tahiti").
While coral reefs surround the coastal waters, much of the island's interior is mountainous - it's highest point is Mont Orohena (Mou'a 'Orohena) at 7,352 ft (2,241 m).
Lush rainforests cover the landscape of Tahiti, and the Papenoo River flows through the north side of the island.
Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the
south Pacific, Tahiti is a breathtaking paradise of rainforests and mountains ringed by infamous black-sand beaches.
While many tourists flock to the island seeking a tranquil wedding or honeymoon spot, there are also plenty of activities to be enjoyed by those seeking an adventure - including various water activities (surfing, scuba diving, fishing) as well as visiting the Tomb of King Pomare the Fifth, hiking to the Les Trois Cascades, and wandering around the shops and restaurants of Le Marche, to name but a few.
The summer months (November - April) are hot and humid, with many sunny days. The balance of the year is slightly cooler and drier.
Cooling trade winds buffet the islands throughout the year, and the months of June, July, August and October are widely considered to be ideal times to visit.
Frankly, there's never a bad time to travel to paradise.