Tahiti, known as “The Queen of the Pacific,” is the largest and most populated island, and is the starting point for your incredible Tahiti Vacation. Your international flights land at Faa’a Airport in the capital city of Papeete. Upon arrival, you will receive a typical Tahitian display of hospitality – a friendly welcome with fragrant Tiare flowers and Tahitian music. The Island of Tahiti is a figure-eight shaped island divided into a larger part, known as Tahiti Nui (“Big Tahiti”) and a smaller peninsula called Tahiti Iti (‘Little Tahiti”). With lush green peaks reaching more than 7,300 feet, its scenery is dramatic. Cascading waterfalls and rippling pools in the jungle-like interior provide a striking contrast to the black- and white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons of the island’s perimeter.
A circle island tour (about 70 miles) is a great way to get acquainted with the island. Highlights include the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, the Paul Gauguin Museum, the Harrison W. Smith Botanical Gardens, and the Marae Arahurahu (an ancient Tahitian outdoor temple). In the center of town, Le Marché, the municipal market, is not to be missed. The first floor of this indoor market has an abundant supply of tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh fish from the lagoon. The second floor is dedicated to Tahitian art and crafts, and boasts the largest selection of colourful pareus (sarongs) anywhere.