The atoll of the Cocos Keeling Islands has evolved in isolation from a continent through the forces of vulcanism, subsidence and coral growth. The highest point among the islands is currently less than 10m above sea level. Generally, the further an island is from a large land mass the fewer the numbers of species that are present.

The plant species that can be found on the islands today are the result of a long history of chance arrival and colonisation and the recent history of environmental modification. Due to the sandy soil conditions on the islands only certain plants are able to establish themselves while others fail. As a result of the once thriving copra industry on the Cocos Keeling Islands large scales of native forest were cleared so that stands of coconuts could be planted. The atoll is now lush with pisonia, rich green thickets of octopus bush and beach cabbage and a thick, dominating coconut forest.

The majoirty of the established plant life on the Cocos Keeling Islands grows well in sandy, rocky and exposed conditions. Due to the remoteness of the islands, locals have learned to value what is available to them. The beach almond or ketapang (terminalia catappa) seeds offer an edible, almond-like kernel that often washes up on the beaches. The hardwood of the pemphis acidula which can be found on the lagoon shore is used by locals to make knife handles and walking canes due to its resistance to rot and warping. Cordia subcordata or ironwood has been harvested extensively at the time of settlement for its strong, termite-resistant wood and is also an important seabird nesting tree. Other plants and trees such as the beach calophyllum (calophyllum inophyllum) also provide shelter and food for local and vagrant animal species. White terns favour the tree for its nesting possibilities while crabs enjoy its seeds.

The tranquillity of the Cocos Keeling Islands today gives little hint of their colourful past, their human dramas and tragedies, or the many different rulers who controlled them. From first settlement in 1826 by English merchant Alexander Hare, through decades of rule by the Clunies-Ross dynasty, most island inhabitants had little contact with the outside world.

For many years the islands were a powerhouse of copra production, with all resources and workers devoted to coconut growing and processing. Apart from disruptions caused by cyclone damage, the industry only ceased in 1987 but the abundant coconut palms throughout the Cocos still bear testament to the extent of the trade.

Two World Wars saw the islands become targets due to their strategic position in the Indian Ocean. From 1944 to 1946 the tranquil islands came under military administration and buzzed with activity, home to thousands of military personnel. The people of the Cocos Keeling Islands voted to become part of Australia in 1984. The remote atoll is now an internationally significant habitat for wildlife … and a faraway paradise for tourists seeking something a little bit different.

1609 Captain William Keeling, merchant seaman and adventurer exploring the East for the East India Company, discovers the Cocos Atoll during one of his voyages from Java to England.

1805 British hydrographer James Horsburgh charts the islands and calls them the Cocos-Keeling Islands in his sailing directory. He names one of the islands after himself.

1825 Captain John Clunies-Ross, a Scottish trader, lands on the islands on his homeward voyage from the East Indies. His orders are to investigate Christmas Island for settlement. Bad weather prevents these plans but he surveys the Cocos-Keeling Islands, digs wells and plants fruit trees.

1826 Alexander Hare, British merchant known as the ‘English White Rajah of Borneo’, and a group of his slaves are brought to the islands by Robert Clunies-Ross (brother of John) on the Hippomeses. Hare sets up the first settlement on Home Island (then called Goose Island).

1827 John Clunies-Ross and party arrive and settle on Pulu Gangsa (now the cemetery) but later move to South Island due to tension with Hare.

1829 Hare exports the first coconut oil from Cocos Islands to England on the Borneo.
Alexander Hare occupies Goose (Home), Horsburgh, Direction and Prison Islands with a total of 98 persons, mainly of Malay decent but some from Dutch Islands as far east as Papua, and some of African and Chinese decent.

1831 Increasing disputes between Alexander Hare and John Clunies-Ross as well as Hare’s mounting financial problems lead to Hare travelling back to Batavia. John Clunies-Ross assumes control of the islands.

1834 Hare dies in Java. John Clunies-Ross moves to Home Island and takes over Hare’s operations.

1836 John Clunies-Ross travels to Mauritius to seek British annexation of the islands.
Charles Darwin visits the atoll on the Beagle, surveys the islands and forms his theory of atoll formation.

1854 John Clunies-Ross dies; John George Clunies-Ross takes over.

1857 Captain Fremantle arrives on HM Juno to annex the islands to Britain, but makes a mistake as he was supposed to annex the Cocos Islands in the Andaman Group. This means that John George Clunies-Ross is designated as governor of Cocos.

1871 John George Clunies Ross dies, George Clunies-Ross assumes control over the Cocos Settlement.

1886 Queen Victoria grants the islands to George Clunies-Ross and his descendants.
Building of Oceania House commences using tiles and bricks from Scotland (completed in 1893).

1901 Eastern Extension Telegraph Station establishes a relay cable station on Direction Island. Cables go to Rodrigues, Mauritius, which then links to Durban, South Africa, also to Batavia, Java, which then links to Singapore and also to Fremantle, Western Australia.

1910 A Wireless Station is established to communicate with passing ships.
George Clunies Ross returns to the UK and dies on the Isle of Wight (his body is later reburied on Home Island). His son John Sidney Clunies-Ross assumes control of Cocos Islands.

1914 Cocos Cable Station is attacked by the German raider SMS Emden. The Emden is defeated by the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and beached on the reef at North Keeling Island (Pulu Keeling National Park).

1941 Ceylon Garrison Artillery establishes 2 x 6-inch guns on Horsburgh Island.

1942 February: a naval bombardment from a Japanese submarine causes slight damage to the Cable Station.
March: A Japanese warship shells Direction Island; a false wireless message is sent ‘Direction Island knocked out’, and shell holes are painted on side of buildings.Huge decoy fires convince Japanese that the relay station is destroyed. The station on Direction Island continues to operate in secret.

1943 Qantas begins a non-stop service across the Indian Ocean between Perth and Colombo via Cocos Islands; they flew 5700 kms and averaged 27-30 hours in the air. The service was terminated in 1946 after 824 crossings had been made.
A regular Japanese air raid from Java visits Cocos weekly, several Islanders are killed and Home Island homes destroyed.

1944 Major bombing raids kill two Islanders and destroys 27 Home Island houses.
John Sidney Clunies-Ross dies.

1945 Several thousand British servicemen build and operate a RAF bomber base and Air Staging Post on West Island. The bomber and fighter planes of 11 RAF squadrons are based on Cocos Islands until the end of WW2.
Operation Cockroach begins, an 1828-metre airstrip is constructed on West Island in two months. During the peak of the runway construction 8300 military personnel are stationed on Cocos.

1946 John Sidney Clunies-Ross’s widow returns to Cocos with son John Cecil Clunies-Ross.

1949 John Cecil Clunies-Ross commences as ruler of Cocos Islands.

1951 The Australian Government purchases 367 acres for an aerodrome on West Island. 500 RAAF commence airstrip construction.

1952 Qantas begins commercial flights through Cocos to Johannesburg and Singapore.

1954 The Queen visits Cocos Islands.

1955 Cocos (Keeling) Islands ‘officially’ becomes an Australian Territory; Australian Government establishes a permanent presence on West Island.

1966 OTC Telegraph Cable Station on Direction Island ceases operation.

1969 John Cecil Clunies-Ross seeks Home Rule (internal self government).

1973 Australia invites UN committee of 24 to visit and report on the Cocos Islands.

1978 The Australian Government purchases all of the Clunies-Ross land on Cocos Islands for Australian $6.25 million, less lot 14 (Home Island) and 5 hectares surrounding it.

1979 The Cocos Islands Workers Co-Operative Society is established as the commercial arm of the community, to run copra industry, building construction, maintenance and stevedoring.

1980 The island’s copra industry ceases operation. A second UN visiting mission is sent to the islands; legislation for compulsory education of Cocos residents is introduced.

1981 Animal Quarantine Station commences on West Island.

1984 A third UN Mission watches as Cocos Malay people vote to integrate with Australia.

2014 100 Year anniversary of Australia’s first Naval battle victory between HMAS Sydney and the SMS Emden German raider

2016 Cossies Beach on Direction Island is named Best Beach in Australia.

First Settlers
The Cocos Malay people of Home Island in the Cocos Keeling Islands have a history of isolation from the outside world, only a handful of outsiders having lived among them.

The first group of settlers were brought to the islands as workers by the merchant Alexander Hare in 1826. They were mostly of Malay decent with a number of people of Chinese, Papuan and Indian heritage. While now being referred to as Cocos Malay, the settlers came from places such as Bali, Birma, Celebes, Madura, Sumbawa, Timor, Sumatra, Pasir-Kutai, Malacca, Penang, Batavia and Cerebon.

Unique Identity
The tiny society of about 600 people has been held together for more than 150 years by geographical isolation, shared religious beliefs, strong family loyalty and a unique version of the old ‘Trading Malay’ language of the East Indies. Despite their mixed origins, the Cocos Malay people achieved an identity of their own within one generation of settlement on the Cocos Keeling Islands. The ‘Cocos-born’, as they were officially called, lived separately from the European owner-settlers of the islands. The Cocos Malay people had their own mosques, their own leaders and their own ceremonies.

Elements of the English-Scottish traditions of the early ruling Hare and Clunies-Ross families have been absorbed into Cocos Malay culture. Some foods, dances and musical influences have been passed down through generations. Today the cornerstone of Cocos Malay society is the Islamic religion. Few depart from its teachings and observances, and Islam is the focus of most people’s lives.

Cultural Tips
* It is respectful to dress modestly when visiting Home Island, shoulders and knees should be covered but please make sure you are comfortable for the weather conditions.
* Entry to the mosque can only be in the company of a Cocos Malay person.
* Please ask permission before photographing residents.

Language
The Malay dialect spoken by the Cocos Malay people today is an oral language. It contains words that reflect their diverse origins and their history of irregular contact with outsiders. Modern interpretation is given in Bahasa Indonesia/Malay with some adaptation to local usage.

The more you explore the Cook Islands, the more local authentic cuisine you’ll discover, ranging from simple fresh fish enjoyed with your feet in the sand to high-class restaurants and everything in between. You could eat every meal in a different place. Then, when the sun sets and you’ve had your fill of our delicious cuisine, the real party begins!

Love Fresh Food?
The multitude of cafes and restaurants around the island just have to be experienced, the food is so good. From a casual fish sandwich to a complete gourmet meal, there’s something for everyone.

Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the party heats up. We boast the best nightlife of all the islands in the South Pacific. Mix with friendly locals in open-air bars, many on the beach soaked in cool island vibes and spectacular vistas. Grab a drink and enjoy the show, whether local live music or a stunning sunset over the water. When you want to go large, head to one of our pumping nightclubs, or join a nightlife tour where the bus to the party, is the party. Above all while our nightlife is exciting and exotic, it’s extremely safe. Free from stranger danger, everyone here is welcomed as family.

EXPLORE BY LAND
The spectacular natural beauty of a little paradise is more than just stunning beaches. Breathtaking jungle-clad mountains of the interior cascade to the sea, like Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs. Step back in time to find a paradise refreshingly undeveloped. Lush green vegetation everywhere, warm locals in simple yet colourful houses and no building taller than a coconut tree, it’s a true Polynesian experience.

More Than Just Perfect Beaches
From tropical jungle to mountain peaks to manicured gardens with cafés, exploring inland is so easy.

Take a Guided Tour
Adventure seekers will love getting off the beaten track with a variety of inland adventure tours: from buggies, quad bikes and 4WD to eco cycle tours with storytelling from local guides. For those with energy to spare, there are even combat games, golf and mini-golf courses to enjoy.

Cycling the Cook Islands
Choose from guided mountain bike treks through challenging terrain or simply hire some wheels (even e-bikes) and discover at your own speed. Cycling is a great way to experience the freedom of the Cook Islands. Rarotonga is only 32km around which is perfect for grabbing a bike or e-bike to discover your way. If you’re staying on any of our sister islands, cycling is also a great way to get around and explore.

Hiking on Rarotonga
Take a break from the beach and enjoy exploring inland. A must do for hikers is the ‘Cross Island’ or Raemaru treks on Rarotonga. Hike with friends, or take a guided tour where you will learn about local medicinal plants, flora and fauna.

Rent a Vehicle and Explore
Rent a motor scooter or a car and explore our little paradise at your own pace. Only 32 kms around, it takes just 45 minutes to circle Rarotonga by scooter or car. Or for a more laidback island tour, delight in the simple joy of jumping on a local bus and getting a light-hearted commentary of the sites whizzing past from the driver.

