Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island of the Windward group in the Society Islands, French Polynesia, a French overseas collectivity in the central Pacific Ocean. It is volcanic in origin, marked by two prominent cones, Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, with a rugged interior surrounded by a fringing reef and extensive lagoons along the coastline. The capital and largest city, Papeete, is on the northwest coast and serves as the region’s administrative and economic center. The main international gateway is Faa’a International Airport near Papeete, with inter-island travel by air and ferry making the island a hub for the archipelago.

Tahiti has been inhabited by Polynesian communities for about a millennium. In the 19th century it became a French protectorate and was later annexed to France, joining the overseas collectivity of French Polynesia. Today Tahiti is the most populous island in French Polynesia and hosts a significant share of the territory’s residents and institutions.

The local economy relies on tourism and the pearl industry, particularly black Tahitian pearls. The culture blends Polynesian traditions with French influence, and Tahitian is widely spoken alongside French. Visitors are drawn to cultural centers, markets, and natural attractions such as beaches, lagoons, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Environmental concerns include coral reef health and coastal vulnerabilities related to climate change. Tahiti remains a major gateway for travelers exploring the Society Islands and broader French Polynesia.