Tahiti on a Budget

2011-07-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

Finally a great sale to Tahiti!

Air Tahiti Nui finally listened to its North American customers and is offering a great sale that does not limit visitors to ridiculously short stays in French Polynesia.

You can nab an airfare for as low as $698 (plus $93 tax) from LAX to Papeete. The rules are that you have to depart between August 1st and 18th and return no later than September 9th. The sale ends July 19th or when 500 seats have been sold.

Air Tahiti Nui Continues to Insult North American Passengers

2010-07-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

This years tourism arrival figures for Tahiti continue to lag (over 8% down in April) below the terrible 2009 numbers (the worst year since 1996.) Air Tahiti Nui responds by offering a special fare good for stays in French Polynesia for up to four (4) days. Yes, four days for your vacation. If you pay $60 extra you can stay for all of five (5) days.

Now, if you happen to live in New Zealand you can visit for up to sixty days (60) days on a special airfare. Obviously the 3 million New Zealand market is more important than the over 300 million North American market.

Potential customers of Air Tahiti Nui posted their dismay about this on ATN's facebook page.

Did Air Tahiti Nui listen to what the customers wanted? No, they deleted most of the complaining posts. At least two of the censored posters happened to be Tripadvisor French Polynesia forum destination experts.

In an argumentative press release in response to the frustrated customer posts they wrote,"The Four Day Tahiti special, with a $60 fee for staying an extra day, provides a low cost opportunity to experience the beauty of Tahiti. Take a day trip to Moorea, shop at the “marché”, a visit to the James Norman Hall museum, a day trip to the world famous teahupoo surfing area, a night at the roulottes, are only some of the wonderful, experiences possible."

Are you really serious ATN? That's what you call a vacation? One day only in Moorea? In the market in downtown Papeete with the traffic and all shopping for made in Bali trinkets?

As a yet undeleted poster wrote on facebook, "OMG!!! ATN, are you trying to dig yourself a whole [sic] to China?"

I've got to tell you folks. If you haven't been to the Cook Islands, if you haven't seen Rarotonga or Aitutaki then there is no reason at this point not to go. Check out Air New Zealand's web specials.

However, if you want to visit French Polynesia then you've got to let Air Tahiti Nui know that they've got to have a lower airfare for a longer visit. Do post on facebook and let them know how you feel. They'll delete you but they will have heard you.

King Tamatoa Ferry on the Run

2010-07-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

Tahiti's new inter-island ferry, the Raromatai King Tamatoa, has fled French Polynesia according to a report by Radio New Zealand International:

"The King Tamatoa fast ferry has left French Polynesia in a surprise overnight move as its operators were being pursued in court for debts incurred this year.

The ship left Papeete without making any announcements after it had stopped running its service to the Society Islands.

It is believed the ship is bound for New Caledonia or Fiji.

The transport minister, Louis Frebault, has told Tahitipresse that the ship has been a means to blackmail as its operators sought tax write-offs and fuel subsidies.

Last month, they threatened to pull out of Tahiti, if they failed to get the concessions they wanted.

The government said no and the ferry stopped running, leaving many people stranded."

French Polynesia Over Water Bungalows for $220 USD!

2010-06-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Amazing but true! A combination of the falling Euro (to which the Tahitian currency is fixed to) and years of declining tourism is finally producing bargains.

I went to Expedia, selected Manihi (in the Tuamotus), entered November 13 - 17th and Voila! A real over-water bungalow - with the glass coffee table that you can see the fish through, your own stairway to the the lagoon at the Manihi Pearl Resort at a rate that a budget traveler, such as myself, could consider splurging on. Just 220.18 US dollars per night. (Expedia also adds $34.36 taxes and fees per night.) When I shortened the stay to three nights the rate went up to $264 per night.

Is there a catch? Yes, it's the food costs. The only restaurants are the resorts and the prices are high. The 2008 food rate sheet is posted online.

American breakfast 2600 xpf
Lunch (set menu) 7900 xpf
Dinner (set menu) 10900 xpf
but MAP (half board) is only 3200 xpf
and AP (full board) is 5600 xpf

Transfers are 1000 xpf each way from the nearby airport. (Again'08 rates).

There is a daily tax of 150 xpf per person, per night due direct to the hotel.

The General Strike in Tahiti is Over!

2010-06-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

And flights are now heading in and out of French Polynesia.

Tahiti Strike Update

2010-06-13T22:23:00.001-07:00

The general strike continues in French Polynesia.

An excellent source of news is Tahiti Strike on Twitter.

The Tahiti Explorer forum is also closely following the situation.

The latest is that the High Commissioner is hoping to get minimal airline traffic restored Monday as he realizes the mounting hardships placed on people unable to fly into or out of Tahiti.

Tahiti Airport Closed Due to General Strike

2010-06-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

From the Air Tahiti Nui USA web site:

UPDATE:

June 11, 201011:45AM
Dear Sir/Madam

Air Tahiti Nui regrets to announce that there will not be a flight today from Los Angeles to Tahiti. We are not able to provide an update as to when the next flight will depart.
The reason for this is that the civic servant workers at the airport in Tahiti remain on strike and we have no indication from them as to when they will return to work. Accordingly, we cannot advise of when our next flight may depart.

For passengers originating from Los Angeles to Paris, this aircraft is stranded on the ground in Tahiti. Accordingly, until the strike is lifted, we are not able to advise our next flight to CDG. Please do not proceed to the airport counter.We apologize for this situation, which is as frustrating for us as it is to you.

As Tahiti is 3 hours behind the Los Angeles time zone, there is a remote possibility that the strike could be settled in the afternoon in Tahiti, which would be early evening tonight in Los Angeles. Accordingly, we ask that you continue to monitor our website or contact our reservations office from 4:00PM onwards. If we are not able to have service departing this evening, we hope the strike will be lifted tomorrow and we hope that we can depart by mid day tomorrow.

Again, we apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Also follow the Tahiti Explorer forum thread regarding the strike.

King Tamatoa Ferry Suspends Service!

2010-06-09T21:47:00.001-07:00

Just barely three months after the Raromatai King Tamatoa ferry began operating between Tahiti, Huahine, Raitea and Bora Bora it has suspended service and may be leaving French Polynesia.

According to Tahitipresse the company is seeking a tax exemption to be approved by the French Polynesian government. If it is not granted by June 30th the ferry will head back to Europe and 44 workers will lose their jobs.

Amazing! A general strike is looming and now this.
When I first posted about the ferry I wrote, "I sure hope it lasts unlike the previous ferries that have briefly run between the Society Islands (the Ono Ono, the Aremiti)."

I was so looking forward to traveling on it. Sigh.

Air Tahiti Nui Midnight Madness Sale!

2010-05-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

Another Update from facebook: Air Tahiti Nui USA Thank you for all of you who have booked the Midnight Madness sale. For all of those who wanted to stay longer, we have exciting news. You now can choose any combination of the designated outbound dates with the later return date of 22JUN for stay up to 13 days. For these variations, please call our reservation office at 877-824-4846 until 5:00PM PST today.

24 hour sale only! Hurry, Limited Availability.
Starts at 12:01 AM PST on Saturday, May 29th,
24 hour sale only! Hurry, Limited Availability.
Starts at 12:01 AM PST on Saturday, May 29th,
Expires at 11:59 PM PST on Saturday, May 29th.

Price: $502 Roundtrip
(Base Fare $218 + Taxes & Fuel $284)

Two Travel Date Options in Economy Class:
1) Depart June 9,10 or 11, Return on June 15
2) Depart June 16,17 or 18, Return June 22

Midnight Madness Sale Booking

You must be a facebook member to take advantage of this.

Air Tahiti Reduces Blue Fares 30%

2010-05-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you are reserving and paying for your domestic airfares in French Polynesia you can enjoy an even bigger savings. Air Tahiti has announced a 30% reduction on their blue fares good throughout the year. Customers must be present in French Polynesia during the booking and ticketing process.

Roundtrip fares from Tahiti to:

Huahine - 16,800 xpf RT
Raiatea - 19,200 xpf RT
Bora Bora - 23,000 xpf RT
Maupiti - 23,000 xpf RT
Rangiroa - 24,600 xpf RT
Manihi - 24,600 xpf RT
Tikehau - 24,600 xpf RT
Fakarava - 26,200 xpf RT

All taxes are included.

Blue fares are, of course, those charged for the less popular flights - usually very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You will have a smaller luggage allowance - 10 kgs (22 lbs). You won't find any information on this on the Air Tahiti site that is accessible outside of French Polynesia.

Several years ago I posted this about blue fares.

Sailing on Cargo Boats in French Polynesia

2010-04-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to sail on a cargo boat to the distant eastern Tuamotu islands.

Celeste Brash, author of the Tahiti & French Polynesia (Country Guide) has written on her Coconut Radio blog how to travel French Polynesia via supply ship.

She reports that "there are only three cargo ships left that take passengers to the Tumaotus (the Mareva Nui, Kura Ora and the Marie Stella); there are no boats besides the expensive (but worth it) Aranui to the Marquesas; one boat to the Australs (the Tuhaa Pae); one to the Gambier (the Nuku Hau) and only one for the Society Island circuit (the Hawaiki Nui going from Papeete-Huahine-Raiatea-Tahaa-Bora Bora and back)." Recent tightening of insurance regulations is the cause of this.

She recounts, with photos, a journey that she made a couple of years ago on the Dory (which no longer takes passengers) from Papeete to Ahe.

MAREVA NUI
Motu-Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. : (689) 42.25.53
Fax : (689) 42.25.57
Papeete - Mataiva (every other trip) - Tikehau - Rangiroa - Ahe - Manihi - Takaroa - Takapoto - Raraka - Kauehi - Fakarava - Niau - Apataki - Arutua - Kaukura - Makatea -Papeete

KURA ORA II
Motu Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél : (689) 45.55.45
Fax : (689) 45.55.44
E-mail: kuraora@mail.pf
Papeete - Anaa - Faaite - Katiu - Makemo - Taenga - Takume - Raroia - Hikueru - Marokau -Amanu - Hao - Vahitahi - Reao - Pukarua - Tatakoto - Puka Puka - Fakahina - Fangatau - Napuka - Papeete

SAINT-XAVIER MARIS-STELLA III
Motu Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. : (689) 42.23.58
Fax : (689) 43.03.73
E-mail: maris-stella@mail.pf
Papeete - Mataiva - Tikehau -Rangiroa - Ahe - Manihi - Takaroa - Takapoto - Aratika -Kauehi - Raraka - Fakarava -Toau - Niau - Apataki -Arutua - Kaukura - Papeete

Aranui

TUHAA PAE II
Motu-Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. : (689) 41.36.06 / 41.36.16
Fax Res. : (689) 43.15.88
E-mail: snathp@mail.pf
One trip every 2 or 3 months to Rapa, and 3-4 trips per month to the other Southern islands of Rimatara- Rurutu - Tubuai - Raivavae.

NUKU HAU
Motu Uta, Fare Ute, Papeete
Tél. :(689) 54.99.54
E-mail: contact@stim.pf
Papeete - Hao - Nengo Nengo -Tureia -Vanavana - Marutea -Rikitea - Tematangi - Anuanuraro - Nukutepipi - Hereheretue - Papeete

HAWAIKI NUI
Tel.: Papeete (689) 54.99.54
Tél.: Bora Bora (689) 67.72.39
Tél.: Huahine (689) 68.78.03
Huahine - Raiatea - Bora Bora - Tahaa

All of the above, of course, is subject to change.

The King Tamatoa ferry is running, for real.

2010-04-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

The various news outlets reported that the King Tamatoa ferry would begin running from Tahiti to Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora on March 5th. Well, that didn't happen but it did begin running on March 31st. What wonderful news! I sure hope it lasts unlike the previous ferries that have briefly run between the Society Islands (the Ono Ono, the Aremiti).

Departures are from the Quai Sud opposite the GIE Tahiti Tourisme office in downtown Papeete.

The April schedule is:

Wednesdays (Mercredi)

Departs Tahiti 9:00 am
Arrives Huahine 12:00 noon
Departs Huahine 12:30 pm
Arrives Raiatea 2:20 pm
Departs Raiatea 3:00 pm
Arrives Bora Bora 5:15 pm

Fridays (Vendredi)

Departs Tahiti 1:45 pm
Arrives Huahine 4:45 pm
Departs Huahine 5:15 pm
Arrives Raiatea 7:05 pm
Departs Raiatea 7:45 pm
Arrives Bora Bora 10:00 pm

Returning on

Thursdays (Jeudi)

Departs Bora Bora 7:00 am
Arrives Raiatea 9:15 am
Departs Raiatea 9:45 am
Arrives Huahine 11:35 am
Departs Huahine 12:05 am
Arrives Tahiti 3:05 pm

Sundays (Dimanche)

Departs Bora Bora 1:00 pm
Arrives Raiatea 3:15 pm
Departs Raiatea 3:45 pm
Arrives Huahine 5:35 pm
Departs Huahine 6:05 pm
Arrives Tahiti 9:05 pm

One way to Bora Bora is 10,000 cfp for VIP seats, 8,000 cfp for Comfort seats, 6000 for tourist seats. Two children under 12 are free. If you are over 60 you get a 20% discount.