 

EXPLORE BY WATER
Enjoy warm tropical temperatures, crystal clear waters and an abundance of aquatic life just below the surface. Beautiful beaches and safe protected lagoons make swimming and snorkelling so popular, with water activities to suit everyone. Try lagoon sailing, kayak or canoe paddling, stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sea scootering, surfing or body boarding. Adventure further with glass bottom lagoon cruises with BBQ lunch, ocean cruises and deep sea fishing.

No Crowded Beaches
In our little paradise, the beach is wherever you are. The best part of finding a long stretch of white sand and blue lagoon, is having it all to yourself.

SUP, Snorkel or Sea Scooter
Explore the live coral reef all around the island by snorkelling right off the beach, joining a sea scooter tour or jumping on a SUP. Perfect conditions offer both impressive visibility and warm water all year round.

Scuba Diving
Explore an abundance of tropical fish and corals with incredible visibility of up to 195 feet (60 metres) in our warm waters. There are operators that go to several dive spots, which are just a quick boat ride past the reef. If you’ve never been diving you can take the opportunity to get PADI certified in the Cook Islands.

Fishing in a Little Paradise
From tossing a line in the shallows or venturing into the deep blue, all year round is a good time to try your luck.

Water Safety Tips With Our Aunties
Please watch this safety video. There are a range of fantastic water activities to enjoy in a little paradise. Water safety is serious business to our Aunties, please ensure you are safe in the water too!

Your big day in a little paradise is what dreams are made of. Our local wedding planners, celebrants, stylists, photographers, musicians, caterers, hairdressers and makeup artists are well experienced in delighting the most discerning brides and grooms from around the world. There are so many ways for your group to celebrate: it’s called a bridal party after all.

Ceremonies and Receptions
There are endless picturesque locations on either the main island of Rarotonga or the smaller island of Aitutaki. You can marry barefoot on a secluded beach at sunset, standing in a heart-shape of shells, in a whitewashed coral church with a spine-tingling gospel choir, on a private islet under a tropical flower arch, or beside the infinity pool of a luxury resort.

Making It Legal
You will need to apply for your licence in person in Rarotonga to Registrar of Marriages at least day working days prior to your wedding. You’ll also need to take your passport and birth certificate with you when applying for the Marriage licence, also known as the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’. Marriages in the Cook Islands are legally binding and recognised worldwide. You must be 21 years of ago to be married in the Cook Islands, for more information please visit the Ministry of Justice website.

Wedding Groups
A Cook Islands wedding can be your own tropical festival. There’s so much for your group to do together, from mud-soaked buggy jungle day tours to fancy island nights, lagoon sunrise SUP yoga to twilight disco-light paddleboarding cruises, from lounging on your own beach to dancing the night away to string bands in open-air bars with the locals.

Honeymoons
After the big day, relax, chill out and set your clock to island time as you let its natural beauty work its magic. The dictionary definition of a romantic setting, experience a honeymoon beyond your wildest dreams, on islands amongst the most beautiful and breathtaking on earth.

Uncover more about our people and our history.
As modern Pacific people, high-spirited Cook Islanders are a cosmopolitan blend of western influence and ancient Polynesian heritage. Like any true blooded Maori, we enjoy pomp, splendour and big ceremonies with traditional customs and much feasting. Hospitality, smiles and a warm welcome come naturally.

Our People
The natural, unspoilt beauty and charm of our landscape is matched by the friendliness of our people who think nothing of offering a lift, striking up a conversation or inviting visitors on a night out. Part of our culture, our outgoing spirit means we love engaging with travellers and sharing our little paradise lifestyle. People may come for the warmth of our sun, but remember the warmth of the locals forever.

Family values
The inherent traits of genuine care for others and love of family are apparent, no matter the island background. The bond of family is vital and extended family is an integral part of life. Children often live with grandparents and nephews and nieces live with aunts and uncles. Adoption of family members is widely encouraged.

Great entertainers
We are also the great entertainers of the Pacific, the best dancers and drummers in Polynesia. Festivals are an important part of life, with fierce competition between the islands to produce the most outstanding performers.

OUR HISTORY
Great Polynesian Migration
Cook Islanders are true Polynesians connecting directly back to the finest seafarers of the Pacific. Sophisticated navigation took them fearlessly in search of new lands. Their bravery, skill and sheer strength far outpace legendary adventurers from Portugal or Spain, the Dutch or the English. From 1500 BC Polynesian islands were gradually populated by Maori ancestors who landed in their Vakas (magnificent giant double-hulled canoes) guided by the stars and their famous power of navigation. The very centre of Polynesia, the Cook Islands stretch out in a scattering of 2 million square kilometers. Polynesians arrived in Rarotonga around 800 AD, sailing from Tupua’i, now French Polynesia.

The Maori migrations to New Zealand began from Rarotonga as early as the 5th century AD. Closely linked in culture and language to the Maori in New Zealand, the Maohi of French Polynesia, the Rapanui of Easter Island and the Kanaka Maoli of Hawaii – about 87% of Cook Islanders are Polynesian Cook Island Maori.

Captain James Cook
After stopovers from Spanish explorers Alvaro de Mendana sighting Pukapuka in 1595, and Pedro Fernandez de Quiros sighting Rakahanga in 1606, Captain James Cook sighted Manuae in 1773, then subsequently Palmerston, Takutea, Mangaia and Atiu, where Lieutenant Gore landed in 1777. The redoubtable Captain William Bligh first sighted Aitutaki in 1789 and soon after, following the very bloody Mutiny on the Bounty, the buccaneer Fletcher Christian, having seconded Captain Bligh’s very own boat, sailed into Rarotonga.

Christian Missionaries
The influence of the first Christian missionaries in 1821 was immediate. Reverend John Williams of the London Missionary Society and his missionaries did their best to stem what they considered the carnal desires of the inhabitants, but was in fact the cultural heritage of the Cook Islanders. No singing, dancing or drumming was allowed. Their arrival altered the traditional way of life, yet somehow the Cook Islanders have managed to beautifully preserve their proud Polynesian heritage and blend it with their Christian faith. Aitutaki was the first island of the Cook Islands to accept Christianity so in 1823 a limestone coral rock church was built in Arutanga and is the oldest church in the Cook Islands. The stunning acoustics of CICC Church make for a moving experience – visitors are wowed by the beautiful sound of hymn singing surrounded by a superbly designed interior. The influence of the missionaries has been of benefit to all, with the beautiful white churches, the acapella singing on Sundays and the traditional muumuu coming from them.

Political History
Originally named the Hervey Isles after a British lord, the Russians named them the Cook Islands in honour of the famous captain in 1823. In 1888 they became a part of the British Dominion, due to fears France may seize the islands first.

In 1901 New Zealand decided to annex the country despite opposition from the traditional chiefs. Many of the islands were independently ruled by local chiefs with no federal statutory law to decide such things. However it remained a protectorate until 1965, when as a self-governing state under New Zealand’s auspices, Sir Albert Henry was elected Prime Minister. Today the country is essentially independent or self-governing in free association with New Zealand, which oversees defence.

A treaty was signed in June 1980 with the United States in which all claim to the islands of Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Manihiki and Rakahanga was relinquished by the Americans. A treaty with France delimited the boundary between the Cooks and French Polynesia in 1990.

Signs of historic & cultural significance on Rarotonga
Explore Rarotonga on your own time and in your own way, by visiting sites of cultural and historical significance. Learn the history of the Cook Islands Christian Churches (CICC) scattered around the island. Their origins with the London Missionary Society, and the important com- munity figures that helped to grow the Christian faith on Rarotonga.

Discover the story of Tuoro, infamously known as Black Rock and the cultural significance behind this site. Its ties to the Cook Islands people and the land of their ances- tors, Avaiki.

Self-discover these sites and many more to learn the history and culture of Rarotonga and its people.

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, The Islands of Tahiti are a mythical destination. The mention of Tahiti calls to mind visions of an idyllic island paradise and once you visit, you’ll discover that your imagination isn’t too off the mark. Secluded, tropical and lush, these islands are a universe where dreams meet reality. Read on to learn more about each of the unique islands of French Polynesia. Check out our interactive map of Tahiti’s islands, and discover which the 118 islands of best suits your vacation dreams.

Society Islands
The Society Islands include the country’s main and largest island, Tahiti, her enchanting sister island, Moorea, Marlon Brando’s Tetiaroa paradise atoll, and multiple other world-class islands in between. No one can forget perhaps the most famous of the Society Islands, Bora Bora, known for its blue lagoon surrounded by coral reefs. These windward islands are a vacationer’s tropical dream!

Tahiti
Where is Tahiti, the remote paradise? Crowned by a circle of majestic peaks, the Island of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, towers over the South Pacific ocean like a proud and royal Queen. The mountainous interior of Tahiti Island is adorned with mystical valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls. Most of the island’s population resides near the shore, leaving the interior of the island feeling almost untouched and ancient, despite such proximity to the bustling capital of Papeete. Papeete, meaning “water basket,” was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Now, Papeete, the touchstone of this island nation, boasts world-class Tahiti resorts, hotels, spas, fine dining and unique restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets, museums, pearl shops, and boutiques.

Tahiti… Just the word…
The world’s definition of paradise.

Top Reasons to Visit Tahiti
A Lively Culture
The largest and most lively of The Islands of Tahiti, known simply as Tahiti, lives at the pace of Tahitian culture, music and dance. Attend an enchanting Tahitian dance show called ‘ori Tahiti, or visit a contemporary art exhibition, an unusual play, or a traditional or modern concert in Papeete. Tahiti – and especially Papeete, Tahiti – provide the opportunity to discover artistic expression of all kinds.

An Authentic Tahitian Experience
Tahiti is also famous for its hospitality and sweet, relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome. The first thing visitors will notice is that the spontaneous and sincere friendliness of Tahitians is hard to match. Here, people smile all the time and often take the time to share a piece of advice, information, a map of Tahiti, or a story. Visitors will instantly feel comfortable living at the pace of Tahitian island life.

Tahiti Nature and Activities
As you travel throughout the islands of French Polynesia and the Tahitian Islands, the island of Tahiti slowly unveils its beauty. It can be explored in many different ways: black sand beaches on the East coast, white sand beaches on the West coast, diving, beginner’s and legendary surf spots, mountainous peaks within desert lush valleys, at a luxurious Tahiti resort, or the historic site of Papeete’s colorful market and, oh, so much more.

 

Tetiaroa
Some places you can feel. They cast their spell on you immediately. This is Tetiaroa.

A haven for birds, sea turtles and all kinds of marine life, Tetiaroa is treasured among Tahitians who know it as a sacred place. So sacred, that at one time the coconut-dotted white sand beaches and crystalline lagoon of this uninhabited atoll was an exclusive getaway for Tahitian royalty. It’s not surprising that actor Marlon Brando fell under its spell during the filming of “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1960 and later went on to become its owner. Now you can follow in the wake of kings and Hollywood royalty with a quick 15-minute private charter from Tahiti or Moorea.

Among the islets, Tahuna Iti, the Birds’ Island, is a national reserve for seabirds, frigates, sterns, phaetons (straw tails), brown gannets and other petrels.

Teti’aroa Island’s Royal Past
The atoll of Teti’aroa was a special place for Polynesian royalty in French Polynesia. The island was a place they could enjoy themselves with music, dance, fishing, celebration and deep relaxation. While Tahiti’s young chiefs (ma’ohi) engaged in archery tournaments and sharpened their fighting skills, the princesses (arii vahine) relaxed in the deep shadows of the coconut trees. Teti’aroa was the sacred pleasure garden of the Tahitian high chiefs.

The Marlon Brando Island
Captivated by the Polynesian way of life, Marlon Brando vowed to find a way to own this piece of paradise and accomplished his dream in 1967 of leasing Teti’aroa. Brando visited Teti’aroa whenever he could, often spending months at a time on the island. Brando even went so far as to design the so-called Tetiaroa Village Hotel, consisting of an airstrip and a few rustic cottages for visitors searching for an adventure. Now you can follow in the wake of kings and Hollywood royalty with a quick 15-minute private charter from Tahiti or Bora Bora.

Top Reasons to Visit Tetiaroa Island
An Unforgettable Atoll, A Stone’s Throw Away From Tahiti
With limited ways to get to this island, the best method is to join a weekend cruise departing from Papeete to access this fragile but preserved island, which serves as a bird sanctuary. The island is looking to be granted a special status of a natural reserve in order to regulate access and promote best practices for a sustainable and responsible approach of excursions.

