What are the seasons and climate?
Cooled by the gentle breezes of the South Pacific, the climate is ideal. Being tropical but moderate, the climate features sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly temperature of 80°F (27°C). Summer is from November through April, when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid. Winter is from May through October, when the climate is slightly cooler and dryer.
What should I wear?
Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics. Casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort during the day. For dinner, casual slacks and sport shirts are the best choice for men; cool sundresses are most appropriate for women. What are the essentials to bring? Sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, reef-walking shoes, mosquito repellent, prescription medicine and your camera.
What about medical and health concerns?
Before you leave, be aware of what your insurance covers for international travel. Tahitian hospitals and clinics provide a good standard of health care. The Islands of Tahiti have very few pest or insect problems and is free from malaria, snakes, poisonous spiders, and dangerous animals. Visitors are advised to still apply mosquito repellent and wear footwear when walking in and around the water and be cautious of overexposure to the tropical sun. Is the water safe to drink? Bottled water is recommended and available in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shops.
What is the voltage?
Hotels use either 110 or 220 volts. Converter/adapters are sometimes required for appliances and computers.
Do rooms have air conditioners?
Most do, particularly on the major islands. Other rooms are cooled by ceiling fans that draw in the fresh ocean breezes.
Do I bargain when shopping?
Bargaining and haggling over prices in The Islands of Tahiti are not customary; the price marked is normally the price paid.
What about shopping and souvenirs?
Among The Islands of Tahiti’s most popular products are Tahitian cultured pearls, coconut and tiare soaps, monoï oil, Tahitian vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, woven hats and baskets, _ and colorful handmade pareu fabric worn by the island natives.
How do we get around?
Taxis can be hired within the primary towns, at most hotels, airports, and ferry terminals. Cars can also be rented from the airports on the primary islands although many visitors find them unnecessary.
Can I learn to dive in The Islands of Tahiti?
If you have at least one week, you can enroll in a complete certification course or take a shorter “resort” course at many of the resorts. If you are already a PADI, NAUI, or SSI member, your certification will be recognized. A detailed list of requirements can be found at www.TahitiTourisme.org.
GLOSSARY Welcome Maeva, manava Hello ‘Ia ora na Goodbye Nana, Parahi Thank you Mauruuru Thank you very much Mauruuru roa Yes ‘E (without speaking) fast double raising eyebrows No ‘Aita Cheers! Manuia ! Well Maita’i How do you do? E aha te huru ?, maita’i ? I’m fine Maita’i roa No problem, it’s ok ‘Aita pe’ape’a Flower, national symbol Tiare Tahiti of The Islands of Tahiti Islet Motu Dinner’s ready! Tama’a 82
Enjoy your meal! Food Traditional Polynesian food Traditional Polynesian oven Local stewed fruits Ancient place of worship Song Traditionnal dance Polynesian guitar Drum Polynesian percussion instrument Couple dance Traditionnal canoe Sculpted statue Traditionnal patchwork bedcover Man, husband Woman, wife
Tama’a maita'i Ma’a Ma’a Tahiti Ahima’a Po’e Marae Himene ‘Ori ‘Ukulele Pahu To’ere Tamure Va’a Tiki Tifaifai Tane Vahine