Tel: 45 32 63
Fax: 45 32 43
Email: resa@raromatai-ferry.pf

A Step in the Right Direction for Air Tahiti Nui

2010-04-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

Air Tahiti Nui has finally come up with a special air fare that is not an insult to the North American market. I guess NO TOURISTS didn't work for them. Now instead of having a five day vacation, visitors will be able to purchase the special for stays up to 30 days.

If you choose to travel between 11/01/10 to 12/10/10 and 01/07/11 to 03/14/11 you can get a fare of $899 RT from LAX to Papeete plus tax or $988.90 total.

The catch is having to book uncomfortably far in advance, between now and May 7th. Sure I'm tempted but who knows what will happen between now and November. Will the new ferry (post to come about that) still be running and on the same days? Air Tahiti's (the domestic carrier, not to be confused with Air Tahiti Nui) summer schedule goes into effect November 1st and thus the information available on their Web site may not be accurate.

When I first read about the fare I got excited but then I realized that I'm the customer and if they want me back they've got to concede even more. Right now I could buy an airfare to Tahiti for April, this month!, if I agreed to only stay there for five days. I have to book now and wait till November for a longer vacation? I'll wait and see what develops.

Tahiti is no longer welcoming North American tourists

2009-05-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

Sure feels like it. While tourist arrivals for French Polynesia are down a staggering 29% from a year ago the national airline, Air Tahiti Nui, is doing everything that it can to discourage and frankly, insult, North American visitors.

Want a reasonable air fare to Tahiti? Fine, limit your stay to 4 days maximum and you can get a $731 RT. Yes, they are allowing us to have a four day vacation.

Four days too short? How about a 5 day vacation? Then the airfare jumps up to $996.

But listen to this. If we agree not to step on their soil but rather take a plane to Tahiti and then switch to plane to Auckland (with no stop over) we can do that for only $889 and it's valid for a trip up to a year!!!

Strange, we have many other choices. In the South Pacific, right next door, are the English speaking Cook Islands. The photo above was taken in the Cooks. Air New Zealand is offering weekly non-stops from LAX to Rarotonga for $935 (including all fees and taxes) and a maximum stay of one year. Better yet, fly to Auckland for even less (on ANZ) and get a free Pacific island stopover (Cooks, Samoa or Tonga).

New Air Tahiti Nui Airfare Special - $859 RT from LAX

2009-04-13T14:29:00.000-07:00

Air Tahiti Nui is offering a new Web special fare RT from LAX to Papeete.

The $859.00 price includes all taxes, fees and surcharges.

Purchase a ticket between April 20th and May 11th for flights between August 11th (high season!) and December 10th.

No minimum stay, maximum stay is 10 days from arrival in Papeete.

Another Air Tahiti Nui Airfare Special from LAX - $859 RT

2009-02-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

Air Tahiti Nui has posted another online special, $859 RT from LAX including all taxes, fees and surcharges.

Tickets must be purchased before February 28th and are good for travel between now and April 30th. The maximum stay allowed is 15 days.

$860 Air Tahiti Nui Airfare Special from LAX

2009-01-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Air Tahiti Nui is finally offering a special and it's a good one.

$860 including all taxes, fees & surcharges RT from LAX to Tahiti

The fare is only available on select dates and flights:

Southbound (Los Angeles - Papeete)

TN11/05FEB
TN01/08FEB
TN411/14FEB (Valentine's Day!)
TN01/15FEB
TN11/19FEB
TN111/20FEB
TN11/26FEB
TN111/06MAR
TN101/11MAR

Northbound (Papeete - Los Angeles)
TN12/11FEB
TN412/14FEB
TN12/18FEB
TN102/19FEB
TN12/25FEB
TN22/03MAR
TN12/04MAR
TN102/12MAR
TN02/16MAR

Call 877-824-4846 in the U.S. and Canada (Tickets must be purchased by January 22nd)

Tahiti Hotel School Offers Accomodations

2008-12-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

The Tahiti Hotel School (located close to the airport) is offering accomodations on weeknights during the school year.

Rates range from 7000 for a standard room with two single beds or a double up to 9000 for a bungalow. Rooms are air conditioned and have television.

Continental breakfast is available for 600 or have a breakfast buffet for 1000.

This is a very good deal considering that you get a real hotel room for a pension price.

Their restaurants are also open to the public during the school year.

BP 13000 Moana Nui 98717
Punaauia
Polynésie Française

Telephone/Fax:(689)50 45 70

lhthotel@yahoo.fr

A Smoking Ban in French Polynesia?

2008-11-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Tahitipresse has reported "the Tong Sang government's proposal to ban smoking in public places starting January 1st has received the near-unanimous backing of the French Polynesia Economic, Social and Cultural Council (CESC).

The council, which, when requested by the local government, provides advice on a variety of subjects. It voted 36-0 with one abstention last week in favor of the proposal, which must now be approved by the French Polynesia Assembly.

The only smoking ban Tahiti has had up until now is a 1988 measure that prohibits smoking in certain places used by many people at the same time, such as some education, health and transportation facilities.

However, the new measure would be much stricter, banning smoking in all work places, restaurants, bars and nightclubs as well as all education, health and transportation facilities."

Getting Married in Tahiti?

2008-11-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

In the past Americans who wished to wed in Tahiti were advised that while they could have a traditional wedding ceremony it would not be legally binding. The obstacle was/is the requirement of one month's residency in French Polynesia prior to marriage. (U.S. citizens need a Visa for stays over a month and obtaining one requires quite a lot of effort and paperwork.)

However, since there has been a dramatic cut back in visitors from the North American market (their largest), they are considering revising the requirements for a civil wedding.

How streamlined the process will be remains to be seen. I located these requirements for U.K. citizens wishing to marry there:

In accordance with the national civil code, one month of prior residency in French Polynesia is required. Ten days must also be allowed for the wedding banns to be published.

The following documents must be provided to the municipality where the wedding is to take place:

A custom certificate from the authorities in their country of nationality
A celibacy certificate
A wedding banns publication certificate from the place of foreign residency
Birth certificate must be translated into French by an official translator

Yikes! and stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

A Month Long Tahitian Cultural Festival

2008-11-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

Tahiti is currently celebrating the "Matari'i Ni'a", a traditional cultural festival held at the start of the planting season, which begins on November 20th (but the festivities continue through December 14th).

Roughly (very roughly, I'm sure) translated from the official Web site Taumatarii.com it is to remember a time when stars guided the navigator on his double pirogue, a time when the moon taught men to plant, to fish ... It is to remember a time when the constellations were Polynesian, a time when the Pantheon of the Gods rejoined the celestial arch. A time when the stars spoke with man

A full and detailed Program is available in pdf format; it is all in French (but you can figure it out). There's a lot going on.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

New Tahiti Ferry and Cargo Boat Schedules

2008-04-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

Finally there are new Ferry and Cargo Boat schedules available for French Polynesia.

To Moorea I've heard that Le Truck only meets the fast ferries.
To the Leeward Islands Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha'a
The Maupiti Express Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti
To the Tuamotus
The Arunai to the Marquesas
I've heard that there is also a small cabin for locals in the back of the ship just beside the kitchen. The cost was reported as $30 per person with full board.
To the Australs

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

Cheapest place to stay in Tahiti?

2008-02-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

Accomodations in Papeete are of poor value but due to flight and boat schedules sometimes you have to overnight there. I had mentioned Pension Teamo previously. It has now become Hostel Teamo and has a web site.

teamohostel@mail.pf
teamohostel@caramail.com
kay@mail.pf
(689)42 47 26
(689)42 00 35
(689) 43 56 95 Fax

8, rue du Point Neuf

Dorm rooms are available at 2200 cfp, a private room is 5500 cfp.

A kitchen is accessible for guests.

On their Web site they provide a handy map showing you how to get there after you get off the Le Truck from the airport.

Their online reservation form seems to suggest that they want a deposit in travelers checks but I noticed that they accept Visa and Mastercard. Be safe and either fax or call in your credit card information. Don't email it.

Au Motu Mahare - a new pension in Huahine

2007-07-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

I was going to save this one for myself. The owner of this new pension on Huahine posted their information on the Tahiti Explorer forum.

Au Motu Mahere
On its own motu (islet) across from the old (and unused) Sofitel Heiva hotel.
Tel:(689)77 76 97
Contact: Kim Fabre
motumahare@yahoo.com

6500 per night for one or two persons,
private bathroom (cold water) and a shared fully equipped kitchen
Free transfers, kayaks and bicycles

There are only two fares and the owners are the only people living on the island.
The location has been described as incredible by visitors. It's practically your own private island.

Finally a detailed Heiva I Tahiti 2007 Program

2007-06-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

iFenua has published a detailed Heiva I Tahiti 2007 Program, including entrance fees.

It runs from the 1st to the 21st of July.

You can purchase tickets at the Odyssey
17 Place Notre Dame
(689) 54 25 25
contact@odyssey.pf

Hours of sales are Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm.

You can also purchase them the evening of the performances from 5 pm.

Prices range from 1000 to 2500.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Papeete,Tahiti - Big Doings - June 25th - June 29th

2007-06-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

A four day celebration of the Autonomy Festival, culminating with fireworks over Papeete, will commence on June 25th. Most of the activities will be held at the Presidency in downtown Papeete.

Monday, June 25th will be artisan's day.
On Tuesday, June 26th there will be workshops to introduce the public to traditional and classical arts, including dancing and singing and traditional percussion instruments.
Wednesday, June 27th will be dedicated to the sea and to tourism.
Thursday, June 28th will be a day of literature and cinema.

Tahitipresse reported that this year's Autonomy Day will be celebrated next Friday (OP's note: are they referring to Friday the 22nd or Friday the 29th?) with a variety of entertainment starting at 9 am at Place Tarahoi and Bougainville Park in downtown Papeete.

A 1 pm ceremony will be held on June 29th at the "Pont de l'Est", a rotary on the north side of Papeete with a monument in honor of French Polynesia's internal autonomy relationship with France. Papeete Mayor Michel Buillard, Sen. Gaston Flosse and French Polynesia President Gaston Tong Sang are scheduled to participate.

The celebration will move to the presidency at 2 pm on June 29th with a presentation of the athletic delegation that will represent French Polynesia at the 13th South Pacific Games, which will be held from August 25th - September 8th in Apia, Samoa. This will be followed by a ceremony for the presentation of Tahiti Nui Order medals.

Public entertainment will be held at two downtown Papeete locations starting at 6 pm on June 29th, Place To'ata (concerts) and Place Vaiete (traditional Tahitian atmosphere recalling the period of Papeete's former famous night spot, Quinn's Bar). A fireworks display over the Port of Papeete will bring the four day celebration to a close.

Autonomy Day has traditionally been a controversial holiday, with the pro-autonomy political parties led by Flosse and the independence party and its coalition led by Oscar Temaru never agreeing on the proper date for the celebration. While the pro-autonomy politicians have always favored June 29th, the Temaru supporters have favored November 20th.

June 29th is the date in 1984 when French Polynesia's organic law approved by the French Parliament took effect, giving the overseas community, formerly known as a territory, greater internal autonomy while remaining part of the French Republic.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Heiva i Tahiti 2007 - Program Available

2007-06-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

TheTahitiTraveler Web site has published the first schedule for the 2007 Heiva festival.

It begins on June 12th at the Place Toata in Papeete and continues through July 20th.

Events include song and dance performances & competitions, outrigger races, traditional sports and firewalking.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourism

Tahiti Resorts at a Bargain Price from Luxury Link

2007-05-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Luxury Link is an online travel auction service, that works quite differently from eBay.

You bid on hotel packages but from observing the site I've noticed that the prices don't get bid up (for the French Polynesia properties). A bidder will place a starting bid and win that auction.

Currently they have two great deals on offer. Let me first note that your would be responsible for international and inter-island airfares (plus a hotel in Papeete if scheduling requires it). However these offers for 5* resorts for two are incredible.