Tetiaroa – A Bird Sanctuary
Tetiaroa shelters one of the largest colony of birds in The Islands of Tahiti. White terns, brown boobies, frigate birds, red-tailed tropic birds and the amazing great crested birds – whose colony is the only one in the Windward Islands – all coexist in Tetiaroa. Birds come to breed in this uninhabited haven, and their environment has to be respected and preserved in all possible ways.

The Brando: A New High-End Eco-Hotel
Launched in 2014 on Motu Onetahi, The Brando Restort is operated by Pacific Beachcomber and is setting new standards for luxury accommodations in The Islands of Tahiti. It is unique in all respects and relies entirely on renewable energy with solar panels and coconut oil. Seawater air conditioning (SWAC) is a key element by producing cold air with ocean water from 3,150 ft. deep (960 meters). Nearly invisible from the sea, the 35 villas are beautifully integrated with the magnificent landscape.

A scientific research eco-station is contributing to the research, conversation and education related to Tetiaroa and its incredible biodiversity. A desalination plant will provide the resort with fresh water, while rainwater is collected from the technical area buildings. The resort is confident that it will soon obtain LEED platinum certification, the highest accolade of this most respected program for assessing the environmental impact of new constructions. The other islets remain undeveloped and are serving as a field for scientific observation and data collection.

In addition to the ecological features of the Brando Resort, guests get to experience a high level of luxury. The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa is a unique haven of serenity. Bob’s Bar offers food and drink with exceptional lagoon and ocean views.

 

Moorea
Moorea rises magically out of the ocean like a cathedral. High, sharp, inspiring green spires crowned by clouds. Poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of emerald green will renew your belief in the majesty of nature, and Moorea’s bright blue lagoon will bring to life the South Seas idyll of your dreams and Moorea vacation. Pastel-painted houses, surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a necklace of happy, simple villages that will elevate your senses and remind you that this is what life is all about. La vie heureuse, as they say in Tahiti, a happy life. One of the most memorable locations in The Islands of Tahiti, Moorea’s beauty is unforgettable.

Where is Moorea Located?
Moorea is a part of the Society Islands. Moorea is located 11 miles Northwest of the island of Tahiti. Moorea is accessible by ferry or short plane ride from Papeete. While maintaining a small island feel and bigger than life personality, a Moorea vacation is ideal for any couple or family at any of its small island overwater bungalows or international resorts.

Top Reasons to Visit Moorea: It’s A Natural Playground
Nestled in the quiet Lagoon, Moorea with its diverse coral reefs, and annual trade winds from April to October, allow for a variety of activities, from outrigger canoeing to paddle boarding, kiteboarding, water skiing and even surfing around some of the passes. Moorea, one of the 114 Islands of French Polynesia, is a haven for divers who instantly fall in love with the varied coral reef ecosystem and the colorful mix of marine life. While scuba diving or snorkeling, you might encounter stingrays, sharks and marine turtles in a clear lagoon sparkling with different shades of blue. On the mountainside of Moorea’s sharp landscape eight summits featuring a magnificent ancient volcanic crater which has now become a lush valley. It is the perfect area for hiking, horseback riding, quad biking or four-wheeling to explore the natural beauty Moorea has to offer.

Top things to do in the island of Moorea:
Experience an overwater bungalow.
Have an authentic Tahitian experience at Tiki Village
Play in the white sandy beaches of Moorea
Snorkel the coral reefs off the island of Moorea
Adventure in the lush valley’s of the Moorea hills – perfect for hiking, riding, quading or biking
The French Polynesian Charm And Ambiance

Colorful, flowered and radiant, the island of Moorea is a pleasure for all the senses. Stroll luxuriously between gardens and white sand beaches, myriad flowers and pineapple plantations or watch fishermen on their outrigger canoe or to listen to the sound of the ‘ukulele sitting under a purau tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus). You’ll relish these magical moments and this unmatched world of enchantment that Moorea has to offer.

A Source Of Polynesian Inspiration
Many artists live on the island of Moorea. Painters, carvers, jewelers and Polynesian tattoo artists have settled down on this island and take their time to capture the island’s beauty and serenity and find the inspiration to create their art.

 

Huahine
Huahine casts a spell over you from the moment you arrive. Only a 40-minute flight from the island of Tahiti, the enchanted Huahine, with its lush forests, untamed landscape and quaint villages can feel like the Garden of Eden. Huahine is one of The Islands of Tahiti’s best-kept secrets, a place where you can live like a local. A deep, crystal-clear lagoon surrounds the two islands that comprise Huahine, while magnificent bays and white sand beaches add drama to the experience.

Relatively unchanged by the modern world, Huahine Island offers the slower, more tranquil pace of old French Polynesia. With only eight small villages scattered across the island, the few residents welcome visitors with great kindness. Not surprisingly, this fertile world offers a rich soil providing the local farmers a bountiful harvest of vanilla, melons and bananas.

Top Reasons to Visit Huahine
Charm Meets Seclusion
Also commonly referred to as the “secret island,” the “authentic island” and the “secluded island,” many charming adjectives come to mind when mentioning Huahine, and for obvious reasons. The island is a delicious cocktail of Polynesian sceneries and ambiance. Find natural beauty, experience intense encounters with the population, explore the infinite possibilities for adventure and relaxation, alike. Huahine is an island “to live,” an island “to feel.” The famous local singer and painter Bobby Holcomb has chosen this small piece of land where joy and smiles are always around.

Huahine Nui, Huahine Iti And Mārō’ē Bay
Huahine is made up of two main islands that are surrounded by several motu. Huahine Nui (Big Huahine) lies to the north, Huahine Iti (Little Huahine) to the south and Mārō’ē Bay resting between the two islands. A bridge between the islands connects the islands’ eight villages.

Huahine’s Cultural History And Legacy
The village of Maeva, northeast of Fare, is located close to the largest of the two lagoons, called Fa’una Nui. The village is famous for its fish farming techniques that use V-shaped stone fish traps, an ancestral legacy that is still used today.

Maeva is also home to another French Polynesian cultural site: Marae of Maeva and The Fare Pōte’e Maeva Huahine. Spaces dedicated to social and religious ancient Polynesian ceremonial activities are known as Marae. The site protects the rich history of a marae with an adjacent educational museum set up under a fare pōte’e next door. A fare pōte’e is a house where local knowledge, sacred traditions and rituals were taught and used to exhibit objects and other remnants found during the various archeological digs, including paddles and axe blades, fish teeth, pendants, pestles and tattoo combs.

Things To Do On Huahine
After learning about the history of the South Pacific, Society Islands and Polynesians, take advantage of the many things to do on Huahine. It’s easy to fill up your trip itinerary with adventure and sightseeing on Huahine. A hike to the summit of Mount Pohue Rahi leads you through a wilderness abundant with wildflowers and pine trees and, of course, stunning views from the summit. (Look closely to see Bora Bora off in the distance.) Take an unforgettable sunset beach horseback ride with your traveling companions. Savor the aromas of a Tahitian vanilla plantation tour. Ride through the lush vegetation on a 4×4 off-road tour.

Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels
One of Huahine’s most famous attractions can be seen from a bridge that crosses a stream in the village of Faie. From the bridge, you’ll be able to see the Sacred Blue Eyed Eels, deemed sacred by local mythology. The Polynesian long-finned freshwater eels have incredibly blue eyes that almost glow in the water and range in size from four to six feet in length. The eels are quite accustomed to being hand-fed mackerel from guides and tourists on a daily basis.

Water Activities On Huahine
Water activities abound around Huahine island. The simplest thing is to savor the beautiful white sand Huahine beaches. The beach along Avea Bay near Hotel Le Mahana is a gorgeous stretch of white sand, lined with coconut palms on the southern tip of Huahine Iti. For surfers, the Fitii break on the western shores of Huahine Nui has consistent waves. Jet skis are a great way to explore the lagoon’s vast stretches. Snorkeling is ideal for exploring the underwater world of reef walls, fish caves and coral gardens. Stay above the water and enjoy an outrigger canoe adventure.

You don’t have to get wet to enjoy the marine life of Huahine. Go deep-sea fishing, take a lagoon boat tour, visit a pearl farm or experience a French Polynesian sunset aboard a sailboat.

How To Get To Huahine
Most Huahine travel begins with a flight to the Huahine airport. The island’s airport is located on the north shore of Huahine Nui. Air Tahiti services the island with regular flights from nearby islands Bora Bora, Moorea and Raiatea plus Papeete. There’s no shortage of ways to travel around Huahine. Choices include taxis, public transit, rental car, bicycle, motorboats and sailboats.

Raiatea
The heartbeat of The Islands of Tahiti emanates from a special place in Raiatea, the sacred Taputapuatea marae. The expansion of Polynesians throughout the Pacific began on Raiatea from this exact site. After offering blessings through sacred ceremonies and celebrations, outriggers with original settlers ventured north to Hawaii and west to New Zealand. Raiatea, meaning “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light,” was first named Havai’i as is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians. Recognized as the most sacred island in the region, the green-carpeted mountains rise to the cloud-capped peak of the celebrated Mt. Temehani.

Top Reasons to Visit Raiatea, French Polynesia
The Cradle Of Polynesian Culture
Formerly named Hava’i, Raiatea is known as the gods’ cradle, hosting archeological treasures (marae, petroglyphs…) and eons of history and culture. As the first Polynesian island to be populated, Raiatea shelters the most spectacular and first international marae of the Polynesian triangle, called Taputapuatea. This is where inauguration ceremonies, political alliances and international meetings would take place in ancient times. The site was taboo and was the headquarters of religious and political powers of the Polynesian region. These days, communities of Hawaii, New Zealand and Cook Islands still meet at this pilgrimage venue, which they consider as the home of their sacred culture.

A Sailing Paradise
Raiatea is the top yachting location in The Islands of Tahiti. Most charter companies and marinas have chosen to settle around Raiatea. The island hosts a large number of moorings, bays (deep and calm) in a pristine and amazing environment (volcano craters, waterfalls). The sailing conditions are excellent. It is a pleasure cruising to the other peaceful Leeward Islands, all as beautiful inside or outside the lagoon.

A Unique Natural Heritage
Raiatea is an incredible natural source of interest for scientists and nature lovers due to its rare flora and fauna species. Mount Temehani shelters the tiare ‘apetahi (and about 30 other endemic plants), a flower found nowhere else in the world. It has become the symbol for Raiatea. This half-circle white and delicate flower only blooms at dawn.

Raiatea also shelters the only navigable river in French Polynesia. Go on an unusual outrigger canoe ride in the heart of a dense tropical forest of purau, bamboos and māpē (Inocarpus fagiferus). Legend says that the river would have been the departure point of all Polynesian migrations to Hawaii and New Zealand.

 

Taha’a
Life slows down on Taha’a island. This charming and quiet island sweeps you deep into the typical Polynesians’ easy going life. Tiny motu with luminous white sand beaches surround the flower-shaped island with a soft mountain rising from the calm waters of a lagoon.

Vanilla-scented air wafts on breezes that pour down the hillsides from the island’s many vanilla farms, and those gentle aromas ride the ocean breezes proclaiming the island’s soul long before you can see it on the horizon.

The island of Taha’a is captivating. Slanted palm trees rise above pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and overwater bungalows. Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa and Vahine Island Island Resorts & Spa are among the finest resorts in The Islands of Tahiti.

Top Reasons to Visit Taha’a Island
The Authentic Charm Of Taha’a
In Taha’a, a quiet and secluded island, time seems to have stopped. When walking along the island’s trails, travelers can discover verdant vegetation and small villages hugging the slopes. No one rushes on this relaxed island, so take the time to stop by a pearl farm or sit under a majestic old tree and savor the sweet scent of the “Vallée de la Vanille”.

Taha’a, The Vanilla Island
What makes the island of Taha’a truly remarkable is vanilla. Polynesian vanilla is known throughout the world for its unique flavor, and Taha’a is the center of production. More than 70% of all vanilla in French Polynesia comes from this island.

Taha’a vanilla plantations welcome guests to explore the island’s treasured orchid. Visitors will enjoy the sampling of vanilla tahitensis, a rare and precious vanilla that tastes like paradise. To develop the exquisite spice, a certain artistic know-how is needed. It is an ability that has been gained over time and with considerable experience. Much like cautious alchemists, experts spend several months pampering their Polynesian vanilla until the magic starts to happen.

Discovering the secrets of Polynesian vanilla in its natural environment will make you fall in love with Taha’a even more.

