By Caitlin Hornik
Also referred to as Tahiti and Her Islands, French Polynesia is a stunning oasis that’ll leave you needing to pick your jaw up off of the sandy beaches!
View vacation packages to French Polynesia >
(trips include flight, hotel & excursions)
Geography
French Polynesia spans over two million square miles in the South Pacific Ocean, with five archipelagos and 118 islands!
Some of the more popular islands include Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, and Taha’a.
Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesian islands. The capital of Tahiti is Papeete, which translates to “water basket.”
History
In the 1960s, the overwater bungalow (as seen above) was created on the island of Moorea!
It is believed that the word “tattoo” comes from the Tahitian word tatau and dates as far back as 1500 B.C.
About 10% of the French Polynesia population today is Chinese. This is a result of the Chinese coming to the area in the mid-1800s to work on in fields and plantations.
Culture
“Hello” in Tahitian is “ia ora na.”
French is recognized as the official language of French Polynesia. However, a majority of the population knows at least one Polynesian language as well!
Motu Tapu, an isle located near Bora Bora, is said to be the most photographed isle in the South Pacific. It has stunning white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters!
Residents of Tahiti have letter boxes outside their homes, but they don’t receive letters-- They receive bread! Fresh loaves of bread are delivered twice daily!
The national flower of Tahiti is the tiare. It is customary to put one behind your left ear if you’re taken, or your right ear if you’re looking for love!
Tahiti is home to the Pearl Museum which is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to pearls!