For a minimum bid of $2,391 you can get:
6-night package for 2 includes:

On Bora Bora

3 nights in a Premium Pool Suite at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
Your elegant air-conditioned suite has been designed with privacy and romance in mind, and features an enclosed garden area with private open-air plunge pool, an indoor/outdoor shower, alfresco dining area, and a wooden terrace & sundeck.

Roundtrip boat transfers between the airport and the resort *
Full American breakfast for two each morning
Set-menu dinner for two on one evening of your choice, in the Tevairoa Restaurant **
Serving refined international cuisine, Tevairoa Restaurant sits just 20 feet above sea level, overlooking the exquisite Bora Bora lagoon and beyond to the majestic and memorable mountain Otemanu.

Complimentary activities and equipment including:
Kayaks
Mini-golf
Outdoor swimming pool
Outrigger Canoes
Pedal Boats
Ping Pong
Snorkeling
Tennis
Bacci ball court
Volleyball
Badminton
Movie theatre
Coral Nursery
VAT and government taxes ***

On Manihi

3 nights in a luxurious Overwater Bungalow at the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort
In addition to a spacious sundeck over the lagoon and a glass tables to feed the fish below, your bungalow features tasteful and traditional Polynesian architecture using a mixture of the most noble materials: local precious wood, bamboo, shells, pandanus and palm tree fronds.
Full American breakfast for two each morning
Candlelight dinner for two on one evening of your choice, including a bottle of champagne **
Dine over candlelight on your private table in the restaurant, while indulging in a gourmet dinner with champagne and a delicious cake for dessert.
Complimentary activities and equipment including:
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Miniature Golf
Beach Volley Ball
Swimming Pool
Outrigger Canoes
Bacci Ball court
Bicycles
Game room
Billiard
Coral Garden
VAT, government, and local taxes
Rates above are quoted in U.S. dollars and are for two people sharing a Premium Pool Suite at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, and an Overwater Bungalow at Manihi Pearl Beach Resort. Price does not include airfare, service charge or customary gratuities. Local tax in the amount of XPF 150 per person, per day is payable directly at the hotel at time of check out.
* Arrival and departure details required.
** Advance table reservations recommended. Beverages other than noted are additional.
*** Local Tax of $1.50 per person, per night payable directly to Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort.
Price does not include handling fee of $20

For $2,659 you can get this package:
7-night package for 2 includes:

On Bora Bora

4 nights in a Premium Pool Suite at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
These elegant air-conditioned suites have been designed with privacy and romance in mind. Each features an enclosed garden area with private open-air plunge pool, an indoor/outdoor shower, alfresco dining area, and a wooden terrace & sundeck.

Roundtrip boat transfers between the airport and the resort *
Full American breakfast for two each morning
Set-menu dinner for two on one evening of your choice, in the Tevairoa Restaurant **
Serving refined international cuisine, Tevairoa Restaurant sits just 20 feet above sea level, overlooking the exquisite Bora Bora lagoon and beyond to the majestic and memorable mountain Otemanu.

Complimentary activities and equipment including:
Kayaks
Mini-golf
Outdoor swimming pool
Outrigger Canoes
Pedal Boats
Ping Pong
Snorkeling
Tennis
Bacci ball court
Volleyball
Badminton
Movie theatre
Coral Nursery
VAT and government taxes ***

On Tikehau

3 nights in a beautiful Overwater Bungalow at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort
Designed in true Polynesian style, this spacious, airy bungalow features a private verandah, ceiling fan, thatched roof, and glass section in the floor from which to enjoy the spectacular underwater life of the lagoon.

Roundtrip boat transfers between the airport and the resort *
Fresh fruit basket in room upon arrival
Full American breakfast for two each morning
Set-menu lunch for two on one day of your choice, in the Poreho Restaurant **
With a terrace overlooking the lagoon, the Poreho Restaurant is truly a sumptuous setting for a taste of European and Polynesian cuisine.

Complimentary activities and equipment including:
Outrigger Canoeing
Snorkeling
Kayaking
Beach Volleyball
Badminton
Pétanque
Swimming Pool
VAT and government taxes

Rates above are quoted in U.S. dollars and are for two people sharing a Premium Pool Suite at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, and an Overwater Bungalow at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. Price does not include airfare, service charges or customary gratuities.
* Arrival and departure details required.
** Alcoholic beverages are not included. Advance table reservations recommended.
*** Local Tax of $1.50 per person, per night payable directly to Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort.
Price does not include handling fee of $20.

Weekly Tsunami Alert Tests for Tahiti

2007-04-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tahitipresse reported that "French Polynesia will hold a tsunami alert every Wednesday at noon with the 62 sirens already installed as the French state continues to install the rest of the total 144 sirens to be in place by the end of the year throughout the five archipelagos.

The French High Commissioner's Office tested some 12 sirens for the first time on Wednesday from Tahiti's north coast Commune of Arue to the southernmost Austral Islands and the northernmost Marquesas Islands and the Tuamotu Archipelago in between.

By coincidence, the test of French Polynesia's French state controlled and operated tsunami alert system occurred only a few days after a tsunami triggered by a powerful 8.1 magnitude earthquake claimed at least 32 lives, wiped out villages and left nearly 6,000 people homeless in the Solomon Islands.

The test occurred after three days of particularly unusual seismic activity in the southwestern region of the Pacific Ocean that produced nearly 40 smaller earthquakes, all of which had a magnitude of more than 5.5 on the open-ended Richter Scale.

One such quake had a magnitude of 6.3, occurring early Wednesday between New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands group and Vanuatu's Southern Tanna Island, according to the Denver-based U.S. Geological Survey Center. Like the powerful quake in the Solomon Islands on Monday, the less powerful quake occurred under the ocean.

The highly active seismic zone has sparked a continuing debate in the Pacific over the limits of tsunami warning systems and a need for better preparations.

In French Polynesia, the French state has been installing tsunami alert sirens on island after island and atoll after atoll. Each siren costs 1.5 million French Pacific francs (US$17,045/€12,570). So by the time all 144 are installed by the end of the year, the French state will have invested 216 million French Pacific francs (US$2.45 million/€1.8 million).

The sirens are set up to operate with the push of a button. The system does not need to rely on ordinary telephone service because it is hooked up directly to the first worldwide satellite network, Immarsat, explained Yves Hermann-Auclair. He works for the company Assystem, which is installing the sirens in French Polynesia.

Each siren also has its own independent electricity source, so the sirens would not be affected by power failures or blackouts, he said. The reaction time between pushing the button in Papeete and the wailing of the siren ranges from 45 seconds to two minutes, he said.

One push of the button can set off all the sirens in French Polynesia, or just those sirens in one archipelago, or even in one of the 48 communes throughout the French overseas community, previously known as a territory.

The French state's Geophysical Laboratory in the Pamatai suburb of Papeete watches seismic activity throughout the Pacific 24/7, so it would be the first to alert the High Commissioner's Office in Papeete of any approaching tsunami danger for French Polynesia.

There's also the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii, which notifies governments throughout the region of any tsunami activity.

Earthquake specialists say a tsunami early-warning system would have been of little use for the thousands of people in the Solomon Islands because they had only minutes to escape.

But in French Polynesia, which is relatively isolated in the eastern sector of the region, officials figure they have a lead time of between two to six hours, depending, of course, where and how deep in the ocean the earthquake occurred.

Depending on the origin of an earthquake triggering a tsunami, the Marquesas Islands could be much more vulnerable than the Tuamotu Archipelago, officials said. That is because none of the islands in the Marquesas group have protective coral reefs. That means there would be nothing to slow down a tsunami wave. That is the role the coral reefs play throughout the Tuamotus as well as the Gambier Islands, the Austral Islands and the Society Islands, which contain the most populated Windward Islands of Tahiti and Moorea and the tourism-oriented Leeward Islands.

Wednesday's first test of the tsunami early warning system made no noise in downtown Papeete because the capital has yet to install a siren. Each commune must ask the French state to install a siren, and Papeete's is due to be ready by the end of the year.

The tests will continue at noon on the first Wednesday of each month as new sirens are added. But in the Marquesas Islands, where the official time is 30 minutes behind Papeete and the rest of French Polynesia, the sirens will sound at 11:30 am."

Photo courtesty of Tahiti Tourisme.

Moorea golf course to open first nine holes on April 15

2007-03-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tahitipresse announced that the first nine holes of the Moorea Golf Resort course are set to open on April 15th. The other nine are due to be completed in a few months time.

This is part of a project that includes a 154 room hotel as well as 115 residential villas. Completion of the hotel is scheduled for June 2008 and the villas for December 2008.

One of the reasons that the French Polynesia experience is so special is the intimate scale of ones accomodations. Currently the largest hotel, outside of Papeete, is the 143 room Moorea Intercontinental. The new resort will house over 500 guests. Fortunately it is situated near the airport and away from the areas where most visitors will stay.

Moorea - Motel Albert

2007-03-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Motel Albert is across the street from Club Bali Hai on Cook's Bay.
PK 8
Tel:(689)56 12 76
Fax:(689)56 58 58
motel.albert@laposte.net

It's been top rated in the budget category on Moorea for a long time.

A room with a double bed (for 1 to 2 people) is 5400 (minimum stay two nights), including a kitchen and private bathroom.

Larger bungalows are available including one that sleeps up to 5 for 10850.

I must say that I had my doubts about the location as it is across the street from the bay. (There are places nearby where you can access it.) However, I was not enthusiastic until I saw this notice (scroll down) advertising Club Bali Hai's Blue Pineapple Restaurant. It says "Access a piscine pour les clients du restaurant", restaurant customers can access the swimming pool. (The pool is small and cold but if the CBH allows you to access their pool with a restaurant purchase I would assume that it holds for the beach to bay access too.)

There are two supermarkets nearby, restaurants, and a gas station to purchase snacks next door.

Moorea - Club Bali Hai

2007-03-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

Club Bali Hai
PK 8, Cooks Bay
Tel: 1-888-222-5406 (toll free)
Tel: (689) 56 13 68
Fax: (689) 56 13 27
reservations@clubbalihai.pf

Club Bali Hai has the most stunning view of any accomodations in Moorea. It's also the first place that I stayed in French Polynesia. For me, Moorea is the magnificent bays. I loved watching the clouds pass in front of the mountains. Being on the bay, the water is deep and dark (it gradually but quickly gets deep). There is just a tiny beach there. It has a funky, 60s decor.

I stayed in a Bayview room, which included a fully equipped kitchenette. I must admit that I paid about half of the current price less than five years ago. The value choice here is an overwater bungalow. The CBH's don't extend far into the water like the resorts but still they are very choice accomodations given the incredible view.

All rooms are air-conditioned.

Bayview rooms with kitchenette 129 Euros ($171 U.S. as of 1/27/07)
One bedroom Beachfront Bungalows with kitchenette are 213 Euros ($275 U.S. as of 1/27/07), including breakfast.
Overwater Bungalows with kitchenette are 220 Euros ($282.00 as of 1/27/07), including breakfast.
They are currently advertising a seasonal special for the Overwater Bungalows of 165 Euros (approx. U.S. $214 ), breakfast included and 160 Euros (approx. U.S. $206) for the Beachfront Bungalows. (Let me note that CBH is a timeshare as well as a hotel and the timeshare guests get first priority on the more popular room selections.)

They also have Gardenview rooms which only have a refrigerator. The prices for these are not shown on their Web site.

In the back of the Bayview building there are the Mountianview rooms, with only a fridge. They are not mentioned on the site at all, however, I did stay in one when I extended my stay there. They face the road and I found the room depressing after being spoiled by the stunning Bayview I had previously.

CBH is close to two supermarkets, restaurants, has its own restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, there is a gas station across the street where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Wednesday nights they have a free Tahitian dance show.

The staff is lovely.

Moorea - Les Tipaniers

2007-03-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

Les Tipaniers, Moorea
PK 25.9
Tel: (689) 56 12 67
Fax : (689) 56 29 25
tipaniersresa@mail.pf

Located near the Les Petit Village area on Moorea's west side where there are shops and restaurants, Les Tipaniers is right on the beach. There is a restaurant on the premises.

Rooms start at 6900 for a fan cooled garden room.
A garden bungalow with a kitchen goes for 13950 for 1 to two persons and is 16200 for 3 to 4 occupants.

Bicycles are provided free of charge.

They have an annex, Les Tipaniers Iti that is 2.5 miles east on Opunohu Bay. The prices are considerably less there, 7950 for a bungalow with a kitchen. The area there is residential. It does not have a beach but there is a pontoon overlooking Opunohu Bay (which is stunning). You can use the beach at the main hotel.