A Big Fish Tank
Feel like Robinson Crusoe, lying on the fine sand dotted with lovely palm trees, facing the Taha’a motu with crystal-clear water. The scenery in and out of the crystal-clear waters is perfect.

Snorkelers gravitate to the coral gardens, a narrow channel from the ocean barrier coral reef into the inner lagoon. This is the ultimate living aquarium experience!

Just a meter below the water’s surface lives a world full of all types of corals and an extensive range of fish call this reef home. Sea anemone, clownfish, octopus, moray eels, stingrays, butterflyfish and blacktip sharks are just the start.

It’s not just beautiful, it is relaxing. The current moving from the ocean to the inner lagoon does the work for you so you can concentrate on soaking up the dazzling views.

How to Get to Taha’a
The charm of Taha’a begins with embracing a simpler way of reaching the island – by boat. With no airport on Taha’a island, visitors rely on shuttle boats, outrigger or even seaplanes and helicopters from neighboring Raiatea to reach their final destination. Air Tahiti is among the carriers that service the Raiatea airport. No matter how you get to Taha’a, you’ll be treated to a dramatic view of Bora Bora just a short distance away.

Modern Life on the Motus
The reef islets that surround the Taha’a lagoon, known as motus, embody everything serene about life in the South Pacific. The motus serve to protect the lagoon, provide shade under a coconut tree, provide a sandy beach to rest and provide the calm waters for overwater bungalows at an island resort and spa. Taha’a is home to a few of these motu resorts and other Taha’a hotels that epitomize Polynesian hospitality.

 

Bora Bora
Romance. The island of Bora Bora rises from the velvet blues of the deep water up through the softer hues of the lagoon and into the air that surrounds the island. Its touch of the sea breeze tingles the skin. Its power fills each beat of the heart. Bora Bora is located a brief 50-minute flight from The Islands of Tahiti or Moorea. Bora Bora, with a lagoon of turquoise waters resembling an artist’s palette of bright blues and greens, will make you feel love at first sight. Romantics from around the world appreciate Bora Bora, where the lush tropical slopes and valleys of Mount Otemanu blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate pearl necklace from the islands of French Polynesia.

The perfect white-sand Bora Bora beaches leading to Matira Point give way to blue waters where tropical-colored fish animate the coral gardens and giant manta rays glide leisurely past. This south pacific island could easily be defined as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and a fabled ambiance. Simply put, Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Where Is Bora Bora Located?
Bora Bora is located on a dormant volcano island, set on one of the most beautiful and crystal-clear lagoons in the world, colored in a million shades of blue. Known for gorgeous luxury resorts and numerous adventurous activities, it is one of the northwestern islands that make up The Islands of Tahiti. The vast motu of Bora Bora’s white-sand beaches lined with coconut trees encircle the emerald lagoon that’s populated with myriad fish and multi-colored corals. The tallest point is the breathtaking Mount Otemanu at Bora Bora’s center. It’s easy to understand why this little 15 square mile island is revered as one of the most intimate and idyllic vacation destinations. Every 50 minutes, flights to Bora Bora from Papeete and Moorea are available through Air Tahiti for those looking to island-hop.

An Overwater Bora Bora Bungalow Paradise
Bora Bora’s lagoon is an underwater world that hosts manta rays, sharks, gentle Napoleon wrasses, and other marine life which will welcome you while scuba diving, helmet diving or viewing from a glass-bottom boat. There are many Bora Bora activities and opportunities to explore the lagoon, the motu, and the ocean. Options include – but aren’t limited to – fishing, cruises, jet skiing, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, outrigger canoe rides, kayaking, island tours and more. Imagine catching a delicious tuna for dinner, paddling on a stand-up paddleboard to a private motu, having a decadent and fresh seafood lunch waterside, or snorkeling up-close and personal with hundreds of colorful marine animals. Those who love an adrenaline rush can enjoy wakeboarding or tubing on the crystal waters, circling the coastline on a jet ski, or viewing the lagoon from a parasail, while those who love to lounge have a cocktail at the renowned Bloody Mary’s, or enjoy appetizers on a sunset cruise. So don’t forget about taking a four-wheeler, going for a hike or taking it all in from the air in an unforgettable helicopter tour.

Matira Beach
Watch the vibrant sunset over a deep blue horizon while you relax on the warm white sand of Matira Beach, one of the most popular yet secluded public beaches on the island of Bora Bora. Follow the beach until Matira Point to see an other-worldly view of rolling green bluffs and tropical plants. A wonderful place to swim, Matira Beach boasts warm, shallow waters that are perfect for a leisurely day of snorkeling. Don’t miss a carefree experience where time stands still along the azure Matira Beach shoreline during your Bora Bora vacation.

 

Tupai
What if the most romantic atoll in the world was heart-shaped and located just a few short miles from Bora Bora? Welcome to the island of “Pere,” goddess of fire and passion, a place so untouched and pristine that visiting it is a privilege.

Located 10 miles North of Bora Bora, the islet of Tupai, viewed from the sky, features a heart. It hosts a double lagoon and motu covered with coconut trees. Many birds have chosen to live on the island and sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach from November onward.

Tupai Island Excursions
Tupai has no residents and, therefore, no accommodations. But, if you’re up for a few hours on a romantic, deserted island, you can take a short visit to raise a glass of champagne or celebrate your wedding surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Things to Do on Tupai Island
Heart-shaped Tupai is one of The Island of Tahiti’s most romantic locations. A deserted island with white sand beaches, infinite shades of blue and the beauty of pristine nature makes it easy to be transported to another place with someone special. Tupai is a popular choice to be the perfect backdrop for a wedding or engagement.

Wildlife on Tupai
Tupai Island abounds with wildlife who are drawn to the lush vegetation and calm waters of the uninhabited atoll. A large coral reef encloses a shallow sandy lagoon surrounded by long, wooded motus. In November, several species of birds and sea turtles lay eggs on the beach. Humpback whales also feel particularly at home in Tupai. From August to November, the whales come to the waters around the island to give birth and nurse their babies.

Traveling to Tupai Island
As with most deserted islands, traveling to Tupai Island can be a challenge. Visitors to The Islands of Tahiti had just the ability to soar above this romantically shaped island by airplane for years. Travel to the island, and not just above it, has become easier with charter companies operating boat excursions, airplane and helicopter flights from Bora Bora. Some operators include helicopter rides that land on the island and allow passengers to disembark and experience Tupai Island for themselves. Most trips last just a few hours before returning.

 

Maupiti
There are places in The Islands of Tahiti where you can indulge in five-star, brand name resorts, and there are places where you can immerse yourself into the ebb and flow of daily life, experiencing this island nation like a local. If you’re looking for a place where the brand names are sand, sea, sun, time and tide, the Maupiti will wrap you in her arms and gently indulge you like a member of the family.

Located 195 miles (315 km) northwest of the island of Tahiti and 25 miles (40 km) West of Bora Bora, Maupiti is a tiny island (7 miles / 11 square kilometers), secluded and authentic. Maupiti will immediately seduce you with its splendor and quiet pace of life. Magnificent sceneries, endless white sandy beaches both on the island and the motu, legendary rocky peaks and ancient marae all blend nicely with the friendly and smiling style of the islanders.

Top Reasons to Visit Maupiti
A Small, Picturesque Island
The unmatched charm of Maupiti is reflected in every inhabitant and Tahitian Guesthouses where you will be introduced to the Polynesian lifestyle. Here, people mostly travel riding a bicycle or a canoe, which are marvelous ways to take your time and explore the beauties of the island. Stroll along the little road circling Maupiti or in the heart of the lagoon and enjoy every single moment of your time in The Islands of Tahiti.

The Cultural Wealth Of Maupiti
The combination of nature and mythical stories is extremely powerful on Maupiti just as it is throughout The Islands of Tahiti. Petroglyphs were carved on huge rocks in Haranae Valley while the legendary outrigger canoe of the demigod and hero, Hiro, lies in Vaitia Valley.

Motu Paeao, at the north end of the lagoon, is one of the oldest archeological sites in the Society Islands. In ancient Polynesian culture, Maupiti played a culturally prominent role, with leaders from other islands coming here for ritual purposes. Archeologists have discovered fishhooks and other artifacts dating back to about AD 850. Discoveries from this archaeological site have been an important factor in theories about the great Polynesian migration.

Views From High Above Maupiti Island
Climbing up Mount Teurafaatiu (elevation 1,250 ft. / 381 m.) offers an amazing panoramic view. The 3-hour self-guided challenging hike to the top of the volcano peak offers trekkers an unforgettable 360-degree view of the island, lagoon and motu. If you keep your eyes sharp, you’ll catch a view of Bora Bora and Raiatea in the distance and shadows of manta rays swimming in the lagoon.

Things To Do In Maupiti
Visitors to Maupiti often make it a day trip from Bora Bora. If you’re on a short schedule and looking for things to do in Maupiti, a visit to the superb and picturesque Terei’a beach should be on your list. The white sand beach with crystal clear water no more than a meter deep is as good as they get on the island. At low tide, the shallow water makes it easy to walk to Motu Auria just across the turquoise lagoon. Cliffs, caves and other local discoveries await visitors on the motu.

Manta Ray Cleaning Stations
Snorkelers in the Maupiti lagoon can spot large numbers of manta rays that gather near a “cleaning station.” Cleaning stations are where mantas come to have their skin, gills and teeth cleaned by wrasses, a much smaller fish that live throughout the lagoon in tiny scattered patches of coral. Mantas visit these cleaning stations regularly and can be seen there for hours, often standing in line for their turn. Snorkeling trips to visit the manta ray cleaning station can be arranged on the island through pensions and guesthouses.

How To Get To Maupiti
Maupiti Island is a part of the Leeward Islands, the western portion of the Society Islands, in French Polynesia. Transportation to Maupiti is available by plane or boat. Air Tahiti has regular service to Maupiti from Papeete, Bora Bora and Raiatea. Travel from cities in the United States like Los Angeles can require multiple legs and may take 24 or more hours of travel.

The Bora Bora to Maupiti ferry is also a great way to experience the open waters of French Polynesia. Whether you fly or take the boat from Bora Bora, Maupiti offers travelers lifelong memories of coral gardens, a wealth of culture and delicious dining options on Maupiti.

Maupiti Hotels
Accommodations on Maupiti reflect the island’s quiet pace of life and small-town feel. The island is home to welcoming pensions and guest houses and not five-star, big brand resorts. The modest accommodations are located throughout the island, typically housing four or five rooms and letting visitors feel more like they’re part of the family. The pensions also give an opportunity for travelers to interact with each other too.

Discover Tahitian Events and Annual Festivals
The Islands of Tahiti boasts a wide variety of exciting events year-round. Many holidays and cultural events are an integral part of French Polynesian culture, like the traditional Heiva I Tahiti. Every summer this cultural event in French Polynesia lasts 2 months until July 14th, coming to a close on Bastille Day. It is preceded by a revered fire walk ceremony, Umu Ti, where one can witness a walk across hot, fiery stones in an ancient tradition. Papeete serves as a cultural center for the rest of the festival, where sports competitions, dance and food are abundant.

Don’t Miss Festivals in Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti and the Other Islands of Tahiti
Visitors who don’t want to miss the day celebrating Tahiti Tourism in September where tourists are treated to traditional crafts, shows, cuisine and more. Plan your trip in October to experience the popular canoeing race Hawaiiki Nui Va’a, that starts on the island of Huahine, and goes all the way to Raitea, Taha’a and Matira Bay on Bora Bora.

Endless Festivals And Events for Visitors and Locals
No matter what time of year you choose to plan your trip to The Islands of Tahiti, you will be able to experience the rich culture of French Polynesian festivals and events.

Come Sail Away
To truly experience the awe of The Islands of Tahiti, nothing beats approach them from the sea. Feel the transition from the deep, untamed royal blues and rolling waves of the Pacific to the welcoming hues of a quiet, hushed lagoon. Follow the trail of flower-scented air that announces the land long before you see it. Then, watch these magical islands rise, enchanted, from the horizon. Pause to recognize the moment when you realize you’re not dreaming – these are The Islands of Tahiti.

Cruising and sailing turns to discovery in Tahitian waters where you can embark on a voyage to explore the mystical South Pacific islands and atolls. Here, the ports-of-call are uncrowded and charming, the ships are smaller and luxurious, the neon-blue waters within the lagoons are calm, and the ocean journey between the islands is short. On these voyages, each island stopover will become your next favorite idyll and unforgettable memory.

