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. 

The island was divided into various clans prior to the arrival of Europeans, with each clan being run by a chief (ari'i rahi), nobles (ari'i) and under-chiefs ('lato'ai). 

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.

Fast Facts

• Name: Tahiti and Moorea
  A part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France originally claimed in 1843
• Capital City: Papeete (26,017 pop.)
• Population: 178,133 (2007 census)
• World Populations (all countries)
• Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc
  (conversion rates)

  
  500 franc

• Ethnicity: Polynesian, European, Chinese, mixed
• Language: French (official), Tahitian
• Largest Cities: (by population) Papeete, Faaa, Pirae, Papenoa, Mahina, Taravao
• National Day: July 14
• Religion: Protestant, Catholic, others

Flags

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

Geo. Statistics

• Coastline: 120 miles (193 km)
• Land Area:
  (land) 403 sq mi (1,045 sq km)
  (water) 0 sq mi (0 sq km)
  (TOTAL) 403 sq mi (1,045 sq km)

  To convert sq km (kilometers) to sq mi (miles)
  use our converter

• Land Area: (all countries)
• Latitude & Longitude:
  Papeete: (capital city) 17° 32' S / 149° 34' W
• Horizontal Width: 23.52 miles (37.85 km) from Paea east to Tautira
• Vertical Length: 13.47 miles (21.67 km) from Mahina south to Papara

  Note: Lengths and widths are point-to-point, straight-line measurements from a Mercator map projection, and will vary some using other map projections

• Geographic Center: About 5.42 miles (8.3 km) west of Taravao
• Highest Point: Mou'a 'Orohena 7,352 ft (2,241m)
• Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0m)

Geography

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.

Links

• Moorea website
• Tahiti tourism website
• French Polynesia website

Maps

• Tahiti & Moorea Large Color Map
• Tahiti & Moorea Outline Map
• Society Islands Large Color Map
• Society Islands Outline Map
• French Polynesia Large Color Map
• French Polynesia Map CIA version
• French Polynesia Outline Map

Travel Info.

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.

Weather

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.