Club Med Bora Bora On Sale

2007-03-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

Club Med is running a 1/2 off every second person sale at selected locations.

You can book the Club Med Bora Bora for $1,952 for two, for a weeks stay.

The rooms are air conditioned and include a fridge and TV.

All meals, drinks (both alcoholic and non), required membership, optional travel insurance (you can opt out and save $100 per couple), sports activities including snorkeling (with boat trips), sailing(catamarans) and windsurfing is included.

Transport to Tahiti, and then Bora Bora, and transfers to the resort is additional.

What's great about Club Med is that they have a picnic spot on the motu opposite the main island of Bora Bora that is in the most breathtaking location I've ever seen.

You'll have to book by April 14th. Travel dates are April 14th - December 21st 2007.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Overwater Bungalows for $293 in Manihi

2007-03-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

I checked out Expedia and while they offer the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort $147 Garden bungalow special (on fewer dates and with only a free breakfast) what caught my eye was the Premium Overwater Bungalows for $293 per night including breakfast.

That is a great deal! Imagine yourself staying here:

Snorkeling in the lagoon there has been described as being inside an aquarium.

Manihi Pearl Beach Resort on Sale at Travelocity

2007-03-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

On Travelocity select dates are showing Garden rooms at the Manihi Pearl Beach Resort for US$142.77 plus tax including breakfast and dinner.

That is an incredible deal!

On the Pearl Beach Web site they only have last years rate but the rack rate for a Garden room is 28000 or $307 USD. A continental breakfast is 2300 and dinner is 5400.

I put in April 23rd - 26th but the rate is available on many dates in March and April.

This is what I copied from the Travelocity Web site:

Room: Premium Beach Bungalow (2 Adults)
Nightly rates are based upon 2 people in the room.

Two Breakfast and Dinners daily

3 Nights:
Mon, Apr 23 $142.77
Tue, Apr 24 $142.77
Wed, Apr 25 $142.77

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sum of Nightly Rates: $428.31
Taxes & Fees: $62.58

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total for 1 Room: $490.89

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is a daily tax of 150XPF (est. $1.50 USD) per person, per night due direct to the hotel.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Next Stop Mataiva

2007-03-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

The stunning French language blog Notre Annee En Polynesie has been reporting on their trip to Mataiva, complete with gorgeous photos.

The Tuamotu atoll is a "touristed" one, with accomodations and written up in some guidebooks. It, however, it not available on any Air Tahiti airpass.

The photos posted on Notre Annee are just incredible and make one want to jump on a plane and head there right away.

They stayed at a new pension, Ariihee Vai, that you can book via the Haere Mai Association of Guesthouses and Family Pensions.

Tel:(689) 76 44 23
Fax:(689) 96 32 46

7000 per person, including full board
Children from 2 to 12 are 4000, under 2 free

Free transfers
Free excursions
Free bikes and kayaks
Free drinks (coffee, tea and water)
No credit cards accepted

The activities that they provide are:

Making necklaces of shells and flowers
Line fishing on the reef
Lobster catching
Visiting the fish parks
Visit of the Marae (old temples)
Excursion to the bird island
Island tour by car

Air Tahiti flies there twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

Getting a cheap (er) airfare to Tahiti

2007-03-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen a great airfare to Papeete (PPT) from Los Angeles (LAX) in a while. With the loss of Air New Zealand from that route in a months time I suspect that deals will be harder to find. I can share with you what has worked in the past for me.

Sign up for Air Tahiti Nui's email specials. It used to be the way to get the first news of special reduced fares to Tahiti, usually restricted to just a few flights.

Recently, ATN has been posting specials on their Web site over two weeks before the customers who have taken the time to register have received notification. I would be making at least a weekly visit to the ATN Web site to see if there is anything good posted there.

Last year I got a better fare on Expedia than the same flight directly from Air Tahiti Nui. (Just tried a comparison for departure on 4/19, return 5/2, after taxes and surcharges Expedia was $971 total and ATN was $1192.)

I tried Orbitz and they showed a fare of $972.

Travelocity amazed me as offering the lowest fare for those dates at $951.40.

I've been signed up for Air France's email specials for several years. However, they have never notified me of any special fares to French Polynesia (however, if you want to go to Paris ....).

Once a couple of years ago, when I was bored, I started inputing random dates into the Air France online booking service. I found a great fare (in the $400's RT) available for certain depatures in April and May. I was never able to find where the fare was published but it was available for purchase on the Air France site. The fare I got for roughly the same dates as above was $1,108. Note that Air France displays the fares in one way segments, the fare is not $504.

While I've gotten great U.S. hotel deals bidding on Priceline I have not used them for international air. You can purchase airline tickets, without bidding, from them also. For the dates mentioned above they were also cheaper than ATN coming in at $1013. I suggest reading up on bidding strategies at Bidding for Travel.

I also tried various "Cheap" airfares sites but none of them were cheaper than Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity.

If I was planning for an upcoming trip and had flexibility with dates I would wait for an Air Tahiti Nui special. The specials aren't restricted to off-season, I've used them at the peak of high-season in August and early Septmember. I've purchased them over a month before depature.

Getting to Tahiti

2007-03-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

As there is so much outdated information on the Web regarding French Polynesia I thought I would post this basic information. The airlines that fly to Tahiti are:

	Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Osaka, Sydney, Auckland
	Air France from Los Angeles, Paris
	Hawaiian from Honolulu
	Air New Zealand from Auckland and until April 2nd, 2007 from Los Angeles and Rarotonga
	Air Calin from Noumea, New Caledonia
	Lan Chile from Easter Island, Santiago
	Air Rarotonga will start service in April from the Cook Islands
	Air Tahiti will start service in April from the Cook Islands

Marquesas Arts Festival Program

2007-02-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

The tahitinui blog published the program for the Marquesas Arts Festival this coming December. Here is my attempt, using various Web translators, at an English language version.

Sunday, December 16th at HAKAHAU
Pre-opening

8:00 am Catholic mass in the church Tepano Peato
8:00 am Protestant worship

Sunday, December 16th noon to Monday, December 17th noon

YOU HAKAPEI IA KAI MAU: NO MAOIO
Preparations of the great traditional community meal for Monday midday
The “TUHUKA” and “TAUA” of each delegation will put their knowledge and know-how into practice in the field of the traditional Art of cooking.

Monday, December 16th Opening Ceremonies "TUHUKA"

8:00 am Presentation of the delegations in front of the official platform
With the sound of drums, HAHI, MAVE, songs of greeting, PU TOKA, PU HAKAHAU, the Marquesan delegation, ENANA, will present first by respecting the myth of the divine creation of “HAE ENANA”, the Marquesan box, whose each component evokes symbolically “TE HENUA ENANA”, in the chronological order of its construction

UA LOUSE, two pillars, two posts of the box
HIVA OA, the long ridge purlin, posed on the 2 posts
NUKU HIVA, ridge purlins posed on HIVA OA
FATUIVA, the cover in 9 lines of palms of braided coconuts
UA HUKA, the pit crowned to preserve the bones of the ancestors
TAHUATA, the box is finished, it is the dawn!

Delegation of NAPUKA TUAMOTU
Guests of honor, because they have a bond with the tribe “KAAVAHEPEOA” of HAKAOHOKA in the valley of HOHOI with UA LOUSE

TAMA ENANA TAHITI
HAURURU TAHITI
RAIATEA HAVAIKINUI
OPARO RAPA ITI
RAPA NUI
HAWAII
MAORI TEAOTEAROA
WALLIS AND FUTUNA
NEW CALEDONIA
CASTRES, FRANCE

9:00 am Prayer followed by the anthem "ENANA"

9:15 am Welcoming speech by the Mayor of UA-POU and the President of the Festival
Short speeches by eminent personages

9:30 am Official declaration of the opening of the MATAVAA

10:00 am Execution of a “GIANT PUTU”

The traditional dance specific to the Marquesas, by all the men who took part in the six preceding festivals.

11:00 am Official Opening of the Activities Workshops

Traditional practices
Traditional massage
The art of cooking
Display of models of traditional dugouts
Ritual, traditional dance and songs
Manufacture of traditional weapons
Myths, tales and legends
Art of public speaking

11:30 am Official Opening of the Stands

Display and sale of handcrafts

11:40 am Opening Ceremoney of "UMU KAI" (Marquesan Oven)
“NUNU KAI” the procession of the bearing of the food towards the place of “KAI IA MAU”, the great community meal.

12:30 am Traditional blessing of “KAI IA MAU”

1:30 pm Display of art works

Traditional sculptures and modern creations
Paintings of Polynesian expression
Drawings and explanations of traditional tattoos
Headresses and traditional costumes

5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Dinner

7:30 pm Cultural Presentations

UA LOUSE
UA HUKA
FATU HIVA
TAHUATA
HIVA-OA
NUKU-HIVA

10:30 pm End of the Presentations

Tuesday, December 18th and Wednesday, December 19th at MAUIA HOHOI

Delegations present on the site:

Tuesday
UA LOUSE - NAPUKA - TEAOTAEROA - WALLIS AND FUTUNA
OPARO - TAMA ENANA - TAHUATA - HIVA OA - RAIATEA

Wednesday
UA-POU - HAURURU - HAWAII - RAPA NUI - NUKU HIVA
UA HUKA - FATUIVA - NEW CALEDONIA -CASTRES, FRANCE

4:30 am Awake to the sound of the pū, drum

5:00 am Breakfast

6:00 am Departure for HOHOI

9:00 am Gathering of the delegations at the carpark
Go towards “TE POOTU I NOHO I MAUIA", the place of the tribe of TAVAKA
Drum reception
Drums coming from the Tohua party area will play a welcome consisting of "Hahi, Mavé, Tapatapa" and "a’naunau".

9:30 am Reception of the delegations and placement on the TOHUA

Ritual ceremony of the bond between the tribes of TAVAKA and NAPUKA
Painful evocation of the departure of the tribe of “KAAVAHOPEOA” 200 years ago
Exchanges of presents “VAETUKIA”

10:15 am Evocation on the preparations of the departure of the Princess and her tribe towards the large Ocean of HIVA.
The farewell of Princess MAHIHOPE and her father UKU ME HE HONU, to their valley HAKAOHOKA and their tribe TAVAKA.

10:45 am Ritual Ceremony of the Reunion
Expression of joy, evocation, the continuation of the voyage of MAHIHOPE,
the arrival and life with NAPUKA.

11:15 am Visiting workshops and the site MAUIA
Workshop - food conservation for transoceanic voyages
Workshop - food conservation for the tribe with the daily newspaper technique, preparation and demonstration
Workshop - clothes making

12:30 pm “KAIKAI” Community meal

1:00 pm Cultural Presentations
TEAOTEAROA MAORI
WALLIS AND FUTUNA
TAMA ENANA
OPARO
HIVA OA

4:00 pm Return to HAKAHAU lodgings

5:00 pm Dinner

7:30 pm Cultural Presentations
NEW CALEDONIA
RAPA ITI
RAIATEA
CASTRES, FRANCE
HAURURU
HAWAII

10:30 pm End of the presentations

Tuesday, December 18th and Wednesday, December 19th at HAKAHETAU VALLEY

Delegations present on the site:

Tuesday
UA LOUSE - HAURURU - HAWAII - RAPA NUI - NUKU HIVA - UA HUKA - FATUIVA - NEW CALEDONIA - CASTRES, FRANCE

Wednesday
UA LOUSE - NAPUKA - TEAOTAEROA - WALLIS AND FUTUNA - OPARO - TAMA ENANA - TAHUATA - HIVA OA - RAIATEA

The cultural activities of each day will take place in two areas:
An area known as contemporary, on the edge of the sea
A traditional area, in the valley on the TE TAHUNA site

8:30 am Official opening at HAKAHETAU

Presentation of the program.
Ritual of the sea presented by the delegation from HAWAII
A speech of presentation of the day will open the contemporary site
Animation on the plate of HAKAHETAU based on the products of the sea

9:30 am On the TE TAHUNA site
Legend “VEVEPUEHU”

10:00 am Workshops

Vegetable fibres and braiding
Dugout carving
Planting of taro and mei
Art of cooking
Woodcarving
Braiding
Fishing

Around 11:00 am the opening of a UA MA (mei and taro)

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch

2:00 pm On the contemporary site, craft industries workshops and three games

PEHE, sets of strings
Game with a rope for 10 people, played by the dance groups.
The sling
Stilts

4:30 pm /5:00 pm Return to lodgings

Thursday, December 20th
Day reserved for youth, the cultural future of the Marquesan people
Assessment of the cultural assets transmitted by the “TUHUKA”

Nursery school with the CM1, the children will highlight cultural assets transmitted by various “TUHUKA”

TUHUKA HAKA, Master of dance: various traditional dances

TUHUKA HIMENE, Master of songs: various traditional songs

TUHUKA TEKAO, Master of the word: Akakai (poems)

TAPATAPA (declamation)

TUHUKA SUBDUED TATAU, Master of genealogy: presents his genealogy

TUHUKA MT PAHU, Master of the drums: the art of drumming

TUHUKA HAA KA KAI, storyteller: the art of telling a legend or a myth.

