Tahitian Experience

Over-water bungalows are unique to Tahiti and provide an incredibly memorable experience. From the outrigger canoe breakfast deliveries to the clear coffee table that allows for fish viewing from the living room, it is a hotel room beyond the ordinary.

Black pearls are Tahiti's largest export and are found only in French Polynesia (well, the Japanese are experimenting and producing some of poor quality). Visitors can explore black pearl farms in Manihi, Rangiroa and Raiatea, and watch the grafting of the blacked-lipped oysters that create these exotic and highly prized pearls. Before buying pearls, it's a great idea to stop by the Tahiti Pearles Museum in Papeete to learn how to judge the value based on size, colour and shape.

Shark feeding - visitors are in the water with hungry reef sharks circling about as a guide carefully hand-feeds the ominous creatures. Even those who don't swim (if they're adventurous enough) can take part. The guide strings a rope to hold on to, participants just put on a mask, snorkel and watch the excitement.

Cuisine of Tahiti is a delectable array of fresh fish, exotic tropical fruits and vegetables, with a Polynesian influence and unmistakable French flair. Not to be missed is poisson cru, fresh fish marinated with lime and coconut, mixed with vegetables. Parrot fish, ahi, mahi-mahi and other fresh fish are divine in a light sauce made from vanilla beans.

Baguettes anyone? Check out those little boxes outside homes that look like mailboxes. Those are for residents' twice-daily delivery of French baguettes. Visitors can pick up a baguette at the market for about 35 cents. Grab a few things to go with it and have a marvelous picnic on a secluded beach.

Stop by the roulettes or catering trucks that gather at the wharf in downtown Papeete each evening. Hungry visitors can wander through dozens of roulettes to choose their fare. Unbelievably delicious meals -including stir fry, curry, roast pig, pizza, and flaming crepes - can be had at bargain prices in a fun atmosphere.

The Hawaiki Nui Va'a could best be described as the Super Bowl of outrigger canoe races. It's the world's largest, longest and most exhilarating international open ocean outrigger canoe event, and is the ultimate test of strength and endurance for both men and women. Six-person crews race 72 miles from the island of Huahine to Raiatea, then to Tahaa and finally to Bora Bora. An entourage of avid fans follow by canoes and boats, creating a regatta throughout that week in mid-November.

Tetiaroa is Marlon Brando's private island that he graciously opens to visitors. It's just an hour's boat ride from Tahiti, so it's ideal for a day trip. Known as the bird island, this spectacular atoll was once the playground of Polynesian kings.

Tahiti and her islands are known as the most romantic paradise. Honeymooners and couples of all ages rediscover each other in the seclusion of the islands. More and more are renewing their marriage vows in a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony. Though not a legal ceremony, the ritual is deep and meaningful. Couples are bedecked in pareus, flowers, shells and feathers and the groom approaches the beach in an outrigger canoe. His bride, who was carried in on a rattan throne, awaits him on the white sand beach. A spectacular sunset and lapping lagoon make the backdrop. Tahitian music and dancers enhance the ambiance. A Tahitian priest marries the couple and gives them their Tahitian name and the Tahitian name of their first-born.

Stone fishing tournaments are an exciting time on the island of Tahaa. In the method of their ancestors, the villagers wade into the lagoon, beating the water with stones tied to ropes. The frenzy frightens the schools of fish, driving them ashore, where they are easily collected for a feast.

Celestial navigation - the ancient Polynesians were geniuses in settling the South Pacific islands, guiding their way using only the stars, waves, currents, bird flights, sun and wind. A visit to the Tahiti and Her Islands Museum on the island of Tahiti is a good way to explore this amazing bit of history.

Sharks of Tahiti and her islands - Rangiroa is known as one of the world's greatest shark dives. In its Tiputa pass, literally hundreds of these creatures create the famous shark wall. What intrigues people is that the sharks in Tahiti are non aggressive - even docile. Divers who swim with a variety of species are amazed that they can get so close without being harmed.

Tattoo is one of the few Polynesian words that worked its way into our language (taboo is another). This Ancient Polynesian custom dates back to the days of warring on neighbouring tribes. Full of symbolism, often done without anesthetic, and use of traditional instruments, this remains an important part of Tahitian tradition.

The rare tiare apetahi flower can only be found on one mountain peak on the sacred island of Raiatea. Botanists have tried to grow it elsewhere without luck. It has a wonderful Tahitian legend tied to it and is prized by all Tahitians. Legend says the delicate petals of the tiare apetahi represent the five fingers of a lovely Tahitian girl who fell in love with the son of a king and died of a broken heart because she could not hope to marry him. The petals close at night, and at daybreak they open with a slight crackling sound - thought to be her heart breaking. It's a couple hour hike up the mountain, but worth every minute.

Games they play -- in the spirit of their ancient ancestors, Tahitian sporting events include stone lifting, fruit carrying (running through the streets with hundreds of pounds of fruit carried on a pole), grueling canoe races between the islands and javelin throwing. (Nothing like our javelin throwers - Tahitians aim at a single coconut, 60 feet away on top of a pole that's 40 feet high and tottering!) Visitors can see these events during the seven-week long Heiva I Tahiti celebration in June/July.

Maraes, or stone temples, are found throughout the Society Islands. These sites were sacred and very important places of political and social gathering in ancient Polynesia. Experts are learning more and more about the early Polynesians as they restore and uncover the maraes.

Tamure means dance in Tahitian, and it's done with an energy and passion that is unsurpassed. From the slow, graceful dances to the fast, rhythmic action, visitors must see this manifestation of native culture. Even years after visiting Tahiti and her islands, travellers find that the mere sound of Tahitian music evokes powerful memories of the fervent tamure.

Pareus are seen just about everywhere. They are colourful pieces of fabric that are worn as a cover-up, a dress, shorts, a shawl, or can be spread out as a picnic cloth or beach towel. Created with traditional designs and bright tropical colours, pareus are inexpensive and fun to shop for. Biggest variety is at the large indoor Marche in downtown Papeete. But visitors will find pareus throughout the islands. Some are hand painted by local artists. Men and women wear pareus as the ultimate cool, colorful island garb.

Culture - how are the Tahitians keeping their culture alive? Although 75 percent of the population is Polynesian, the French influence is profound. In the past few years, Tahitians have made a dedicated effort to keep their culture alive, by teaching the Tahitian language in the schools, encouraging traditional sports and arts/crafts, and keeping the dance and music alive.

Hospitality is a Tahitian way of life. They're proud of their islands and want to share the beauty with visitors. Even tipping is contrary to their beliefs - it's simply not expected. Every visitor to Tahiti should take the time to chat with locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle. It can make the experience of this beautiful paradise even richer.