What is the motto of French Polynesia?
Motto: "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (French) "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" "Tahiti Nui Mare'a'rea" (Tahitian)
The island was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until its annexation by France in 1880, when it was proclaimed a colony of France, and the inhabitants became French citizens. French is the sole official language, although the Tahitian language (Reo Tahiti) is also widely spoken.
There is no prefix or area code required. To call French Polynesia from your home country, dial your international access code (011 from the U.S.; 00 from the U.K., Ireland, or New Zealand; or 0011 from Australia), followed by French Polynesia's country code 689, and the 8-digit local number.
The native Pomare Family ruled until December 29, 1880, when Tahiti finally became a French colony. In 1957, the islands were reconstituted into a French Overseas Territory and given the official name French Polynesia.
Hello – Ia Orana (yo-rah-nah) Welcome – Maeva (mah-yeh-vah) Thank you – Maururu (mah-roo-roo) Man – Tane (tah-nay)
The word is found in all Polynesian languages and always with the same basic meaning of "love, compassion, sympathy, kindness", although the use in Hawaii has a seriousness lacking in the Tahitian and Samoan meanings.
The economy of French Polynesia is one of a developed country with a service sector accounting for 75%. French Polynesia's GDP per capita is around $22,000, one of the highest in the Pacific region. Pape'ete's central business district is French Polynesia's largest financial and business services hub.
Hawaiian, any of the aboriginal people of Hawaii, descendants of Polynesians who migrated to Hawaii in two waves: the first from the Marquesas Islands, probably about ad 400; the second from Tahiti in the 9th or 10th century.
If you want to say “Thank you,” say “Māuruuru.” If you want to say “No thank you,” say “ 'Aita māuruuru.” To say “Thank you very much,” say “Māuruuru roa!”
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens do not need a visa if entering on a regular tourist passport and staying no more than 90 days every six months. If the purpose of the trip is not tourism (work, scientific research, etc.), then you may be required to obtain a visa before arrival in French Polynesia.
Do you need a passport to go to Tahiti from USA?
In all cases, visitors must hold a valid passport. Prior to their arrival in French Polynesia, applicants should contact their nearest embassy or consulate of their place of residence regarding necessary travel documents for international travel.
Flying time from United States to Tahiti
The total flight duration from United States to Tahiti is 10 hours, 45 minutes.

All Tahitians are French citizens and many of the islands' people, especially in Tahiti's capital of Pape'ete, were born in France. French is the official language and the local currency is the French Pacific Franc.
Bora Bora (French: Bora-Bora; Tahitian: Pora Pora) is an island group in the Leeward Islands. The Leeward Islands comprise the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic in the Pacific Ocean. Bora Bora has a total land area of 30.55 km2 (12 sq mi).
First Inhabitants
Although the reasons for this aren't firmly established, it's likely that groups left for new shores when islands became over-populated. Less powerful groups may also have fled in order to avoid war with other tribal groups.
la Orana = Hello. Nana = goodbye. Maeva = Welcome (usually used for people of high rank or who you want to put on a pedestal) Maitai (pronounced Maytay) = I am well – Good. Mauruuru = Thank you.
Hawaiian and Tahitian culture
In Hawaiian and Tahitian mythology, mana is a spiritual energy and healing power which can exist in places, objects and persons. Hawaiians believe that mana may be gained or lost by actions, and Hawaiians and Tahitians believe that mana is both external and internal.
If someone says “Aloha” to you, say it right back. Mahalo means “thank you.” If someone does you a kindness, don't be shy about saying, “Mahalo,” to them. Locals will be pleased that you used this word.
The Nui in our name literally means “Big” as in the big carrier to The Islands of Tahiti, but Tahitians know Nui can also mean “Grand” and “Great” which captures aspects of our adventurous spirit, our desire to connect with the healing power of nature, and the love and pride we have for our culture.
Aloha is probably one of the most popular Hawaiian words, meaning “hello,” “goodbye,” and “I love you.” But if we truly break it down and understand the etymology, the feeling, and the spirit of aloha, we learn to live on a deeper and more meaningful way. “Alo” is the presence of, and “ha” is breath or life force.