8:00 am Beginning of the cultural services of the children accompanied by their respective TUHUKA. The activities in various workshops will also begin

9:30 am The invited delegations will be able to show their cultural identities

Ceremony of the KAVA , the man bird of RAPA NUI

10:00 am to 11:30 am Meeting of the Mayors, Chiefs of the Delegations and the members of Federation MOTU HAKA

11:30 am Lunch

2:30 pm Awarding prizes to the winners of the writing contest in EO ENANA

Awarding prizes for the most beautiful objets d'art

Awarding prizes to the winners of the traditional weapons contest

The presentation will be accompanied by traditional musics, songs and dances.

Closing Ceremonies
Cultural presentations by the different delegations
Farewell songs
Official speeches

Presentation of the symbol of the Matavaa to the island that will assume the next Matavaa in December 2011
“GIANT PUTU” executed by all the delegations present

6:30 pm Dinner and the departure of some delegations

The Waterfalls of Tahiti

2007-02-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Of the many images of paradise that the name Tahiti invokes certainly waterfalls form part of the impression. World of Waterfalls was created by a California couple. They started out visiting falls in the Los Angeles area for a quick break. Soon they began traveling further afield collecting waterfall sightings.

In French Polynesia they have visited and photographed Vaimahutu Falls, Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls and Puraha Falls on the island of Tahiti as well as Vaioro Falls on Moorea. The falls can be viewed by taking a 4wd tour.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Learn to Speak Tahitian

2007-02-26T05:55:00.000-08:00

Bruce Rimell, a fascinating Englishman, has created a wonderful Web site about the Tahitian language.

What's truly amazing is that he has never been to Tahiti but rather became interested in learning the language when he fell in love with Pacific island music while living in Japan. He writes "So without any grammar or textbooks to work from, I kept listening to the music, and slowly tried to take the language of the songs apart so that I could learn how to speak it".

He has now created online Tahitian lessons (and a quiz).
Both English-Tahitian and Tahitian-English dictionaries are available.

For fans of Tahitian music he has also translated the lyrics of various songs.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Tahiti Aggressor Relocating to Fiji

2007-02-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Aggressor Fleet has announced that they will be relocating the Tahiti Aggressor live aboard dive boat to Fiji. On their Web site they posted:

In 2002, the Tahiti Aggressor made way to the Tuamotu Islands then the Society Islands in search of a new frontier and found incredible diving. Since that time, it has become cost prohibitive to continue to operate there and we regret that the Tahiti Aggressor will cease operations March 10, 2007. She will relocate to Fiji after being dry-docked and will resume operations as the Fiji Aggressor starting May 12, 2007. The Fiji Aggressor will explore new dive areas that will be announced soon. The 10 passenger Fiji Aggressor II will continue operating and will go to dry-dock for an extensive refit during the year. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause cause.

Scubadiving.com adds that the following options are available to those who have made deposits on trips with the Tahiti Aggressor:

Transfer your reservation from the Tahiti Aggressor to the Fiji Aggressor, Fiji Aggressor II, Palau Aggressor II, North Sulawesi Aggressor or Kona Aggressor II (difference in charter price will be paid/refunded) and receive a $500 voucher towards a future charter, good for 3 years, non transferable and non commissionable. Reimbursement of penalties imposed for airline tickets will be made if client cancels trip to Tahiti. (Receipts must accompany request).

or

Receive a full refund for your Tahiti Aggressor charter. Reimbursement of penalties imposed for airline tickets will be made if client cancels trip to Tahiti. (Receipts must accompany request).

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Tahiti Le Truck Information

2007-02-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

Bus route map

You can view the schedule and stops of the lines here (yes, I see that it was published in January, 2003. That's as good as it's going to get. I've been seaching for this information since 2003).

Here are more schedules, including ones for travel outside of the Papeete area.

The minimum price is 130, at night 200. It costs about 300 to get all the way down to Teahupoo.

A New Hotel on Nukutepipi

2007-02-22T20:37:00.000-08:00

Last week Tahitipresse announced a new hotel is to be built on the atoll of Nukutepipi. Oceandots.com states that it is the southeasternmost atoll of the Duke of Gloucester group. It's less than 6 square kilometers, 3.5 kilometers in length by 2 kilometers wide.

Air Tahiti does not fly there. While it's part of the commune of Hao, it's quite a distance away. Every 25 days the cargo boat Nuku Hau stops there. It costs 7900 for a one way deck ticket.

It will cost US $16,500,000 to buy the land and build the hotel, which will accomodate 25 to 40 people (that's pretty big for French Polynesia and sort of defeats the point of being on a remote island). It's scheduled to in 2007 (that's this year!)

However, before embarking on the Tuamotu project the French-Canadian investor plans to build a 40 unit hotel on the northwest coast of Bora Bora. That's scheduled to open in 2010 so maybe the Nukutepipi project is slated for completion in 2017?

I'm fascinated.

Photo courtesty of Tahiti Tourisme.

Air Tahiti - Part 5

2007-02-21T11:22:00.000-08:00

Savings can also be realized by purchasing point to point airfares in Tahiti instead of overseas.

Here some are fare comparisons for round trip tickets. My Tahiti fares are from last summer. These fares are good on any flight.

Route RT	Overseas LS	Overseas HS	Tahiti
Tahiti - Huahine	21000	21000	18900
Tahiti - Bora Bora	31500	34700	26100
Tahiti - Raiatea	24300	24300	21600
Tahiti - Maupiti	30300	30300	26600
Tahiti - Tikehau	32200	34700	28600
Tahiti - Rangiroa	32200	34700	28600
Tahiti - Nuku Hiva	57600	57600	50200
Tahiti - Raivavae	49200	49200	43900

Many destinations do not have seasonal surchages.

Tahiti Port Strike Over

2007-02-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

Tahitipresse has reported that after all night negotiations a settlement has been reached.

Work has resumed and the harbor is no longer "blocked".

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Air Tahiti - Part 4

2007-02-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

If you happen to be young (under 25), a Senior (60 or over), or traveling with your family (at least one adult with a child under 16) you can purchase a Carte Jeune (Youth Card), Carte Marama (Senior Card) or Carte Famille (Family Card).

The card costs 1000 to purchase for youths and Seniors and 2000 for families. You will need to present photo ID (like your passport, for families this applies to the parent, children need a birth certificate), have a passport photo for the pass (for families this applies to the parents only though I would bring photos of the children just in case). I've heard that the pass is not available for purchase at the airport Air Tahiti office. One has to go into Papeete to purchase it.

The card is good for 5 years, assuming that one still qualifies.

The benefits of the cards are a price reduction of 50% on bleu flights (75% for children under 12), 30% off on blanc flights (50% for children under 12) and 10% on rouge flights (50% for children under 12).

Be aware that the seats available for these discounted fares are limited. Reservations and ticketing can only be done in French Polynesia for these discounts.

I must also note that I read a report from someone who purchased a family pass. At first they tried to tell him that he was not eligible since he was a tourist. He pointed out the sentence (written in French) where it said that the card, reservations and ticketing have to be done in FP with no mention of any restrictions as to who could benefit.

Port of Tahiti on Strike

2007-02-20T00:18:00.000-08:00

Tahitipresse reported that the Port of Tahiti is paralyzed due to a strike. The information was only available on their French language page. Using freetranslation.com this is what I've come up with:

"This strike movement paralyzes the activity of the harbor, without nevertheless that the locking be total since shuttles were able to take passengers heading for Moorea, this morning and in fine afternoon. But the ferries transporting freight and the schooners for the islands had to remain at quay. A cruise steamship, awaited Tuesday morning to the harbor nevertheless should be able to approach."

The dock workers delegation and the government ministers are in negotiations.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

A Chance to See Tahitian Dancing in Los Angeles

2007-02-19T19:25:00.000-08:00

Mehiro, the local expert for French Polynesia over on Tripadvisor, posted about a Spectacular Traditional Polynesian Show hosted by Mareine Tiroa, Vice President of Friends of Tahiti. It's a fundraiser for "The International US, Children Charity" (I'm not familiar with it).

It's this Thursday, February 22nd
At The Highlands Club of Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd, CA 90028
8:30 pm - 2:00 am

Admission is $25 with a reservation that you can make online.
They will have a one hour Polynesian Show featuring the "Le Polynesia" dance & music group.

Some great raffle prizes are on offer (raffle tickets are $5, sold from 8:30 - 10:00 pm, when the show starts) including:

A Royal Traditional Tahitian Wedding at the Tiki Village, Moorea
2 Round trip Tickets to Tahiti on Air TahitiNui
Intercontinental Hotel Tahiti voucher for two persons (2 nights in Papeete /4 nights in Moorea)
Starwood Hotel Sheraton voucher for two persons (2 nights in Papeete /3 nights in Moorea )
Tahitian black pearl gold pendent from Tahitinuipearl

I think the odds are very good for getting a great prize. And to help a good cause and see some Tahitian dancing, even better.

Requested attire is Hawaiian shirts and/or floral lei's.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

N.Y. Times Article on the Tuamotus

2007-02-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

In Sunday's New York Times there is an article The Fragile Paradise That Tahiti Used to Be by Jon Bowermaster.

The premise is that the island of Tahiti has become too busy but paradise can be found on the Tuamotus, for now, before climatic changes make them uninhabitable.

What struck me as interesting was the author saying "My preference though is to sleep on the beach, which is easily done in the Tuamotus, on any of a number of motus — mini-islands made of sand washed up on the rim of the coral reef. If you are after a glimpse of paradise, sleeping in these sands offers as close to a utopian experience as possible. On Fakarava I chose a motu named Kiria on the far side of the lagoon from town. I hired a boat to drop me and made camp next to a hoa — a tidal stream running in from the sea — hanging a hammock between two coconut palms. In the mornings I would watch a squadron of frigate birds hover above the palms, floating on thermals. Beneath the hammock an army of sand crabs went about their various duties, leaving long, thin trails in the otherwise unadulterated sand. Gently pounding surf, broken by the thin coral reef crest, created a shallow aqua-blue swimming hole."

Sounds wonderful.

However, in the Visitor Information section (which may have had a different author than the article) there was no information provided as to how you could hire a boat and camp out on Kiria motu. There was also no contact information provided for the "simple pension called Chez Matilde, with cabins to rent on the beach" where he stayed on Fakarava. I searched for it but could not find any information, though places in French Polynesia often have two names, Pension This and Chez Someone. I did find a new pension in Fakarava called, by coincidence, Pension Kiria.

Air Tahiti - Part 3

2007-02-17T18:26:00.000-08:00

Available for purchase only in French Polynesia are two additional airpasses that can offer you substanital savings. They are the Les Pass "Bleu"s.

The Pass Bleu Decouverte is for travel from Tahiti to Huahine, Raiatea and Moorea. Last summer it cost 19200.

The regular Pass Bleu goes from Tahiti to Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Moorea. (Note that Maupiti is not included.) Last summer it cost 25200.

The rules are the same as the airpasses discussed previously EXCEPT that you have to travel on bleu (blue) flights to and from Tahiti and on bleu or blanc (white) flights between the other islands. Between Moorea and Tahiti (which has to be your last island) you will be traveling on Air Tahiti or (more likely) Air Moorea and need not worry about availability. Your checked luggage limit is 10 kgs (22 lbs).

If you are traveling on a Pass Bleu or if you have a Youth (Jeune), Senior (Marama) or Family (Famille) card (which I will discuss later) you need to be aware of Red (Rouge), White (Blanc) and Blue (Bleu) flights. If you do not fit in those categories skip over this as all flights are equal for you.

The red flights are the most popular (and hence most expensive), then come the whites and after that the blues. There are a limited number of discounted seats on these flights as others are paying full (or full local) fares for them.