Best Tahiti Cruises
Tahiti cruises are all about discovering the Tahitian waters where you can embark on a voyage to explore these mystical South Pacific isles. Here, the ports-of-call are uncrowded and charming, the ships are smaller and luxurious, the neon-blue waters within the lagoons are calm, and the ocean journey between the islands is short. Cruises to Tahiti provide voyages where each island stopover will become your next favorite idyll and unforgettable memory.

Top Cruises to Tahiti
Paul Gauguin Cruises
The Paul Gauguin, historic and elegant 5 * ship, criss-crossed the Polynesian waters since 1998. Carrying its 332 passengers to inter-archipelago cruises, The Paul Gauguin has found the ideal recipe to satisfy them : Spacious and comfortable cabins, personalized service (2 crew members for 3 passengers), a cultural program with local flavors … and an almost unlimited range of activities And many privileges.

Windstar Cruises
You haven’t seen Tahiti until you’ve seen it with Windstar Cruises. Under the billowing white sails of the 4-mastered Wind Spirit we visit one legendary Tahitian island after another. Go beyond the ordinary and experience dinner and fire dancers under the stars on a private motu dinner, swim, kayak and sail off the ship’s Watersports Platform, and chat to the Captain and the Officers on the Open Bridge. With just 148 guests, and 101 crew, spacious suites, sumptuous dining and highly personal, award-winning service, this is travel that’s 180 degrees from ordinary.

Cargo Cruises
Aranui 5
More than a means of transportation, you will live aboard an exceptional and shared adventures, learning the Polynesian lands and ancestors. As soon as you sail the Aranui 5, you will be completely immersed in Polynesian life for a 14-day adventure. This ship, baptized in December 2015, was designed to accommodate 254 passengers with 30 spacious, 40 nicely appointed standard cabins and a dormitory for 24 passengers.

Tuhaa Pae IV
An authentic cruise aboard a freight mix (freight and passengers), reliable and comfortable. Observe the embarkation and disembarkation of the freight to these remote islands for which the Tuhaa Pae IV is a real umbilical cord. He brought food and equipment and allowed the inhabitants to export their copra and their agricultural productions to the big island.

Yacht Charter
Embark on an unforgettable cruise to discover The Islands of Tahiti. Aboard a bespoke catamaran, this floating hotel offers a personalized trip voyage combining transportation, accommodations and culinary delights, as well as a wide range of activities to discover the diversity of our islands, with family, friends, and loved ones. Wake up to a new paradise every day.

Good reasons for choosing the sailing stay
• Tahiti is the romantic destination, with your children, or in a group of friends, you can rent just one cabin or the whole of the boat according to the stay you dream of.

• Whether you like an island rather than another, visit a pearl farm or a plantation of vanilla, a valley or a day lazing … you are free! Free from your movements, your rhythm, your itinerary.

• A professional crew You can choose to rent your boat with a crew. Or just a skipper, or a skipper and a hostess who will take care of the stewardship, the kitchen and the hygiene on board. They will be your guides, will tell you the places not to be missed ashore or on the lagoon and will be able to make you share their knowledge and experiences of the culture Polynesia

• Like at the hotel! From the furnished apartment to the luxury suite, there is on a boat all the comfort of your usual holiday places and sometimes even more. The nautical charter is a floating hotel within easy reach of everyone and for everyone’s enjoyment.

• Sea sickness ? No swell, no pitching, no rolling on the Polynesian lagoons! Protected by the coral reef, in an incomparable setting, you slip aboard your boat as on a lake, safely.

• What to do on land? Our preserved islands are full of treasures and offer several excursion possibilities. Each has its own identity, its history, its possibilities of meeting people. Visit the villages, markets, historical places, museums … discover the coral garden, go hiking, golf or horse riding … or enjoy a romantic evening while dining in a large hotel in Bora Bora or Taha’a

Sailing in the islands
Water Activities
Floating atop the water playground of the lagoons, each ship offers unending activities for couples and families. A sample of daily activities include jetskiing, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing, canoeing, diving, shark feeding, and snorkeling. Hop on a glass-bottom boat to explore a lagoon or even charter your own catamaran or powerboat for the day.

Shore-side Activities
Surrounded by lush-green peaks, each island welcomes exploration by 4×4 safaris to dramatic overlooks, circle-island tours stopping off at fruit-tasting shops and historic sites, independent trips for shopping or walking through the villages, or guided hiking trips into the mountains for an overview of the land and ocean.

Unique Events
The Polynesian islands abound in sights, sounds, and experiences found nowhere else on earth and are easily discovered by cruise or yacht charter travelers. By day, live out your South Pacific fantasy when you anchor at a tiny motu for an afternoon of relaxation and fun. Or enjoy personalized tours of the historical and cultural sites hidden on each island. By night, enjoy the best Tahitian performers for elaborate and romantic displays of music and dance.

Checklist for the Perfect Sailing Experience:
Trade winds are predictable and weak to moderate most of the year.
Inter-island sailing is short and voyages can include multiple islands and atolls.
Virtually every island and atoll has an 80ºF (27°C) neon-blue lagoon.
Lagoons are calm and protected with many anchorages.
Passes are wide, have weaker currents, and feature beacon systems.
Supplies are easily found at island markets, marinas, shops, and food stands of fisherman and farmers.
Safety is a part of the islands’ ocean culture with a permanent VHF maritime radio channel, daily meteorological reports, emergency services and medical evacuations.

Onboard a Superyacht
As the first hub for Superyachts in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti offer endless cruising grounds around their 118 islands.

With 1% of land versus 99% of ocean spread over a territory as wide as the continental United States or Western Europe, both sophistication and adventure await in one of the safest places on Earth where ocean conservation has been a governmental priority for over ten years.

Cruise beautiful lagoons through the natural deep passes of the various islands, discover the friendly local people and their love for their amazing Polynesian culture, dive and snorkel world class pristine spots, enjoy the finest dining with a touch of French and Tahitian cuisine in a high end resort, indulge yourself with a local spa treatment, shop for your preferred Tahitian cultured pearls and love the barefoot luxury of a private picnic on a desert white sandy beach… The Islands of Tahiti have it all and will evoke even more unique emotions never experienced before. Feel like you are a pioneer while enjoying all the comfort you would expect while cruising on a super yacht.

Stopovers
The Islands of Tahiti are full of land and sea treasures. Approaching the islands by ship or sailing vessel provides a sense of freedom, reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe in search of human and cultural terrestrial discovery. Cruising among the many diverse islands and atolls is an ideal way to discover The Islands of Tahiti. Many cruise lines offer various South Pacific itineries from Papeete.

Guam, the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands chain, has a unique and complex cultural history. Located in the Western Pacific in the geographic region known as Micronesia, Guam is well known for its strategic military and economic position between Asia and the North American continent, but is less known for its remarkable history and resilient people.

Inhabited for thousands of years archaeological evidence indicates that the Marianas Islands were one of the first places to be settled by seafaring peoples, possibly from Island Southeast Asia, over 4000 years ago. The Mariana Islands appear to have been continuously occupied by people who shared the same culture and language that eventually became known as Chamorro.

Guam’s history is also one of multi-colonialism, with the last 400 years of Guam’s history marked by administrations of three different colonial powers: Spain, the United States and Japan.

The ceding of Guam to the United States as an unincorporated territory after the Spanish-American War in 1898 introduced Chamorros to democratic principles of government and the modern American lifestyle, while keeping them subjects of a sometimes oppressive US Naval administration.

Guam also had a unique position in World War II, when Japan invaded the island shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. For the next three years, Guam was the only US territory occupied by Japanese forces until the Americans returned in 1944 to reclaim the island.

The political maneuverings after World War II and the post war buildup led to even more expansion of US military interests in Guam and the rest of Micronesia, with Guam becoming a hub for economic and commercial development. The easing of military restrictions for entering Guam and the establishment of a local, civilian government, have made the island an ideal place for people from all over the world to visit, go to school, find jobs or pursue a variety of economic interests. Today, Guam has a diverse population that enjoys a rich, multicultural, modern and urban lifestyle, yet continues to carry the indigenous spirit, language and culture of its people.

Guam’s beautiful landscape and abundant flora and fauna possess a magnetic beauty that must be experienced to be believed. With average daily temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, visitors can explore Guam’s great outdoors in sun-drenched comfort. Experience Guam’s natural wonders in exquisite detail on dives, hikes, and submarine tours, and take in sweeping views from overlooks such as Two Lovers Point, Cetti Bay, and Sella Bay.

A One-of-a-Kind Paradise
Formed by the union of two now-extinct volcanoes bridged by a limestone plateau, Guam’s geography is as unique as the people who call the island home. A coral table reef with deep channels surrounds a majority of the island. Sandy beaches, rocky cliff lines and mangroves characterize the coastline areas.

Guam is home to 32 waterfalls and the highest mountain on earth, Mount Lamlam. If that sounds unbelievable, consider that the mountain’s base starts in the deepest part of the ocean, the Marianas Trench. Even though Lamlam (or “Lightning” in the Chamorro language) juts only about 1,300 feet out of the water, technically speaking it beats out the more famous Himalayan peaks known for their imposing height.

Keeping Our Island Beautiful
Blessed with warm temperatures and good soil, Guam is a place where people can live in utmost harmony with nature, growing and feasting on crops of papaya, mango, calamansi, breadfruit, avocado and banana.

The people of Guam take seriously our responsibility to care for our island’s beautiful environment. A popular annual road race in honor of the endangered ko’ko bird (also known as the Guam Rail) raises awareness about the flightless bird’s struggle for survival against snakes, pesticides and other threats.

Guam’s policymakers, environmental conservationists, and the Guam Visitors Bureau have made concerted efforts to protect our sea heritage in 5 marine parks. Wildlife refuges and sanctuaries ensure that the development that makes Gum luxurious and modern does not overtake our island’s magnificent natural setting.

A large variety of Guam’s indigenous species of plants and animals, including some marine life, can be found at Cushing Zoo, located in the heart of the Tumon tourist district.

Sea Life
As if Guam’s warm waters and sea breezes weren’t alluring enough, our island is also home to an underwater paradise teeming with life in an array of vivid colors.

Over 300 types of coral, 950 fish varieties, and 220 species of benthic marine algae can be found here. Swimming in the crystal clear water that draws divers from all over the world are puffer fish, butterfly fish, soldierfish, squirrelfish, and trumpetfish, to name just a few. Garden eels, giant clams, and reef sharks share an underwater home that is every bit as magnificent as Guam’s beaches.

Guam’s five protected Marine reserves are Pati Point, Piti Bomb Holes, Sasa Bay, Achang Reef Flat, and the unparalleled Tumon Bay, where 200 coral species and 500 marine species thrive in the pure environment of this dedicated habitat.

Eagle Rays and whale sharks have been spotted around Blue Hole, a 300-foot shaft cut in a limestone reef. Nearby at Barracuda Rock live octopus, lionfish and sea turtles. At Shark Pit, pelagic creatures including sharks and pilot whales roam the waters. Cocos Island’s east wall boasts abundant yellow sea fan colonies, soft corals and invertebrates, plus larger fish such as full-grown tuna and barracuda.

Wildlife
Despite its isolation from major land masses, Guam has a number of interesting forms of animal life. Introduced deer and wild pigs inhabit jungle areas, as well as domesticated Carabao, or water buffalo, that can be seen lounging in cool streams on sultry days.

We have shorebirds, such as the American Golden Plover, Gray-tailed Tattlers, and the Mongolian Dotteral. Rare and beautiful birds, such as the rose-crowned fruit dove, king fishers, and the Guam Rail, are endangered species. Catch a glimpse of the Mariana Swiftlet or the Mariana Mallard. Other native birds of Guam include the Mariana Fruit Dove and the Micronesian Megapode. Wild chickens make every neighborhood their home, and their early morning cries serve as alarm clock for many island residents. Enjoy more paintings by H. Douglas Pratt of Guam’s seabirds, shorebirds and waterbirds, as well as forest birds and land birds.

Small, harmless lizards called geckos, blue-tailed skinks, and chameleons patrol our homes and gardens, searching for insects. Occasionally, monitor lizards known locally as hilitai, can be seen darting across roads, especially in the northern part of the island. Despite their popularity on the dinner table, the endangered fruit bats (fanihi) still dwell in caves in the northern tip of the island, though in greatly reduced numbers. Coconut crabs (ayuyu) prowl the grounds at night. Exotic African land snails leave silvery trails on garden paths and multicolored butterflies flutter from one exotic flower to another.

