AAA

TAHITI/ PAPEETE Queen of the Pacific S O U T H PA C I F I C O C E A N Papeete Mahina Papenoo Taravao Pa'ea Papara Faa'a Arue Maraa Mahaena Hitiaa Faaone Mataiea Tautira Teohatu Teohupoo Pira'e Puna'auia Mt. Teava Mt. Tevaitoi Mt. Tahuotira Mt. Tetufera Mt. Ivoroa Mt. Orohena Mt. Ronui T A H I T I I T I T A H I T I N U I 0 6 miles 0 6 km Divided into mountainous Tahiti-Nui and lush Tahiti-Iti, its nicknames are even more plentiful than its wildflowers and diving sites. "Great Tahiti of the Golden Haze," "Mounting Place of the Sun," "Land of the Double Rainbow," "The Gathering Place": all of these poetic monikers are well-deserved in a destination that marries contemporary life with an exotic island luxury. Less than eight short hours from Los Angeles, the glamour of Papeete—a cruise hub and the capital city—springs from humble roots. Once where natives filled calabashes with drinking water, it's now where upscale travelers get their fill of high-class resorts, spas, golf, boutiques, and fine French dining. Alternatively, a burgeoning food truck scene serving authentic Tahitian cuisine, fusion foods, and international fare provides a whimsical option, fortifying revelers from their openings at dusk until dawn. However, the best way to see Paul Gauguin's Tahiti is to experience its authenticity. See the waterfalls of Fa'arumai and the Arahoho Blowhole. Explore Mara'a Grotto/Paroa Cave and its rumored peaceful spirits. Find emotional purification in Vaipahi Gardens the way ancient Tahitian nobles did, and peer at the blue-eyed eels that live in Tahiti's only lake. When these are her subjects, it's no wonder that, of all names, Tahiti is best known as the Queen of the Pacific. 1 2 3 4 44 | Tahiti/Papeete h (Island of Tetiaroa) EASY ISLAND-HOPPING Traveling from one Tahitian island to another is as much a breeze as the ones that tickle the palms. Thanks to modern airstrips, well-paved highways, and an efficient ferry and bus system, interisland transportation is reasonably priced and punctual, giving you ample opportunities to explore the South Pacific freely. Book your Tahiti transportation with Travel Impressions, and you'll soon be on your way. Once you arrive in Papeete, you'll be warmly welcomed with a fresh flower lei from a Tahiti Tours representative, who will present you with your full itinerary, answer any questions you may have, and lead you to your transfer to your hotel. Private transfers are also available. Air Tahiti—a separate airline from Air Tahiti Nui, the international carrier—offers several interisland flights every day between Papeete and Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a, and Raiatea. A baggage weight allotment of 42 pounds per passenger, plus hand luggage of seven pounds or less, is plentiful for sarongs and swimwear, and divers are welcome to take an additional 11 pounds on board upon presenting their diving ID cards at the airport. If zipping through the immaculate waters of Tahiti is more your style, high-speed ferries sail throughout the day between Tahiti and Moorea for a unique transfer experience. Tour the Islands You made it all the way here, so make the most of it! Venture out and drive the coastal roads that line gorgeous lagoons, passing through small villages to discover the island interiors. Guided tours operated by Tahiti Tours offer a variety of excursions that let you sample the natural surroundings of Tahiti, experience a Tahitian feast, go on a snorkeling safari or charming picnic, take a relaxing lagoon cruise, and more. To learn more about these tours, take a look at the listings in this brochure, and ask your travel agent for details. GETTING AROUND IN TAHITI AND HER ISLANDS 5

• Cover