According to last summers schedule, if you wanted to catch a blue flight to Bora Bora from Tahiti your choices would be (for the 50 minute flight):

Monday (Lundi):
5:00 am
5:30 am
3:20 pm
6:00 pm

Tuesday (Mardi):
2:10 pm

Wednesday (Mercredi):
5:15 pm
5:40 pm

Thursday (Jeudi):
1:15 pm
5:55 pm

Friday (Vendredi):
6:40 am
5:00 pm

Saturday (Samedi):
5:25 am
1:00 pm
3:05 pm
5:15 pm

Sunday (Dimanche):
7:20 am
2:40 pm
4:55 pm
6:45 pm

I don't know how far in advance the blue seats on these flights get booked up. You are competing with locals who can make reservations for them in advance. You cannot do that if you are out of the country.

Looking at last summers schedule from Tahiti to Huahine I see that there is no blue flight on Fridays for that route.

Air Tahiti - Part 2

2007-02-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Air Tahiti tickets can be purchased overseas via their Web site and picked up at the airport upon arrival (either at the check-in counter for a point to point e-ticket or at the Air Tahiti office for an airpass). You can also purchase them from your international carrier. If you are going on a package tour your Air Tahiti tickets will be included.

Purchasing your tickets in French Polynesia will yield substantial savings except for airpasses that cover island groups other than the Society Islands. The risk in waiting to purchase your ticket until arrival is that you may not be able to get on the flight that you want or even fly on the day that you want. You also will have a lower checked luggage limit of 10 k (22 lbs). I will discuss this later in more detail.

The airpasses offered overseas are (I have entered the price that was offered last summer if purchased in Tahiti in parenthesis):

Discovery Pass:
Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea 24200* (24200)

Bora Bora Pass:
Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti
From January 5th to May 31st and from November 16th to December 21st 34700 (33700)
From January 1st to January 4th and from June 1st to November 15th and from December 22nd to December 31st 36800 (33700)

Lagoon Pass: Moorea, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, Fakarava, Ahe 38900 (38200)

Bora Bora Tuamotu Pass: Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, Fakarava, Ahe 50400 (48700)

Marquesas Pass: Nuku Hiva, Atuona, Ua Pou, Ua Huka
From January 5th to May 31st and from November 16th to December 21st 63000
From January 1st to January 4th and from June 1st to November 15th and from December 22nd to December 31st 69000
(in FP this pass is 61200 from January 1st to March 31st and from November 1st to December 31st and 66200 from April 1st to October 31st)

There are also two extensions that can be added to any airpass except one cannot add the Australes extension to the Marquesas pass:

Australes Extension: Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae 26300 (26200)

Marquesas Extension: Nuku Hiva, Atuona 47300 (46200)

The extensions must be added to the beginning or the end of a pass.

The airpasses are not like Eurail passes. You cannot hop on and off planes as you wish. You have to make a schedule, this flight on this day, that flight on that day and be ticketed. Once you take your first flight the other flights cannot be changed. (Though I did hear a report of someone who was able to get a flight to another island due to a bad weather report for his initial destination. However, don't count on it.)

The passes begin in Tahiti; travel must be completed in one archipelago before starting on another. Islands within an archipelago can be visited in any order. All islands covered in a pass do not have to be visited (and it can be quite a challenge to include all the islands or selected islands on a pass given a particular timeframe).

Only one stopover is permitted on an island. A transit with a flight number change is considered a stopover. The exception to this is: Bora Bora-Tikehau, Bora Bora-Manihi, Bora Bora-Fakarava or vice-versa, where a flight number change and stop of less than 2 hours in Rangiroa is considered as a transit, not a stopover.

A stopover or transit in Tahiti is not permitted except to get to Moorea on the Lagoons pass or for 24 hours before or after an extension.

Passes are only valid for 28 days.

Tahiti to Moorea (and vice-versa) may be flown on an Air Tahiti or Air Moorea flight. There is an extra charge for the Air Moorea evening (night as they call it) flights.

(Note: there are lower fares for children available on all flights.)

Air Tahiti - Part 1

2007-02-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

Air Tahiti is the domestic carrier of French Polynesia (though it will begin to fly to the Cook Islands in April). It is a different airline from the international carrier Air Tahiti Nui.

It's a fine airline and you will be flying on 48 or 66 seat twin turboprop aircraft (smaller aircraft is used for the remote islands).
Pineapple juice will be served. Meals are only provided for flights to the Marquesas, Gambiers and Hao. Sandwiches are offered for sale to the Australs. You'll get a very nice Air Tahiti magazine.

The seating is open, first come, first served.

The luggage allowance is less than on your international flight to Tahiti. You are allowed 10 kg (22 lbs) if you purchase your ticket in French Polynesia, 20 kg (44 lbs) if you purchase it overseas. If you are a diver and have your international dive certification card (and international air ticket) you are allowed an extra 5kg (11 lbs).

Hand luggage is restricted to a day pack size (17” x 13” x 7”) weighing less than 3k (6.6 lbs). They made me check in my "fits under the seat" rolling pilot bag.

If you are over the weight limit you have to pay for the excess. The cost per kilogram depends on your flight. If you want to calculate the cost go to the fares page and enter your to and from destination and you will see the excess luggage cost for that leg.

Some example one way excess luggage costs per 1k (2.2 lbs):

Tahiti-Huahine	120
Tahiti-Bora Bora	170
Tahiti-Rangiroa	200
Bora Bora-Rangiroa	290

If you pay for your return flight overage at the same time you receive a 30% discount. You can also get a "Circle trip including several islands" rate. Instead of paying excess luggage for each leg, you would just pay the roundtrip excess rate for the island that is the furthest from Tahiti (or Moorea). For example traveling Tahiti/Moorea/Huahine/Bora Bora/Rangiroa/Tahiti. The normal additional segment rate is 740 per kg; the discounted rate is calculated Tahiti/ Rangiroa/Tahiti, or 400 per kg.

All that being said, 50 lbs. is a lot of luggage and should be more than adequate for your needs.

7th Marquesas Arts Festival in Ua Pou

2007-02-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

Tahitipresse announced that the 7th Marquesas arts festival will take place on the island of Ua Pou from Dec. 17 to Dec. 20. Around 5,000 visitors from Tahiti and from abroad are expected to attend the event. The arts festival takes place every four years. The last one was held on the island of Hiva Oa, in December 2003.

They reported that 2,000 Marquesans will be coming from all the islands of the archipelago to join the celebrations. Delegations from other Pacific Islands such as Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island, New Caledonia and Wallis-and-Futuna are also expected.

Here are some photos from the 1999 Festival on Nuku Hiva.

The fancy freighter Arunai 3 will be there with an extra day on Ua Pou for the festival. The December 14th - 29th voyage rates will be 10% higher.

Accomodation in Ua Pou is very limited. I'd be making plans now.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Baggage Storage at Tahiti Airport

2007-02-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

At Tahiti (Faaa) Airport (the only one on the island) baggage storage is located in a small building within the large parking lot just in front of the airport.

Air Tahiti Nui has provided this luggage storage information page which includes an excellent map to the location. As links to Tahiti related Web pages go bad at an alarming rate I have also copied the information here.

The hours of operation are:

Monday	4 am - 12:30 am (+1)
Tuesday.	5 am -12:30 am (+1)
Wednesday.	5 am -12:30 am (+1)
Thursday	5 am -12:30 am (+1)
Friday	5 am - 11 pm
Saturday	5 am - 12:30 am (+1)
Sunday	5 am -12:30 am (+1)
Holidays	5 am -12:30 am (+1)

For 24 hours of storage the rates are:

Small volume (vanity, etc.)*	395
Middle size suitcase	640
Big box	950
Surfboard (short board)	1100
One cover-several surfboards	1600
Surfboards over 2 meters	2200
Windsurfer	2700

Currency accepted: Euros, AUD, NZD, USD, XPF
Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard

* my 2' x 1' x 10" duffle was accepted at this fee on two different occasions over a year apart.

The telephone number for baggage storage is: (689) 86 60 08

I've also stored my bags for free at the downtown tourist office. They are only open during the day until 5 pm. That is just a leave your bags in this corner deal vs. having a claim ticket.

Please be aware that the hours and rates may change.

An Insiders Guide to Moorea

2007-02-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

Googling around I found this blog called Traveling Moorea and Beyond. The author, Aaron Wallace, works at the University of California, Berkeley, Richard B. Gump South Pacific Reseach Station which is located on the west side of Cooks Bay in Moorea.

He started the guide, it's a work in progress, in response to students questions as to what to do around Moorea in their free time. I don't know how old it is or if he is currently working on it.

He has some excellent information (and directions) on hiking, running, snorkeling, surfing and beaches in Moorea. Take a look.

Sale on Starwood Properties in French Polynesia

2007-02-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

The Starwood Preferred Guest program (free to join) is having a four day sale from February 13th to the 16th.

These are the FP properties and rates (as well as available dates):

Sheraton Tahiti:

March 1-31	$180
April 6-15	$180
May 19-24	$180
June 6-12	$180
July 16-22	$180
August 6-12	$180
September 6-12	$180
October 22-29	$180
November 20-30	$180
December 3-16	$180

Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa:

March 1-31	$229
April 6-15	$229
May 19-24	$229
June 6-12	$290
July 16-22	$290
August 6-12	$290
September 6-12	$290
October 22-29	$229
November 20-30	$229
December 3-16	$229

Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa:

March 1-30	$399
May 11-31	$399
June 10-19	$399
July 1-7	$399
July 24-31	$399
August 3-10	$399
August 24-31	$399
September 2-13	$399
October 19-25	$399
October 27-Nov 5	$399

The fine print:

Reservations must be booked between 12:00 am EST on February 13, 2007 and 11:59:59 pm EST on February 16, 2007.
Rates are valid at participating properties only for the stay period specified on the offer, and are subject to availability at the time of reservation. Dates vary by property. A limited number of rooms may be available at these rates and additional restrictions and blackout dates apply.
Advance purchase required. Credit card will be charged at time of booking. Cancellations are non-refundable; if cancellation takes place, guests forfeit total room charge plus tax.
Rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and availability at time of reservation and do not include additional per room, per night charges that may be imposed or state/local taxes.
Offer not applicable to groups.
Not to be combined with other special offers or promotions.
Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors.
Void where prohibited by law.
Starwood reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time.

Buggspray

2007-02-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

I must admit that I'm a mosquito magnet. I recall sitting in the Club Bali Hai lobby with three other people as dusk approached. They were perfectly fine but I had to flee to my room as I was being eaten alive. So the mozzies may not be an issue for you. However, if they are I'd like to recommend Buggspray. Unlike other insect repellents this one smells nice, like vanilla. It contains 25% deet so it works (there is also a non-deet version which I haven't tried).

You can purchase it directly at Buggspray's eBay store or from a retail store (mostly in the mid-west) or via mailing them.

Their products are more expensive than the regular brands - $14.00 for 2 4 oz. spray pump bottles or $5 for a one ounce trial size plus shipping but if smelling nice matters then this is the product to choose.

Moorea "Tere Fa'ati" this Sunday

2007-02-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

I heard about this mid-January and emailed Tahiti Tourisme (both here and in Tahiti) as well as the Moorea Tourist committee for details. I just now received a response from Moorea.

This Sunday, February 11th, Moorea is having a "Tere Fa'ati". It is a festive circle island tour via Le Truck accompanied by the sounds of the ukulele. Similar to the one held on Tahiti in early January, it is sponsored by the tourism committee.

It starts at 8:30 am on Temae Beach and stops at Cooks Bay, Pineapple Road, the Belvedere viewpoint, an archeological site, Opunohu Bay, the dock of Papetoai Village, Painapo Beach, To'Atea viewpoint and back to Temae beach (just north of the Sofitel) around noon. (FYI Temae is the most beautiful beach on Moorea with a stunning view across the Sea of the Moon toward the mountains of Tahiti.)

The cost is 4000 per person including a Tahitian meal.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Changing Money

2007-02-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

July 18, 2011 Update - Bank of Socredo no longer does currency exchange for non-clients. Banque de Polynésie no longer changes travelers checks. Banque de Tahiti still changes both currency and travelers checks.

There is no longer a 24 hour currency exchange at Tahiti's International Airport. There are (unreliable) ATMs and currency exchange machines at the airport.

Please be aware that your ATM card may not work in French Polynesia. There have been so many reports of travelers stranded with no money. I tried two different ATM cards at both the Socredo and Bank of Polynesia machines and neither worked. However, if yours works then it is where you will get the best rate. Note that ATM withdrawals are limited to 30000 per week.

Travelers checks may be old school but it's strongly suggested that you have an alternate source of currency. They get a 1% higher exchange rate than cash. It has been reported that some banks charge a small fee for each TC changed so it is better to go with larger denominations. Regardless of what you use there is a transaction fee of approximately 500 for exchanging money (each transaction).

