As you take your first steps on Tahitian soil, you will be lulled into this tropical paradise by the fragrance of the intoxicating tiare flower that gently announces you are in a magical place, overflowing with tropical vegetation and soothing trade winds.

Papeete, located on Tahiti Nui, is Tahiti’s vibrant capital city, and the gateway to her islands. As you take your first steps on Tahitian soil, you will be lulled into this tropical paradise by the fragrance of the intoxicating tiare flower that gently announces you are in a magical place, overflowing with tropical vegetation and soothing trade winds. Roughly one-half of all of the Tahitian population lives in this city that bustles with world-class resorts, restaurants, nightclubs and endless shopping. From pearls to a hand-painted pareu (a sarong) such as the ones worn by women and men alike, Papeete is where you will find it.

The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands offers a good overview of Tahitian history. It is here that you will learn that the English were the first Europeans to arrive, stripping the islanders of much of their heritage. In 1842, the French took over, and today inhabitants possess full French citizenship. Still, Tahitians have maintained much of their old lifestyles offering visitors a charming island paradise hosted by the warmth and openness of its people.

Not to be missed is Arahurahu Mara, Tahiti’s only completely reconstructed marae – an open-air place of worship and ceremony. This sacred temple was constructed of tiers of stones where the Tahitian elite offered up sacrifices, both animal and, yes, human. During my visit to Tahiti Nui, I took an inland safari that, via jeep, took me deep into the mountainous valley of Papenoo – a true Garden of Eden with fertile displays of ginger, vanilla, taro, noni and breadfruit.

While Tahiti Nui has much to offer, locals also proudly tout the outlying, less-populated islands for their beauty and tranquility. Exploring the other Tahitian islands is best accomplished by booking an excursion on a cruise ship. This will give you the opportunity to see more islands in a less expensive way.

Bora Bora – The Romantic Island With its alluring lagoons, lush tropical slopes and Mount Otemanu looming in the distance, this enchanting island is synonymous with romance. Bora Bora is the place for a bike ride, a leisurely hike, or to disappear on a sandy beach. History buffs will enjoy seeing remnants of cannons manned by American servicemen during World War II.

Moorea – The Magical Island Moorea is the very essence of a South Seas island paradise. The beauty of the island, with its jagged green mountains and palm-draped beaches, is astounding. High in Moorea’s interior mountains, Polynesian royalty practiced their archery and hid their maraes in rainforests. On a hilltop lookout between shark-tooth Mount Rotui and towering Mount Tohivea, there is an once-in-a-lifetime view once reserved only for the gods.

Raiatea – The Sacred Island Raiatea, meaning “faraway heaven,” was the cultural, religious and royal heart of Polynesia. The second largest Tahitian isle, Raiatea is revered as the birthplace of the gods.

Taha’a – The Vanilla Island Taha’a offers a glimpse of the traditional tranquil life of the Tahitians. This flower-shaped island is surrounded by tiny motus (small islands) and its fertile valleys render watermelon and vanilla.

The Foods of Tahiti Indigenous Tahitian cuisine uses what’s available from the land and the sea. Among my personal favorites are Poisson Cru, which is tuna cured in limejuice with chopped green onions, cucumbers and tomatoes, and Fafa, a stew of chicken with spinach-like taro leaves. The taro root, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, and plantains offer typical starch fare, and mangoes, bananas, watermelon, pineapple, papaya, guava, soursop and pummelo are found in abundance. From the lagoons come parrotfish, perch, and mullet, while the sea offers tuna, bonito, wahoo, scad and mahi mahi.

For further information about Tahiti log-on to Tahiti-Tourisme.com