Although Guam has a tremendous amount of fauna diversity, the non-poisonous brown tree snake, introduced to the island sometime after the Second World War by cargo ships has become an unwelcomed predator and pest. According to biologists, these brown tree snakes indigenous to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have virtually eliminated many bird species. The government has spent millions of dollars in attempts to eradicate the pest, and it looks as though it is beginning to work.

Trees
Guam territorial tree: is the ifit, or ifil (Intsia Bijuga), and has a proliferation of coconut and other palms, ornamental and betel nut trees and countless acres of tangan tangan – a hardwood, easily grown tree useful for building and firewood.

Among the largest of Guam’s trees are the monkeypod, which would normally tower over all and provide a wealth of shade, save for the destruction of typhoons over the years.

Guam tropical forests are also home to ironwood pines and other conifers, trees with medicinal uses, ornamental trees, pandanus, hardwoods, softwoods and more, all of which play an instrumental role in Guam’s ecology.

In addition to its inviting beaches, elegant hotels, and great bargains, Guam has another vital attraction- its unique culture. The traditions and customs of Guam’s proud island heritage thrive, despite invading conquerors, wars and epidemics, and changing governments. Forged from a neolithic foundation and molded by historical events, Guam’s living culture has expanded into a vibrant, modern way of life.

Since the 17th century, Catholic churches have been the center of village activities. Even today, every village has its patron saint whose feast day is celebrated with an elaborate fiesta, which the entire island is invited to attend. Family groups still hold christening parties, fandangos (weddings, novenas, funerals, and death- anniversary rosaries). All are flavored by the rich Spanish heritage.

Spanish influence may also be seen in the mestiza, a style of women’s clothing, or, in the architecture of Guam’s southern villages.

Countless Americans, Europeans, Asians, Micronesians, and other visitors have left their imprints on the island’s pastimes and tastes, but nowhere is the island’s multi-cultural influence more evident than in its food.

At a fiesta or other island party, families prepare heavily laden tables of local delicacies, such as red rice, shrimp patties, a Filipino style noodle dish called pancit, barbecued ribs and chicken, and taro leaves cooked in coconut milk. Another mouth-watering treat is kelaguen, usually prepared from chopped broiled chicken, lemon juice, grated coconut, and hot peppers. Fiery finadene sauce, made with soy sauce, lemon juice or vinegar, hot peppers, and onions, is sprinkled over the food for a truly memorable dish. After a hearty meal, Chamorros often enjoy chewing pugua (betel nut), mixed with powdered lime and wrapped in pepper leaf.

Music is an integral aspect of an island lifestyle, and performances using traditional instruments, such as the belembaotuyan, are highlights of cultural presentations. The belembaotuyan, made from a hollow gourd and strung with a taut wire and pressed against ones bare stomach, creates a melodic sound enjoyed by all. The nose flute, once a long forgotten instrument, is now making a hearty return.

The Kantan Chamorro style of singing has been a favorite form of entertainment for generations. Additionally, it has been used to lighten long hours of group work activity, such as weaving, corn husking, and net fishing. One singer would begin the familiar four-line chant, referring romantically or teasingly in the verse to another person in the group. The challenged person would then take up the tune and the song might continue in this fashion with different singers for hours.

Contemporary music is an important element of social gatherings, ranging from fiestas and fandangos to casual backyard parties. Musicians usually sing Chamorro, American, Filipino, or a variety of Asian songs.

Legends and folklore about village taotaomo’na (ancient spirits), doomed lovers leaping to their death off Two Lovers’ Point (Puntan Dos Amantes), and Sirena, a beautiful young girl who became a mermaid, are portrayed in many of Guam’s enriching cultural dances.

Guam’s traditional arts are very much alive. During cultural fairs and exhibitions, visitors often have the opportunity to watch master weavers, carvers and even a blacksmith at work.

Weavers, using the traditional pandanus or coconut fibers, fashion baskets of various sizes, purses, hats, floor mats, and wall hangings. Carvers hew tables, plaques, figurines of people or animals, and household implements using ifil wood, or pago woods.

The traditional ways are being passed along to the younger generations through apprenticeship programs in order to preserve the island’s art heritage. A master blacksmith, for example, recently graduated three pupil, who have learned how to make useful steel farming and fishing implements, such as coconut graters, hoes, machetes, and fishing spearheads. Other hand-forged items include betel nut scissors, tools for weaving, and knives.

THE PEOPLE
A trip to Guam is like visiting the four exotic corners of the globe. Guam is considered the hub of the western Pacific and undeniably Micronesia’s most cosmopolitan destination – a true example of the great American melting pot. In addition to the indigenous Chamorros and ‘stateside’ Americans, Guam boasts large populations of Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and Micronesian Islanders, as well as a few Vietnamese, Indians, and Europeans.

As the 1990 census figures indicate, the ethnic composition of the island is 43 percent Chamorro, 23 percent Fllipino, 15 percent other ethnic groups, 14 percent Caucasian, and 5 percent other Pacific Islanders. Approximately half of all Guam residents were born on Guam, and 70 percent of these are under the age of 34.

Festival of the Pacific Arts
The Festival of the Pacific Arts is held every four years since 1972, and brings together artists and cultural practitioners from around the Pacific region for two weeks of festivity. It is recognized as a major regional cultural event, and is the largest gathering in which Pacific peoples unite to enhance their respect and appreciation of one another.

Learn about the Chamorro Culture

The idea of a Festival of Pacific Arts was conceived by the Conference of the South Pacific Commission (now the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, SPC) in an attempt to combat the erosion of traditional customary practices. Since 1972, delegations from 27 Pacific Island Nations and Territories have come together to share and exchange their cultures at each Pacific Arts Festival. A delegation of 2,500 performers, artists and cultural practitioners is expected, in addition to thousands of visitors from Asia and festival followers who see to it they are part of the festival every four years.

The 27 Pacific Island Countries and Territories expected at the festival are: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Easter Island, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji Islands, French Polynesia, Guam (2016 Host), Hawaii, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.

Guam made its bid to host the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts and was awarded this distinction at the 10thFestival held in American Samoa, in 2008. It was during the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts held in the Solomon Islands, July 2012, where Guam officially received the festival flag. The 2016 festival is Guam’s opportunity to showcase its unique Chamorro culture that has survived colonization of the past and modernization of the present.

Cultural Presentations
If you do nothing else when you visit Guam, discover the essence of Chamorro culture through the intriguing array of cultural presentations available on the island. This living heritage is at the heart of the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes vacationing on Guam the ideal travel experience.

Historical Background
Today, Chamorro people make up about 37 percent of Guam’s population. Their ancestors were the first inhabitants of Guam, expert seafarers who probably traveled from Southeast Asia by canoe to the island more than 3,500 years ago. They built fast-sailing outrigger canoes called proas for travel and trade with the surrounding islands, and navigated by the stars, waves, and ocean flora and fauna with ease. In addition to their seafaring tradition, early Chamorro people were expert weavers and pottery-makers, evidenced in cultural artifacts and architecture that remain today.

A Living Culture
Guamanians and our visitors from around the world are benefiting from an ongoing cultural resurgence here. A desire to reconnect more deeply with the past is awakening.

This is significant because although there was a degree of cooperation and friendship between the original Chamorro inhabitants of Guam and the Spanish newcomers who arrived in the 16th century, the conflict and disease that followed European contact took a heavy toll on the local population. These deaths eroded Chamorro customs, traditions, and knowledge of the old ways. Many Chamorros converted to Christianity, took up Spanish customs, and intermarried.

Storytelling
Storytelling in Guam is an important method of passing knowledge from one generation to the next. The Chamorro culture is rich in myths and legends that trace roots through several millennia. This oral tradition is an affirmation of existence that carries on today. Storytellers have long been respected members of society because of their ability educate and entertain. That tradition continues with storytelling events throughout March, when Guam celebrates Chamorro month.

Architecture
You can witness Chamorro builders’ ingenuity firsthand amid the thatch-palm roofs of historic monuments designed to transport you back in time as if by magic. As you stroll the grounds, consider how, through millennia, the Chamorros crafted unique structures such as the latte stone (a support pillar carved of limestone or basalt), built traditional huts known as Guma’ Higai, and raced through warm ocean waters in speedy proa canoes. Their distinct architectural innovations are only found within the Sinahi archipelago, the crescent-shaped island chain in which Guam is both the largest and southernmost island.

Eco-Cultural Sites
A number of privately owned eco-cultural retreats are located along Guam’s northwestern beaches and jungles. Each site offers a unique perspective as to what eco-cultural tourism is all about.

Simple Chamorro Greetings
The Chamorro language is experiencing a resurgence, and we Guamanians are proud. At St. Francis School, students order their lunches in Chamorro. Guests at a popular hotel are treated to both solemn and thunderous Chamorro chants during nighttime entertainment. And one business leader holds Chamorro language classes twice a week for his employees. In fact, he attends them himself and has become fluent in the language.

Culture in Guam is alive and genuine. The Chamorro people who were the island’s first inhabitants still make up over 37 percent of Guam’s population, and their language is celebrated by people from many ethnic groups. Don’t be surprised if business owners and restaurant staff greet you with a hearty “Håfa Adai” (Chamorro for “Hello”).

Give your best “Håfa Adai” to anyone you meet on your journey, or take an extra step and try out these simple Chamorro greetings. After all, the casual and friendly atmosphere of Guam is the ideal place to practice a new language!

Guam Jewelry
Over the last ten years, Guam has seen a renewed interest in the handcrafting of traditional Chamorro jewelry. The dedication of several longtime local jewelry artists, as well as apprenticeships for newcomers to the trade, ensure that this important aspect of Chamorro culture endures.

This wearable art form is characterized by the widespread use of local natural materials such as clamshell, bone, spiky Spondylus shells from the peach- and rose-colored mollusks of the same name, and wood from the ifil tree indigenous to Guam. In the pre-contact era, tortoiseshell was also commonly used.

Guam’s jewelry artists, some of whom have decades of experience, often imbue their work with graceful shapes celebrating traditional subsistence practices or Chamorro architecture. Fish hooks and latte stones are just a few of the forms that can be seen decorating the wearers of this eye-catching artwork. If clients are inspired to commission them, some artisans may also craft custom pieces.

Also unique to Guam is a style of gold and silver jewelry bearing images of bamboo or rose blossoms. These pieces are commonly regarded as status symbols, much in the way that traditional jewelry once was.

The wearing of traditional Chamorro jewelry today is a sign of respect for the culture. Historically, it was used in marriages and other religious ceremonies and as a signifier of rank.

In distinct styles for men and women, Guam’s jewelry art represents a unique form of body adornment. Its fidelity to the island landscape will captivate your attention with a beauty rivaling nature itself.

Music, Dance & Arts
A remarkable number of painters, dancers, musicians, playwrights, poets, and artists of all stripes populate Guam’s vibrant cultural scene.

Our island has long been home to thriving and innovative artistic communities, but local art in Guam has become more visible lately thanks to increased organization, institutional support, and above all, the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of its artistic leaders.

MUSIC
Chamorro music can be heard at dance events and festivals across the island, or tune in to the radio in your rental car or hotel room for channels featuring traditional tunes just about any time. The night market in Chamorro village is another great place to hear the lively rhythms of this proud island art form.

Although it would be impossible to describe all of Chamorro music’s incredible variations, one notable form is chanting, sometimes performed call-and-response style and often accompanying traditional dances. With the use of slapping and stomping, performers use their bodies as percussive instruments.

Music is one of the central tenets of Chamorro identity and its fluidity has allowed it to remain so. Chamorro music has undergone several distinct transformations, including after the pre-contact era during Spanish rule, during World War II and again in the post-War activist era, as well as in the 1980s when Guam’s dance scene underwent a major revival period.

DANCE
Venerable dance groups such as the collective Pa’a Taotao Tano’ and the folk dance team Inetnon Gef Pa’go enliven Guam’s movement arts scene. Dancers on the island can be seen jumping, shouting, and wielding long tunas sticks in the Bailan Uritao (Young Man’s Dance) and whirling in sadi’s, thus and coconut leaf skirts in the Bailan Lina ‘la’ (Dance of Life).

Schoolchildren have a wealth of opportunities to get involved at a young age in Guam’s dance culture. They are well prepared to continue the island’s proud tradition of winning over audiences and judges in international performances and competitions. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Guam’s talented dancers perform on their home island.