Update 2011 : The Bank of Polynesia at Faaa Airport no longer accepts traveler's checks. You will need cash or risk using their ATMs. Here is the Tahiti Explorer forum currency exchange thread.

The Bank of Polynesia is open at the airport for all international arrivals. Bank Socredo, at the airport, has the reputation for having better rates but is only open during the day (their ATM rates are reputed to be better also).

Some islands, such as Tikehau, have no banks. No problems on Bora Bora and Moorea. Hotels and resorts (not pensions) will exchange money at less favorable rates. They don't charge a conversion fee.

I would recommend getting the money that you need in Tahiti before setting off for the outer islands.

Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard especially) are accepted by the larger hotels and shops.

CFP stands for Comptoirs Français du Pacifique Francs. XPF is the designation used by currency exchanges. It is at a fixed rate to the Euro (1 Euro = 119.332 XPF). Sometimes pensions will quote rates in Euros also.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Papeete Environs - te NaHe toetoe Punnauia

2007-02-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

te NaHe toetoe Punnauia formerly Chez Armelle
689 58 42 43
PK 15.5 Punaauia, Tahiti

Why stay in town when you can begin your Tahiti vacation on the beach?

This is a place that I'm considering for my next stay.

Single room is 5980
Double room is 7690
Four of their available rooms are air conditioned, there maybe an extra charge for this (2000?).
Breakfast is included and served from 7 to 9 am.
Transfer from the airport is 1500.
Kayaks and snorkeling gear are provided free (I would bring my own snorkel/mask to FP).

Note: they spell it Punnauia on their Web site, everyone else seems to spell it Punaauia.

They also have two locations on Huahine, including a new camping spot on Huahine Iti.

Taxi Rates

2007-02-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

Those vehicles displaying a white “Tiare” flower on their illuminated sign have drivers who speak English.

Prices are normally displayed within, and if you are unsure about the cost, ask the driver.

As posted on Tahiti-Tourisme, New Zealand.

Tikehau - Pension Kahaia Beach

2007-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Update 1/2/12: This pension is now closed.

Someone asked about Tikehau so I wanted to post about where I stayed last year.

Pension Kahaia Beach
no Web site or direct email
You can make an email reservation via the Haere-Mae Federation of Guesthouse and Family Accomodations.
haere-mai@mail.pf
(689) 96 22 77

Fare with half board 7000 per person
Fare with full board 8500 per person
(the food was very good)
Camping is available but there are no kitchen facilities available
Guests can keep drinks and snacks cold in a shared ice chest (a large Coleman camper type)
Transfers are free

The pension is on its own private motu. It's the closest motu to the main one. Here is a nice map. It has the best location (aside from the Pearl Beach Resort) in Tikehau.

Somethings to note:
The owners speak very little English. I speak even less French and we got along fine.
There is no drinkable water on the motu, you should stock up on your first day on your way there. I was going through four liters a day.
Reef sharks live in the channel. I was told that they would not bother me and they didn't. It was cool to go swimming with the sharks.
To get to the main village one has to kayak across the channel and then bicycle to town. There is only one kayak and bicycle available. As I was the only guest for 5 of my 7 days there it worked out fine. One could walk closer to the reef and wade across to the main motu.
There are a lot of mosquitos there. I would advise splurging on the large spray can (1300 - 1500?) and spraying the bathroom, around the fare and the dining area. Mosquito coils are provided.

A New Air Connection between Tahiti and Rarotonga

2007-02-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it was announced that a code share between Air Tahiti and Air Rarotonga will commence on April 3rd for flights between Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and Papeete, French Polynesia.
Air New Zealand is abandoning that route at the beginning of April.

The flights will be on Tuesdays and Saturdays in both directions.
On Tuesday the flight from Tahiti is at 7:15 am, arriving in Rarotonga at 9:55 am.
On Saturday the flight from Tahiti is at 12:15 am, arriving in Rarotonga at 2:55 pm.

Returning from Rarotonga on Tuesday the flight departs at 10:55 am and arrives in Tahiti at 1:40 pm.
On Saturday the flight departs Rarotonga at 3:55 pm and arrives in Tahiti at 6:40 pm.

Tahitipresse reported that the fares will be "from US$ 249/€ 192 to US$ 356/€ 275" for a one way.

It is already possible to book the flights on the Air Rarotonga Web site; there is no mention on Air Tahiti's site. The fares shown on Air Rarotonga's site (NZD 349 for a thrifty fare and NZD 499 for a fully flexible fare) are equivalent to the Tahitian prices.

Tahiti on a Rockbottom Budget - Part 4

2007-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

Another option for Moorea is Mark's Place Paradise aka Haapiti Camping
(689) 56 43 02
(689) 78 93 65
Skype Phone: marksmoorea
mark@marks-place-paradise.com
PK 23.5

Mark's is located on the southwest side of Moorea. To reach Mark's one would take the southbound Le Truck from the ferry. If you were traveling from Te Motu Iti to Mark's you would take the Le Truck to the ferry and then take the other Le Truck to Mark's.

Though away from the more touristed areas of the island, everyone who has stayed here has raved about this place.

They offer dorms for 2000 and 2500.
Camping for 1050 per person.
A private room for two, 5000.
Cooking facilities are available.
They rent bikes and kayaks for 1000 a day (a very good rate).

They accept credit cards.

Tahiti on a Rockbottom Budget - Part 3

2007-02-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

After a couple of days at Te Motu Iti head to the west coast of Moorea (the Petit Village area). There you will find Camping Nelson and Moorea Camping. These are not only for campers. They are on the longest stretch of beach in Moorea, with beautiful sunsets.

Camping Nelson
(689) 56 15 18
campingnelson@mail.pf
PK 27.1
A two bed dorm for 2000 for the first night, 1600 for subsequent nights.
A private room for 1 or 2 (double bed) is 4800 for one night, 4300 for subsequent nights.
Camping is 1200 per person.
For more money you can have your own fare.
There are communal cooking facilities, shops and restaurants are nearby.

Moorea Camping
(689) 56 14 47
no longer has a Web site
Their email einui@hotmail.com no longer works.
(That's not unusual in French Polynesia.)
PK 27.5
They have a similar set-up to Camping Nelson with prices reported to be slightly less. Their communal kitchen/dining area has a water view.

Moorea Camping does an inexpensive Shark & Ray Feeding excursion, for guests it's only 1500, 2000 for non-guests.

Tahiti on a Rockbottom Budget - Part 2

2007-01-31T09:31:00.000-08:00

I recommend basing yourself in two different pensions during your stay in Moorea (reasons to be explained).

In Moorea take Le Truck (300) to Pension Te Motu Iti.

This pension is lagoon side on the peninsula between Cooks and Opunohu bays, close to the Sheraton hotel. A dorm bed will cost less than 2000.

The reason for the recommendation is that for me the magnificent bays are the highlight of Moorea. At Te Motu Iti you will have access to free kayaks (both singles and doubles). They have plenty of them. You can spend the day exploring.

The best snorkeling on Moorea is reputed to be in this area. You can snorkel from the Te Motu Iti (no beach but they have an overwater room available to all) or from the beach at the Sheraton. (Swimming and snorkeling among the overwater bungalows in $800 a night waters sure feels good.)

The drawback to the location and why I recommend only staying maybe two nights is the lack of cooking facilities and inexpensive meal options.

There is a restaurant on the premises. It's no longer open all day (and they no longer do the Sunday Tahitian lunch.) Budget around 1500 for the cheapest dinner.

There is a small pizzeria/hamburger place between the Pension and the Sheraton.

There are two supermarkets about 5 km (3 miles) away in PaoPao at the head of Cook’s Bay. It’s a nice walk. There is a small shop (magasin) past the Sheraton (around 2 km from the Pension). Check with the pension as to the hours of operation of the stores. There is also a “Snack” restaurant in Cooks Bay.

If you are heading to Cooks Bay stop by the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory at PK 12. It's open Monday - Saturday from 9 am - 4 pm and you can sample their liquers for free.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

Tahiti on a Rockbottom Budget - Part 1

2007-01-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

If you arrive in the middle of the night you can spend the night at the airport. See sleeping in airports. There will be others doing it too. It's not a comfortable place to sleep with plastic bucket seats, hard floors and few benches. Some folks bring inflatable airbeds to sleep on.

You might want to bring some snacks with you and pack a bottle of water in your checked luggage so you don't have to pay 350 at the airport for a small one.

If you arrive in the evening you can take Le Truck (200 fare after 6pm) downtown and stay at Pension Teamo.
8, rue du Pont Neuf - Mission
teamohostel@mail.pf
2300 for a dorm

Or walk out of the airport and take the walkway to the right of the car ramp. Walk to the main road, cross the street and go halfway up the hill,
Pension Chez Fifi will be on your left.
(689) 82 63 30
Dorms are around 2000

There have been some pretty dismal reviews of the above places on Bugpacific. However, I have heard that Teamo now has new management and people who have stayed there recently have recommended it.

Otherwise the Tahiti Airport Motel has dorms for 3,500.

In the morning take Le Truck (daytime fare 130) downtown. You can head over to the market area and get breakfast.

A cup of coffee is a pricey 250. Croissants and pastries are 100 and up. You can get a really nice and large baguette "hero" or "submarine" sandwich for around 250.

If you plan to walk around a while the Tourist Office will hold your luggage for free. Their hours of operation are:

Monday to Fridays 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 8 am to noon and then 1 pm to 4 pm
Sunday and Holidays 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

The days that cruise ships arrive someone is there Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Let me also note that the Tourist Office has very nice and clean restrooms.

Next stop is the Moorea ferry. Approximately 2000 for a round trip (aller retour).

Papeete Environs - Tahiti Airport Lodge

2007-01-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

Tahiti Airport Lodge
no Web site
heiraurii@mail.pf
(689) 82 23 68
Pk 5.5 Faaa

Overlooking Papeete (Faaa) airport.

They have four rooms for one or two people with a private bath for 8000.
Two rooms with a single bed and shared bathroom for 5000.
Two rooms with either a double or two single beds, shared bath for 6000.

Free breakfast is offered from 7 - 8:30 am.

New this years is the availablity of cooking facilities for guests.

Round trip transfers are 1000 for one person and 1500 for two.

I've heard mentioned a couple of times that they have a swimming pool that is not available for guests.

I haven't seen any photos of their accomodations elsewhere so here are some (the couple pictured are the owners):

etahiticards

2007-01-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

etahiticards is a fun Web site that I found. It allows you to send free Tahitian flavored ecards. Unlike other electronic greeting card sites that I've seen there are no pop-ups or blinking advertisements.

They have a wonderful selection of postcards and you get to add a beautiful Tahitian postal stamp to your card.

Card selections include the works of Tahitian artists, incredible photographs taken on land and underwater.

Some of my favorites are:

Papeete - Pension Puea

2007-01-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

Pension Puea
pension.puea@mail.pf
(689) 85 43 43
87 rue Pasteur Octave Moreau

Pension Puea - Stayed there last spring. The room was a delight. Spotlessy clean, fresh pressed sheets, 2 clean fluffy white towels folded prettily with fragrant Tiare soaps.

The bathroom also was absolutely clean. Great water pressure, hot water 24/7. Only problem with the bathroom is that it has one of those showers where the water goes all over the floor.

The people who run the place stay up late and chat outside. I had the front left room (looking from the street) which has windows over the front sitting area plus their house on the side. Even with all the windows closed I could hear them. Thankfully it was in French which I don't understand so it was less annoying. I dozed off and then at 2 am I was awoken by more chatting. Roosters go all night. Had an early flight so I could not use ear plugs. The 4 rear bedrooms are next to the bathrooms so they could be noisy also. My room was fine on a very hot, humid night with the floor fan, even when I closed the windows.

The common room has only a microwave and fridge, I did not see any dishes or cutlery. No smoking inside but you can smoke at the garden tables.

I would have had a hard time finding it at night (got a lift from locals while waiting for the Le Truck). The street does not have a street sign, however there is a sign on Avenue Prince Hinoi on the near left corner saying Pension Puea on a post.

Walking to the bus stop the next day there is a block or two on Avenue Prince Hinoi that has heavy traffic where you have to walk in the street. During the day it's a pleasant walk to the market and ferry. At night the streets seemed very dark as the shops were closed.

Their 2007 rates are the same as they have been since 2003.

Room with shared bathroom: 6990 xpf per day all taxes included with breakfast served from 06:30 to 08:30 am.
Room with private bathroom (not ensuite): 9500 xpf per day.
Transfer from airport: 2500 xpf for 2 persons with luggage.

