Tahiti, Pacific island in Windward Islands, French Polynesia
Tahiti is an island in the Windward Islands of French Polynesia, located in the South Pacific and formed mainly by volcanic activity. Mount Orohena rises 2241 meters above sea level as the highest peak on this island surrounded by coral reefs and black sand beaches.
The first Polynesian settlers arrived on this island between the 3rd and 4th centuries and developed a society with chiefs and complex social structures. European contact began in 1767 with Samuel Wallis and led to profound changes in the way of life and political organization of the inhabitants.
The Heiva festival in July brings together competitions in traditional sports, dance shows and demonstrations of ancestral skills such as fire walking and fruit carrying. Polynesian music accompanies many events and everyday celebrations, while flower garlands appear in greetings and ceremonies across the island.
Faa'a International Airport connects the island with major destinations and sits about 5 kilometers (3 miles) west of the capital Papeete. The coastal road circles the entire island and allows visitors to reach different villages, beaches and viewpoints by rental car or public buses.
The island formation consists of two distinct parts, Tahiti Nui in the northwest and Tahiti Iti in the southeast, connected by a narrow isthmus. Vanilla orchids grow in small plantations around the coast, and some farms open their gates to visitors who wish to see the cultivation and drying process of this expensive spice plant.
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