Tahiti and the islands of Polynesia

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Tahiti is located in the South Pacific in the heart of the Polynesian triangle which is bounded by Hawaii to the north, Easter Island to the east and New Zealand to the west.

Tahiti and her islands often evoke a tropical paradise with the relaxed and gentle way of life in the islands of the South Pacific and is very popular as a vacation destination. Indeed, its tropical climate, its unspoiled nature, the beauty of its landscapes, its lush flora and fauna, its lagoons with transparent waters azure and turquoise in color. How is it possible not to marvel at so much beauty?

Polynesians are renowned for their kindness and their welcome with the sound of their ukuleles and song. Their joie de vivre and their serenity are reflected in their smiles, their colorful clothes and their art.

French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands, which are grouped into 5 archipelagos: the Society archipelago with the Windward Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaroa) and the Leeward Islands (Raiatea, Huahine, Taha'a, Bora Bora , Maupiti), the Tuamotu archipelago, the Gambier archipelago, the Austral archipelago and the Marquesas Islands.

Society Islands - From Tahiti, the largest and main island in French Polynesia, to Moorea, its enchanting sister island, to the paradisiacal atoll of Tetiaroa, the Windward Islands are the tropical dream come true!

The Tuamotu Islands - The Tuamotu Islands are made up of 77 atolls spread over 1,497 km and the region lives up to its reputation. These islands, found at the end of the world, are literally heaven on earth. Coconut plantations cover the motu, islets of the coral reef combining the pristine beauty of the lagoons with an exceptional underwater world.

Gambier Islands - Located over 1,600 km south-east of the island of Tahiti, this archipelago is the most remote and least populated region of French Polynesia. Only 1,000 inhabitants live in these four mountainous islands which share the same lagoon: Mangareva, Akamaru, Aukena and Taravai, also made up of dozens of islets, called motu.

Austral Islands - As their name suggests, the Austral Islands are located south of the island of Tahiti, on the Tropic of Capricorn and represent the southern limit of French Polynesia. The climate is cooler than in Tahiti, offering these islands a full ecological system, conducive to self-sufficiency and having a particularly magical and authentic charm.

The Marquesas Islands - The high legendary cliffs, the volcanic peaks,
the impressive remains enveloped by the wild nature that reigns supreme, the incredible beaches: the Marquesas Islands are simply breathtaking. Located 1,500 km from Papeete, they offer visitors the trip of a lifetime. The Marquesas Islands are rightly nicknamed “Te Henua Enana”: The Land of Men.

A trip to Tahiti wouldn’t be complete without bringing home a piece of the islands with you or maybe you have fond memories you want to relive from a previous visit. At Tahiti Shopping we favour working with local businesses and artisans to offer you a wide range of quality products of art, crafts, curios and fashion, for you to offer as a gift or for your own pleasure. With our online shop it is possible to browse and order whilst at home, where ever that may be. Delivered to the Uniyed States or you could even come and collect your order directly from the shop of our partner 'Thoughts of Moorea' during your stay on Moorea. Here are some ideas of typical souvenirs from Tahiti and her islands...

Monoï Oil - This naturally scented beauty product is made from coconut oil and infused with the fragrant tiare flower. This hydrating oil promotes smooth, healthy skin and represents the islands’ signature scent. We have a large selection of oils and soaps in stock for you to choose from. (Shop for Tahitian monoï products)

Tahitian Sarong or pareo - The pareo originated in Polynesia. These are the colorful sarongs you see the local women wearing in many various ways to cover their bodies. Light and often very colorful, they can also be used to cover a seat or table or even to decorate a living space. (Shop for Tahitian sarongs and pareos)

Wood Carvings - We have a wide selection of wooden carved items including tikis, turtles, rays, masks, decorative oars... Woodcarving is a true art form that originated in the Marquesas Islands, each artist has his own carving style and individuality making each piece unique. At Tahiti Shopping we work with several different craftsmen from various different islands. The souvenir versions range from a few inches to several feet tall. (Shop for wood carved Tikis, Rays and Turtles)

Mother of Pearl and Tahitian jewelry - Artists in Tahiti are known for carving beautiful earrings, necklaces and bracelets out of mother of pearl, the shimmery, multicolored lining of oyster shells. We have a variety of shapes and designs, including pendants made to look like sea turtles and Tahitian tiare flowers or a selection of buckles to help wear your pareo. (Shop for Tahitian jewelry)

T-shirts from Hinano Beer and Lauranna Pacific - At Tahiti Shopping we have a large choice of T-shirts from Hinano, the world famous national beer, with the logo of a long-haired Tahitian woman in a red and white floral pareo and her crown of flowers. Or from Lauranna Pacific, a more recent brand with a passion for the pacific which reflects in their modern designs. All make a great gift or souvenir from Tahiti and her islands. (Shop for T-shirts from Tahiti)