Tahiti

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Tahiti

• Papeete
• Maeva Beach
• Interne Autonomie Parade

Tahiti is the largest and the most eastern of all the primary Society Islands (the small Mehetia is further east by 60 miles). Tahiti and Moorea are part of the Windward Islands (or Iles du Vent). The island of Tahiti is shaped like an hour glass due to the fact that it was formed by a double volcano. The larger section to the NW is called Tahiti Nui (where Papeete is located), and the smaller section is refered to as Tahiti Iti or the Taiarapu Peninsula. They are connected by a piece of land called the Isthmus of Taravao.

Both Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti have high, sharp peaks which rise to 7,340 ft (Orohena) and 4,340 ft (Pic Ronia), respectively. The mountain peaks are often obscured by clouds and mist, but can be seen from a great distance on a clear day. Coastal plains surround these peaks. The plains are wider on the western edge, where the majority of people live.

The entire island is surrounded by a coral reef. The barrier reef varies from half a mile to 2 miles from the coast. Several passes through the reef exist, allowing boats, like us, to enter protected harbors.

< Society Islands : Tahiti : Papeete, Tahiti >