VISUAL ART
Public art at Guam’s bus stops and village murals inspires all who pass by, while institutional forums such as the Isla Center for the Arts at the University of Guam, the Guam Gallery of Arts at the Chamorro Village, and the Guam Council of the Arts and Humanities Gallery draw crowds with diverse exhibits to satisfy the most eclectic tastes.

MORE ART FORMS
Storytellers, weavers, jewelry makers, blacksmiths, and more: Guam’s arts community is as colorful and active as the sea life teeming in our warm waters. We invite you to include our formal arts venues in your Guam vacation plans. And remember to welcome that spontaneous sense of discovery that just might drop you into the center of our arts scene when you least expect it!

Ancient Architecture Unique to Guam and the Marianas
The ancient latte stones, or simply latte, are a modern symbol of Chamorro strength and identity. Arranged in parallel rows of six to 14 pairs, the Chamorros used latte as a foundation for houses and other important buildings.

Constructed between 1200 BP to 300 BP (before present), latte are as old as the Mayan Pyramids and were in use up until around the time the Spanish colonized the Marianas in the 1600s. Spanish missionaries referred to the latte as Casa de los Antigos or “Houses of the Ancients.”

Each latte is comprised of two stones. The shaft stone on the ground is the haligi, and the cap stone is the tasa. The pillars are made of limestone, basalt, or sandstone and vary in height from about 60 centimeters to more than three meters. Latte are prominent remnants of ancient Chamorro culture found in Guam, Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. No other culture is known to have used this particular form of stone architecture.

One of the best places to see latte is at the Angel Santos Memorial Park in the capital village of Hagåtña. Visitors will find eight latte stones that were built and used by ancient Chamorros to support their wood and thatch homes. The park is one of the stops along the Walking Tour of Hagåtña. The largest latte, the Latte of Freedom, rises 80 feet above Guam and is a welcoming symbol of freedom in the Western Pacific. The monument was built using pennies collected by Guam schoolchildren and provides a panoramic view of Guam’s western shores.

Guam Churches
Before contact with Europeans, Chamorro makanas, or shamans, helped facilitate contact between the living and the spirits of the ancient known as taotaomo’na.

By the second half of the 17th century, Guam would begin to be settled by Spaniards and the missionaries who accompanied them. The Chamorro culture which had developed over thousands of years underwent rapid transformation. Among the changes were shifts in faith practices. The Spanish brought new ways of worshipping and introduced Roman Catholicism to the island.

Over 85 percent of Guam’s population is Roman Catholic. The island is home to over two dozen Catholic churches, including one in each of Guam’s 19 villages. Some of these churches are excellent examples of the Spanish-influenced architecture seen around Guam.

Guam also has at least seven Baptist churches, including in the villages of Agana Heights, Upper Tumon, Tamuning, Dededo, Barrigada, Chalan Pago, and Mongmong.

There are multiple Episcopal and Bahai’i houses of worship on the island, as well as Presbyterian, Filipino Christian, Nazarene, Lutheran, and nondenominational churches. Guam’s religious population also includes Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Early History
In Pacific Island legend, the origin of man is accounted for by a creation myth, with the Turtle and Spider gods creating the universe. Some myths recognise these as land gods, who were invaded and overtaken by the Eel and Stingray gods, who then created the universe.

Traditional legend tells of the spirits moving from Samoa to the Gilbert Islands. The spirits became half human and half spirit, and then a long time later changed into human beings. Many people in Kiribati believe their ancestors to be spirits, some from Samoa, and some from the Gilberts.

Known indigenously as “Tungaru”, the modern history of Kiribati is thought to begin with the arrival of Micronesians in the South Pacific, which took place between 200 and 500 AD. However, some evidence points to migration from Southeast Asia/Indonesia area prior to this, moving into the Pacific around 3000 years ago.

Within these islands a Micronesia culture developed (though not called Micronesian until the Europeans later introduced this name), it was also infused with elements from Polynesian and Melanesian culture from invasions by neighbouring nations such as Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. The culture was also influenced through inter-marriages between theses countries, and later mainly from the influence of ‘Polynesian’ pastors.

The people are Micronesian, and the vast majority speak Gilbertese (or I-Kiribati). English, which is the official language, is also widely spoken, especially on Tarawa. More than half of the population is Roman Catholic, and most of the rest is Kiribati Protestant (Congregational). There are small minorities of Mormon and Bahāʾī followers.

For many years the population of most islands has remained fairly static because of migration to the rapidly growing urban centres of South Tarawa, where more than two-fifths of the population lives. South Tarawa, including Betio, the port and commercial centre of Tarawa, has an extremely high population density. Most people live in single-story accommodations. The rural population of Kiribati lives in villages dominated by Western-style churches and large open-sided thatched meetinghouses. Houses of Western-style construction are seen on outer islands and are common on Tarawa.

Kiribati Language
Kiribati has evolved as a result of sparse geography – a landscape of seclusion and beauty, which is no surprise given the country has the biggest water to land ratio in the world, with land masses of which 32 atolls and 1 ocean island scattered across the pacific equatorial region. Although part of a wider pacific island community, it offers a unique, complex and beautiful culture and language ; and much of this has been maintained because of this isolation. As a traveller, learning some local words and being observant of cultural norms and customs shows respect for the local community and can help preserve its beauty.

Language
English is widely spoken in Kiribati, and as a visitor you will have no problems communicating with the local people. Nevertheless, using some local words is certainly appreciated by the local community, and will put you in good stead for making new friends.

To experience our culture and lifestyle will be a memory you will have for the rest of your life. The culture of Kiribati is complex and diverse, with each island having its own unique ways. Though a living body, many people remain true to the century old traditions and practices that define what it means to be I-Kiribati.

Cultural practices such as community meetings under the maneaba (traditional meeting house) to socialize and feast (a botaki), respect of elderly people, guest hospitality and importance of family remain important facets in the culture of Kiribati.

We warmly welcome visitors in many of our customs and activities, and are proud of our way of life and its celebration. The way of living is very simple and people plan theirliving for a day only, without worrying about their future, living with the moto “Tomorrow is another day”. Survival revolves around strength, motivation and ambition to live within that particular day. Daily lives revolve around the rise and fall of the tide, dictating fishing conditions and timing and availability of transport. Sustainance is from the coconut and breadfruit trees, and the ocean.

The traditional dances of Kiribati are a unique form of art and expression. The movement of the feet, hands and of course the whole body imitates the movement of the frigate birds while walking and flying. The costumes are made out of local materials. The frigate bird symbolizes many important things in the traditional living context of the I-Kiribati. It provides navigation to fishermen while lost at sea, provides weather information for the people and also gives a sign of peace and harmony.

Visitors can experience I-Kiribati culture in many shapes and forms. However we do recommend the best way is to take the plunge and live on an outer island for a week and to immerse you fully in our daily culture. To plan such a visit we have included a number of suggested itineraries that can help you, as well as a number of fact files on many of Kiribati’s outer islands.

The origin of the first inhabitants of Nauru and when they reached the island remain unknown. A long period of relative isolation is believed to account for the distinctiveness of the indigenous language. By the time of the arrival of Europeans in the early 18th century, Nauruan society consisted of 12 matrilineal kinship groups, each having a chief.

An English sailing vessel sighted the island in 1798, but extensive contact with Europeans did not begin until the 1830s, when the whaling industry penetrated eastern Micronesia, and Nauru became a port of call for vessels in search of food and water supplies. Shortly thereafter a small number of European beachcombers settled on the island, bringing with them alcohol, firearms, and foreign diseases. Intraisland warfare among competing districts escalated, becoming particularly intense in the 1880s. Encouraged by a few German traders concerned about their own interests on the island, Germany incorporated Nauru into its Marshall Islands protectorate in late 1888. The German administration and the arrival of the missionaries shortly thereafter brought an end to armed hostilities. In 1906 the Pacific Phosphate Company, a British concern, negotiated an agreement with the German administration to begin the mining of Nauru’s phosphate deposits, and the operation began the following year.

With the onset of World War I, a small Australian force occupied Nauru and removed most German nationals. In 1920 Nauru became a mandated territory within the framework of the League of Nations. Australia, Britain, and New Zealand were named as the responsible authorities, but in actual practice the administration remained in Australian hands. The phosphate industry was taken over by the newly formed British Phosphate Commission, a joint Australian, British, and New Zealand enterprise.

World War II brought another occupier when Japanese forces arrived in August 1942. In the following year, 1,200 Nauruans were taken to Truk (now Chuuk) to serve as forced labourers on Japanese military installations there. A Japanese airstrip on Nauru became the target of American bombers, and the island suffered air attacks for the next two years. In September 1945, Australian troops again took possession of Nauru. On January 31, 1946, with their numbers depleted by almost 500, 737 Nauruans were returned home.

In November 1947, Nauru became a United Nations trust territory, an arrangement paralleling the former League of Nations mandate. The same three metropolitan powers were the responsible authorities, but Australia continued to provide the actual administration.

The people of Nauru are comprised of 12 tribes, as symbolized by the 12-pointed star on the Nauru flag and are believed to be a mixture of Micronesian, Polynesian and Melanesian descent. Their native language is Nauruan but English is widely spoken as it is used for government and commercial purposes.

– Fruit trees are coconut, mango, pawpaw, lime, breadfruit, sour sop, pandanus. The indigenous hardwood is the tomano tree.

– There are a variety of flower trees/plants but the most widely used/favoured are the franjipani, iud, hibiscus, irimone (jasmine), eaquañeiy (from tomano tree), emet and yellow bells.

– Nauruans eat a variety of seafood but fish is still a favourite food of Nauruans – raw, dried, cooked.

Melanesians settled the islands about 3000 BCE and, except for rare Polynesian voyagers, probably were cut off from outside contact until the late 18th century CE. In 1774 the British navigator and explorer James Cook landed at Balade, on the east coast of the mainland, and he named the island New Caledonia for his father’s native Scotland. Cook was followed there by the French navigator Antoine de Bruni, chevalier d’Entrecasteaux, in 1793. Regular contact with Europeans began in 1841 when sandalwood traders from Australia introduced islanders to the use of iron. The arrival of a Protestant mission from the London Missionary Society in the Loyalty Islands in 1841 and a Marist mission, which was set up at Balade with the aid of the French navy in 1843, marked the beginning of the Protestant and Roman Catholic presence in the territory.

France took possession of most of present-day New Caledonia in 1853 in ceremonies at Balade and the Île des Pins with the aim of reserving the territory as a possible site for a penal colony. The French flag was not run up in the Loyalty Islands until 1864.

From the time of colonial settlement until as late as 1917, Melanesian uprisings were common and were constantly feared by the settlers and authorities alike. The insurrection of 1856–59 near Nouméa and the uprising of 1878–79, which extended along the west coast from Bouloupari to Poya, seriously endangered French occupation. Grievances centred around the confiscation of Melanesian lands, the foraging of settlers’ cattle on the Melanesians’ produce gardens, and the head tax, which in 1899 was imposed by the colonial government on male Melanesians in order to oblige them to obtain employment with settlers and the government. The French suppressed each uprising (with the help of indigenous auxiliaries) by destroying villages and crops and demanding unconditional surrender, and insurgents were punished by deportation or execution and further confiscation of their lands.

By 1860 French authority had been established over the southern third of the mainland, and in the next decade the French established policies for disposing of indigenous land, regrouping tribes, and appointing a system of tribal chiefs to represent the administration. By the end of the 19th century, large areas of Melanesian land had been alienated and the inhabitants relegated to reserves. Forced labour, limitations on travel, and curfews were imposed from the early days of colonial rule and became the basis of a system of administrative law codified in 1887 as the indigénat (native regulations). The indigénat, as well as the head tax, remained in force until 1946.

Although the prime concern of the early colonial administration was the reception and control of about 22,000 French convicts sent to New Caledonia between 1864 and 1897, the French also attempted to attract free settlers and obtain a supply of cheap labour. In addition, between 1864 and 1939 some 60,000 indentured labourers were imported to construct public works and to work on plantations, ships, wharves, and mines and in commerce and domestic service. These included ni-Vanuatu (the indigenous population of Vanuatu) and Solomon Islanders (1865–1920), Vietnamese (1891–1939), Javanese (1896–1939), and Japanese (1892–1921). Only a small percentage of the survivors of these workers remained in the colony after their contracts expired, and, although few ex-convicts left the territory, not many established families. New Caledonia was also the unlikely home of some 4,000 déportés, political exiles of the 1871 uprising of the Paris Commune, but few of the survivors stayed after being granted amnesty. Most of the free white settlers were either former members of the French administration and armed forces, settlers from Australia and New Zealand, or former sugar planters from Réunion. The government encouraged two later waves of free settlers in the 1890s and 1920s to migrate to help establish coffee and cotton industries, respectively, but Europeans remained in the minority. After World War II the European population gradually increased by migration, but the main influx of white and Polynesian settlers occurred in the years leading up to and including the nickel boom of 1969–72. For the first time, the Melanesians became a minority in their own country, although they still were the largest single ethnic group.