Is Tahiti safe for Americans?
Tahiti is relatively safe for Americans and other foreigners to travel to. However, traveling to Tahiti does have risks associated with it. Crime in Tahiti, including petty crimes like mugging and pickpocketing, are low risk. However, Tahiti does have some risks associated with public transportation.
Living in Tahiti is expensive, it is a reality we must not forget. The necessary salary is obviously very variable according to your way of life, your adaptation to the territory, your leisure activities, etc.
Regarding which is cheaper, Tahiti is often slightly more expensive than Hawaii although they can both be done on a budget. But Tahiti is also the home to stunning romantic overwater bungalows – these villas are often regarded as the most spectacular places to stay in the world.
The Tahitians (Tahitian: Māʼohi; French: Tahitiens) are the Polynesian ethnic group indigenous to Tahiti and thirteen other Society Islands in French Polynesia. The numbers may also include the modern population in these islands of mixed Polynesian and French ancestry (French: demis).
Superb voyagers, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands migrated to Hawai`i more than 1,600 years ago. Polynesians were well established on the islands when, about 800 years ago, Polynesians from the Society Islands arrived in Hawai`i. Claiming descent from the greatest gods, they became the new rulers of Hawai`i.
Tahiti's islands are a lot older and thus have no active volcanic activity (apart from at least one active underwater volcano).
Using geographical terms, a motu is a reef islet formed by broken coral and sand, surrounding an atoll. In other words, it's a very small island. French Polynesia being what it is, there are thousands of small motus scattered around the Pacific Ocean, ranging in size from practically nonexistent to somewhat large.
French Polynesia Is Known for Its Stunning Beaches and Resorts — but a Younger Generation Is Working to Highlight Its Rich Traditions. In French Polynesia, a creative cohort of artists, chefs, farmers, and storytellers are reaffirming the islands' heritage.
A Tiki is a sculpture endowed with an important spiritual and symbolic force, originating from the Marquesas Islands and usually representing a modified man. The Tiki is a real emblem of French Polynesia and holds a significant position in the local culture.
Religion of Polynesian culture. Polynesian belief systems emphasized animism, a perspective in which all things, animate and inanimate, were believed to be endowed to a greater or lesser degree with sacred supernatural power.
What does mai tai mean in Tahitian?
Mai Tai comes from the word Maita'i, which means “good” in Tahitian. As the story goes, the drink's inventor, Victor J. Bergeron, made the cocktail for friends visiting from Tahiti. After taking a sip, one guest exclaimed “Maita'I roa ae!” meaning “very good,” and the name stuck.
Tahitian Dance is called Ori Tahiti in Tahitian Language as it literally means the Dance of Tahiti. Ori Tahiti is an original artistic expression that has deep roots in ancient Polynesian traditions.
Tahiti is famous for its stunning lagoons, overwater bungalows, and turquoise waters. The combination of big waves, rainforest treks, and Polynesian culture and heritage have made it a sought-after destination for travelers looking for the perfect tropical escape.
Beyond the city atmosphere, Tahiti is also a scenic island with lush landscapes and large abounding waterfalls. Leave the more developed areas behind and you will find shady hiking trails, pleasant beaches and calm waters. This unique juxtaposition makes Tahiti one of the most diverse islands in French Polynesia.
Tahiti is the largest and most famous of the 115 islands that comprise French Polynesia. It is known for its black sand beaches meeting the clear waters of the South Pacific, and the coral reefs that surround it.
Although Moana is from the fictional island Motunui some 3,000 years ago, the story and culture of Moana is based on the very real heritage and history of Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. In fact, once you start looking for ties to Polynesian culture in Moana, it's hard to stop!
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Core area.
Country / Territory | Notes |
---|---|
Easter Island | Province and special territory of Chile |
French Polynesia | Overseas country of France |
Hawaii | U.S. state |
French Polynesia Polynésie française (French) Pōrīnetia Farāni (Tahitian) | |
---|---|
Demonym(s) | French Polynesian |
Government | Devolved parliamentary dependency |
• President of the French Republic | Emmanuel Macron |
• President of French Polynesia | Édouard Fritch |