They also noted in their email to me yesterday that they have single rooms in their annex for 5500 xpf with breakfast. The transfer rate is the same. They said that they drive you to Puea and then transfer you to the annex (500 meters away).

Papeete - Hotel Tiare Tahiti

2007-01-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

Hotel Tiare Tahiti
(689) 50 01 00
hotltiaretahiti@mail.pf (note the missing "e" in hotel)
417 Boulevard Pomare

Facing the waterfront, this is a few blocks away from the roulottes and further away from the Moorea ferries.

It's the most expensive of the downtown hotels. I was quoted 15,135 (taxes included) for a single. For that kind of money I strongly recommend checking Expedia and other hotel booking sites for deals on the Sofitel. (Of course, check the Sofitel site also.)

Cyclone Arthur - First in French Polynesia since 2000

2007-01-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

Tahitipresse reported yesterday evening:

Tropical depression Arthur due to become French Polynesia's 1st cyclone since 2000 by Thursday

(Tahitipresse) - Arthur, a strong tropical depression located 950 kilometers (590 miles) west of Bora Bora Wednesday afternoon will become French Polynesia's first cyclone since 2000 according to information from the French High Commissioner's Office in Papeete.

However, a press communiqué stated that Arthur will remain "very far away" from French Polynesia coastlines "without generating major incidents" and is due to become a tropical depression once again with less intensity Thursday afternoon as it reaches the southernmost Austral Islands.

Météo France, the French meteorological service, is forecasting occasionally heavy rain through Friday in the Society Islands, particularly for the north and east coasts of the Leeward Islands of Tahiti and Moorea during the next two nights and during the day on Friday in the Leeward Islands.

Arthur was as strong tropical depression at 2 pm Wednesday with a location 950 kilometers (590 miles) west of Bora Bora, Météo France reported in its 3:50 pm weather forecast on its Internet Web site.

Arthur is the second tropical depression in less than a week. It follows Zita, which moved through French Polynesia between Monday and Wednesday, traveling west of the Leeward Islands and heading to the Austral Islands. This is approximately the same path forecast for Arthur.

Arthur, with winds at the center of an average 100 kph (62 mph) Wednesday will become a cyclone overnight, passing during the mid-morning of Thursday within 200-250 km (124-155 miles) southwest of Mopelia, an uninhabited atoll in the Leeward Islands about 160 km (99 miles) west-southwest of Maupiti.

By then, winds are expected to have an average speed of more than 60 kph (37 mph) with gusts of up to 100 kph (62 mph). Heavy rain is forecast for all of Thursday and seas will be rough with swells of four to six meters (13-19 ft.) high, overflowing coral reefs and raising the water level in lagoons, the communiqué stated.

The storm's intensity is expected to decrease Thursday afternoon becoming a tropical depression once again as it reaches the Austral Islands of Rimatara and Rurutu, the high commissioner's communiqué states. Average winds are expected to be 70-80 kph (43-50 mph) with gusts up to 120 kph (74.5 mph). There will be heavy rain, rough seas and swells of four to six meters (13-19 ft.) high.

While Zita was French Polynesia's first tropical depression since Judy passed through the central Tuamotu Archipelago from Dec. 22-27, 2004, Arthur was the first cyclone since Kim in the Leeward Islands in February 2000, Météo France said Wednesday.

Zita brought heavy rains and rough seas to the Leeward and Windward Islands, which are collectively known as the Society Islands in French Polynesia, the most tourist-oriented destinations. Flooding, mudslides and rockslides occurred on Tahiti and Moorea last week, but there were no injuries reported. And no tourist industry facilities were reported damaged.

Papeete - Hôtel Prince Hinoï

2007-01-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

NOW CLOSED

Hôtel Prince Hinoï
(689) 42 32 77
hotelprincehinoi@mail.pf
They no longer have a Web site.

This hotel is wonderfully situated on Boulevard Pomare (the street that runs along the waterfront) and Avenue du Prince Hinoi. It’s a couple of blocks from the Moorea ferries in one direction and the roulottes in the other. Le Truck stop nearby.

I emailed them on a Friday but did not receive a response back until the following Wednesday. Being impatient I had booked elsewhere.

Since I don’t speak French I translate my emails using babelfish or freetranslation.com and send them in both English and French. I’ve always received responses in English except for the Hotel Prince Hinoi.

Without asking I was offered a special rate of 10,000 xpf plus taxes for a single.

Their rate sheet was also attached. The prices quoted (last year) were:

12,800 xpf for a single
13,600 xpf for a double (2 beds or 1 queen size)
14, 500 xpf for a triple
Taxes were 11% plus a 150 xpf per person municipal occupancy tax.

They offer a continental breakfast for 1350 xpf and an American breakfast for 1500 xpf. (Head to the market area and you can get coffee for 250 and croissants, etc. for less than 200).

They also mentioned that they have day rooms (noon to 9 pm) for 8000 plus taxes.

Papeete - Le Mandarin Hotel

2007-01-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hotel Le Mandarin
51 rue Colette
Tel: (689) 50 33 50
Fax: (689) 42 16 32
Web site: www.hotelmandarin.com but it is down at the time of posting.
Email: chris.beaumont@mail.pf

The Mandarin gets lots of points for being easy. Emails are responded to quickly and professionally. The hotel will arrange transfers for you from the airport in a shared van through Tahiti Nui Travel, an inbound travel agency. The transfer will be charged to your hotel bill. It cost me only 1000 xpf plus I was given the most beautiful lei.

The location is good, only a few blocks from both the market and ferry.

However, I was disappointed with my stay. Including tax it cost me around $130 per night. The receptionist was a sullen woman who did not want to be working. My room, which was spotlessly clean, technically looked like the photo but instead of feeling warm and inviting, came across as dark, dingy and shabby. The walls are painted in a trompe-l'oeil style to appear old. The effect works too well.

I read somewhere that all rooms have small balconies but mine didn’t. The windows opened up over a lower building, meaning someone could have easily climbed in. I locked the window and turned on the AC and was fine. It was just a surprising choice of room to be given to a woman traveling alone.

The room had a refrigerator but no coffee maker.

If you are booking I’d suggest asking for a balcony and the possibility of a view.

Papeete Environs - Tahiti Airport Motel

2007-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Tahiti Airport Motel

This hotel opened for business last July.
It looks like a great option.
9600 XPF for a double plus 11% tax and 150 XPF per person occupancy tax

Dorms rooms are available at approx. 3500 XPF
While it is across the street from the airport, it is a steep 10 minute uphill walk and difficult with luggage. A taxi will cost $15 - 20

Another option is to check your large piece of luggage at the airport luggage storage. Be aware of closing hours and prices.

All rooms are air-conditioned
WiFi DSL Internet connection
No meals are served
Coffee & tea making facilities in each room
TV, 3 French language channels
Safe deposit box
Refrigerator
Hot and cold drinks machines in the lobby (will need CFP coins)
All rooms are non-smoking
They accept Visa, Mastercard and Amercican Express.

The rooms are reported as being sparsely decorated (par for the course in Papeete).

There are no stores or restaurants nearby. The Le Truck stop to town is on the main road (which you cross from the airport to the Motel).

Future plans include hotel provided transfers and a swimming pool.

Contact:

resa_part@tahitiairportmotel.com
staff@tahitiairportmotel.com
j.arbus@tahitiairportmotel.com (the manager)

One Night in Papeete

2007-01-21T17:29:00.001-08:00

Because of airline scheduling most travelers to French Polynesia have to spend a night in Papeete. The question of an inexpensive place to stay often comes up. This week I’m going to start listing them. Let me note that accommodations in Papeete and environs are no great shakes. Good is as good as it’s going to get, fair is a more realistic goal.

A new 3 star, 91 room hotel is set to open in July of next year.
Christophe Beaumont of the Mandarin Hotel is developing it.
The room rates have already been set at 11,000 XPF (not bad).

Tahitipresse reported “the hotel is using a special type of construction to make the walls between rooms more soundproof and less susceptible to noise vibrations from the city's busy rush hour traffic during the day.

There will be a gym, two swimming pools, a boutique.”

Moorea Le Truck Schedule

2007-01-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

Le Truck, as the local buses are called, meets the incoming ferries. There are two buses, one taking the northern route and the other, the southern route. They both end up in Le Petit Village.

This is the schedule from Le Petit Village to the Vaiare ferry dock.

Monday through Thursday:
4:45 am
5:45 am
6:45 am
9:45 am
11:45 am
1:45 pm
2:45 pm
3:45 pm

On Friday one extra truck leaves Petit Village at
12:45 pm.

Saturday:
4:45 am
5:45 am
6:45 am
8:45 am
9:45 am
11:45 am
1:45 pm
2:45 pm
3:45 pm

Sunday schedule:
5:00 am
6:45 am
1:45 pm
2:45 pm
4:45 pm.

From Le Petit Village terminal buses leave in both directions around the island to get to the Vaiare ferry dock.

Pay 300 CFP (same as XPF) when you get off.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme. The real Moorea Le Trucks aren't quite as photogenic, they look like school buses.

New routes for Round the Worlders

2007-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Back in October Air New Zealand announced changes to its Pacific schedules effective April 2nd 2007. I've noticed that folks planning RTW trips are not yet aware of these.

Air New Zealand will no longer fly from Papeete to Rarotonga (and there is no other way to travel directly between French Polynesia and the Cook Islands). Their flights from Los Angeles to Papeete will be via Air Tahiti Nui as a codeshare. Two of their flights to Auckland from Papeete will be via Air Tahiti Nui as a codeshare.

What this means is that if you are traveling from Easter Island you would go to Papeete, as before. From Papeete your onward choices would be to Noumea, New Caledonia (Air Calin), Honolulu (Hawaiian Airlines), Los Angeles (Air Tahiti Nui), Auckland (Air Tahiti Nui , Air New Zealand), Sydney (Air Tahiti Nui ), and Tokyo (Air Tahiti Nui ).

Connections to other Pacific islands are available in New Caledonia via Air Calin (Wallis and Futuna) and Air Vanuatu (Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands). Connections to other Pacific islands from Hawaii are via Hawaiian Airlines (American Samoa) and Continental (Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Palau, Northern Marianas).

The only way to reach Easter Island is via Lan Chile from either Santiago or Papeete.

Ferries and Cargo Boats

2007-01-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

While the boat schedules are found in a number of places on the Web I thought that it would be handy to list them here:

Aremiti and Moorea Express both operate ferries and catamarans between Papeete and Moorea. Their schedules and costs are listed in the linked pdf.

Schedules for boats to the other Society Islands are found on this pdf.
You'll note the Aremiti Corsaire high speed ferry at the bottom of the page. It began service mid-2005 but I've heard nothing about it in ages. The Aremiti Web site used to have the schedule. Now, all that remains is the note that "Aremiti 4 will begin service between Tahiti and Leeward Islands during July 2005." Update Feb. 4, 2oo7 - the Aremiti Corsaire high speed ferry between Tahiti and Huahine/Raiatea is no longer operating.

Boats to the Tuamotu-Gambier Islands (pdf)

The Aranui to the Marquesas Islands.
I've heard that there is also a small cabin for locals in the back of the ship just beside the kitchen. The cost was reported as $30 per person with full board.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

Te Tiare Beach Resort in Huahine Offering a Stay 4 Pay 3 Special

2007-01-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

From their Web site:

"Book 4 nights at regular rates, includes 1 night free

Valid for 4-night increments (book 8 nights, includes 2 nights free, etc.)

Not applicable with group bookings

Valid January 11-May 31, 2007

Stay 4 Pay 3 rates are in U.S. dollars. Rates are per room, per night double occupancy. Minimum 4 night stay required to qualify for a free night. Rates are subject to government tax and 6% value added tax. Cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to change/availability and restrictions may apply."

Their garden bungalows are $335.00 per night, 4 nights would make it $251.25 per night.

Very nice for the only 4* on the island.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.

$608* RT Airfare from LAX to PPT

2007-01-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

Air Tahiti Nui is running a special airfare from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti. It's only valid for outbound travel on January 27th and 28th and returning on February 7th. The fare is $608 *plus taxes and fees or $718 total RT.

Welcome

2007-01-15T10:23:00.000-08:00

French Polynesia, often referred to as Tahiti, is one of the most breathtaking places on earth. It is composed of 118 islands in the South Pacific including the main island of Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora and the divers paradises of Rangiroa and Fakarava. Along with its reputation for great beauty it is also known as an expensive destination.

Since becoming enthralled on a visit to Moorea I have spent countless hours reading and researching travel in French Polynesia. Compared to other destinations the information available online is scarce. I thought that I would share my finds here.