Melanesians make up more than two-fifths of the population and Europeans about one-third. Their differing cultures have given rise to two distinct ways of life, known as kanak and caldoche; people of mixed descent tend to adhere to one or the other. The kanak identity is based on clan membership, a network of family alliances and specific land rights. The caldoche way of life is essentially integrated into a cash economy. The Polynesian minority comprises Wallis and Futuna islanders, who make up about one-tenth of the total, and smaller numbers of Tahitians. Descendants of Indonesian and Vietnamese migrant workers also form small proportions of the population and reside primarily in urban areas.

There is no official language, but French and Kanak have special legal recognition. Some 30 Melanesian languages are spoken, most Melanesians being proficient in more than one.

The Roman Catholic Church claims half of the population as adherents, including almost all of the Europeans, Uveans, and Vietnamese and half of the Melanesian and Tahitian minorities. Of the Protestant churches, the Free Evangelical Church (Église Libre) and the Evangelical Church in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands (Église Evangélique en Nouvelle-Calédonie et Îles Loyauté) have the largest number of adherents; their memberships are almost entirely Melanesian. There are also numerous other Christian groups and small numbers of Muslims.

For the first four decades of the 20th century, the Melanesian population was fairly stable, but by the mid-1980s it had doubled. Migration into and out of the country has been an important factor in the size of the non-Melanesian communities. The birth rate is higher among Melanesians and Uveans than among other groups, but infant mortality is also higher among Melanesians.

About three-fifths of the people live in the metropolitan area of Nouméa, which since 1965 has expanded to embrace the adjacent municipalities of Dumbéa, Mont-Dore, and Païta. Nouméa has numerous bars and restaurants, shops and supermarkets, a hospital, schools, a newspaper, and radio and television broadcasting facilities. About four-fifths of people of migrant origin, including Europeans, Polynesians, and Asians, live there as compared with one-fourth of the Melanesian population. About three-fourths of the Melanesians live outside Nouméa in small, widely dispersed villages with few modern facilities. They engage chiefly in subsistence agriculture based on the cultivation of yams, taros, sweet potatoes, and bananas. The population is almost entirely Melanesian in the Loyalty Islands, the Île des Pins, and the Bélep Islands and on the east coast and in the mountain ranges of the main island.

European cultural influence is evident in Nouméa, with its bars, restaurants, and cinemas, the Bernheim Library (1905; a large collection endowed by an early mine owner, Lucien Bernheim), museums, and bookshops. For the Europeans, sports tend to be closely related to the sea and include boating, fishing, windsurfing, and swimming or sunbathing at the city beaches of Vata Cove and the Bay of Citrons; tennis and cycling are also popular. Although football (soccer) in France is closely followed, large numbers of Melanesian men play the sport locally. Melanesian women have widely adopted a version of cricket, which was first introduced by early British missionaries in the Loyalty Islands. Melanesian football and cricket teams compete annually in countrywide competitions.

In many areas Melanesian custom remains strong, particularly in relation to clan and family ties and obligations. Almost without exception Melanesians, regardless of their education or urbanization, return to their villages to take part in elaborate ceremonies and gift exchanges on such occasions as births, marriages, and deaths. Traditions have been modified to include Christian ceremonies. In rural areas the traditional division of labour is retained. Women tend to carry out the daily agricultural round of planting, weeding, and harvesting, as well as the domestic tasks of cooking, cleaning, and child rearing. Men perform the heavier tasks of clearing the ground for new gardens. All take part in the annual yam planting and harvesting, which is still something of a ceremonial and social occasion and also sometimes draws urban workers back to their villages for a short period.

The use of local languages remains strong, although French has become the lingua franca through its prevalence in the educational system. With an increase in nationalist sentiment beginning in the late 20th century came a revival of interest among Melanesians in the traditional arts of sculpture, mat and basket weaving, singing, dancing, and wood carving.

New Zealand has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting our unique mix of Māori and European culture. Māori were the first to arrive in New Zealand, journeying in canoes from Hawaiki about 1,000 years ago. A Dutchman, Abel Tasman, was the first European to sight the country but it was the British who made New Zealand part of their empire.

In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, an agreement between the British Crown and Maori. It established British law in New Zealand and is considered New Zealand’s founding document and an important part of the country’s history. The building where the treaty was signed has been preserved and, today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a popular attraction.

You’ll find amazing Māori historic sites and taonga (treasures) – as well as beautiful colonial-era buildings – dotted throughout the country. A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.

THE ARRIVAL OF MĀORI
Māori were the first inhabitants of New Zealand or Aotearoa, guided by Kupe the great navigator
When did Maori first arrive in New Zealand? According to Māori, the first explorer to reach New Zealand was Kupe. Using the stars and ocean currents as his navigational guides, he ventured across the Pacific on his waka hourua (voyaging canoe) from his ancestral Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. It is thought that Kupe made landfall at the Hokianga Harbour in Northland, around 1000 years ago.

Where is Hawaiki?
You will not find Hawaiki on a map, but it is believed Māori came from an island or group of islands in Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. There are distinct similarities between the Māori language and culture and others of Polynesia including the Cook Islands, Hawaii, and Tahiti.

Tribal Waka
More waka hourua followed Kupe over the next few hundred years, landing at various parts of New Zealand. It is believed that Polynesian migration was planned and deliberate, with many waka hourua making return journeys to Hawaiki. Today, Māori are part of an iwi (tribe), a group of people who are descendants of a common ancestor and associated with a certain region or area in New Zealand. Each iwi has their own hapū (sub-tribes). Iwi can trace their entire origins and whakapapa (genealogy) back to certain waka hourua. The seven waka that arrived to Aotearoa were called Tainui, Te Arawa, Mātaatua, Kurahaupō, Tokomaru, Aotea and Tākitimu.

Living off the land
Māori were expert hunters, gatherers and growers. They wove fishing nets from harakeke (flax), and carved fishhooks from bone and stone. They hunted native birds, including moa, the world’s largest bird, with a range of ingenious traps and snares.

Māori cultivated land and introduced vegetables from Polynesia, including the kūmara (sweet potato) and often cooked hāngi (an earth oven). They also ate native vegetables, roots and berries. Woven baskets were used to carry food, which was often stored in a pātaka — a storehouse raised on stilts.

Defence and weapons
To protect themselves from being attacked by others, Māori would construct pā (fortified village). Built in strategic locations, pā were cleverly constructed with a series of stockades and trenches protecting the inhabitants from intruders. Today, many historic pā sites can be found throughout the country.

Māori warriors were strong and fearless, able to skillfully wield a variety of traditional weapons(opens in new window), including the spear-like taiaha and club-like mere. Today, these weapons may be seen in Māori ceremonies, such as the wero (challenge). You can also find these traditional weapons in museums.

Moriori
While Māori lived throughout the North and South Islands, the Moriori, another Polynesian tribe, lived on the Chatham Islands, nearly 900 kilometres east of Christchurch. Moriori are believed to have migrated to the Chathams from the South Island of New Zealand. In the late 18th century, there were about 2000 Moriori living on the Chathams. However, disease and attacks from Māori saw the numbers of this peace-loving tribe become severely depleted. The last full-blooded Moriori is believed to have died in 1933.

THE ARRIVAL OF EUROPEANS
Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the country, it was the British who colonised New Zealand.

Early visitor from the Netherlands
The first European to sight New Zealand was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. He was on an expedition to discover a great Southern continent ‘Great South Land’ that was believed to be rich in minerals. In 1642, while searching for this continent, Tasman sighted a ‘large high-lying land’ off the West Coast of the South Island.

Abel Tasman annexed the country for Holland under the name of ‘Staten Landt’ (later changed to ‘New Zealand’ by Dutch mapmakers). Sailing up the country’s West Coast, Tasman’s first contact with Māori was at the top of the South Island in what is now called Golden Bay. Two waka (canoes) full of Māori men sighted Tasman’s boat. Tasman sent out his men in a small boat, but various misunderstandings saw it rammed by one of the waka. In the resulting skirmish, four of Tasman’s men were killed.

Tasman never set foot on New Zealand, and after sailing up the West Coast, went on to some Pacific Islands, and then back to Batavia (now Jakarta) in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). His mission to New Zealand was considered unsuccessful by his employers, the Dutch East India Company, Tasman having found ‘no treasures or matters of great profit’.

Enter Britain
Captain James Cook, sent to Tahiti to observe the transit of Venus, was also tasked with the search for the great southern continent thought to exist in the southern seas. Cook’s cabin boy, Young Nick, sighted a piece of land (now called Young Nick’s Head) near Gisborne in 1769. Cook successfully circumnavigated and mapped the country, and led two more expeditions to New Zealand before being killed in Hawaii in 1779.

Early European settlers
Prior to 1840, it was mainly whalers, sealers, and missionaries who came to New Zealand. These settlers had considerable contact with Māori, especially in coastal areas. Māori and Pākehā (Europeans) traded extensively, and some Europeans lived among Māori. The contribution of guns to Māori intertribal warfare, along with European diseases, led to a steep decline in the Māori population during this time.

TREATY OF WAITANGI
Signed in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between the British Crown and Māori.
Around this time, there were 125,000 Māori and about 2000 settlers in New Zealand. Sealers and whalers were the first Europeans settlers, followed by missionaries. Merchants also arrived to trade natural resources such as flax and timber from Māori in exchange for clothing, guns and other products.

As more immigrants settled permanently in New Zealand, they weren’t always fair in their dealings with Māori over land. A number of Māori chiefs sought protection from William IV, the King of England, and recognition of their special trade and missionary contacts with Britain. They feared a takeover by nations like France, and wanted to stop the lawlessness of the British people in their country.

The Treaty of Waitangi drafted and signed
As British settlement increased, the British Government decided to negotiate a formal agreement with Māori chiefs to become a British Colony. A treaty was drawn up in English then translated into Māori.

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840, at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. Forty-three Northland Chiefs signed the treaty on that day. Over 500 Māori Chiefs signed it as it was taken around the country during the next eight months.

The articles
The Treaty had three articles: that the Queen (or king) of Great Britain has the right to rule over New Zealand;
that Māori chiefs would keep their land and their chieftainships, and would agree to sell their land only to the British monarch; and that all Māori would have the same rights as British subjects.

It is the second and third articles have caused controversy through the years, mainly because of translation problems. Successive governments believed the Treaty enabled complete sovereignty over Māori, their lands and resources. But Māori believed that they were merely giving permission for the British to use their land.

Conflict breaks out
Disputes over ownership followed involving a series of violent conflicts during the 19th century. These became known as the New Zealand Land Wars, and were concentrated around Northland and the southern part of the North Island during the 1840s, and the central North Island in the 1860s. Both sides suffered losses, with the Brittish Crown the eventual victor. Land confiscation and questionable land sales carried on through to the 20th century, until the vast majority of land in New Zealand was owned by settlers and the Crown.

Today’s Treaty
Following its signing, many of the rights guaranteed to Māori in the Treaty of Waitangi were ignored. To help rectify this, the Waitangi Tribunal was set up in 1975. It has ruled on a number of claims brought by Māori iwi (tribes) and in many cases, compensation has been granted.

While disagreements over the terms of the treaty continue to this day, it is still considered New Zealand’s founding document.

The grounds and building where the treaty was signed have been preserved. Today, the Waitangi Historic Reserve is a popular tourist attraction. Here you can explore the museum, watch a cultural performance inside the carved Māori meeting house, and visit the colonial mission house, historic flagstaff, and beautiful waka taua (Māori war canoe).

THE LEGEND OF NEW ZEALAND
Māori legend says New Zealand was fished from the sea by the daring demigod Māui.

Who is Māui?
According to Māori and Polynesian myths and legends, Māui was the gifted and clever demigod, who, after a miraculous birth and upbringing won the affection of his supernatural parents.

He was bold and sharp-witted and taught useful arts to mankind although he was not always liked. He tamed the sun and bought fire to the world but one of his most famous feats was the creation of the islands we know today as Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Fishing up the North Island
Māori legend says that one-night Māui’s four brothers planned to go fishing and leave him behind. Overhearing their plans and not wanting to be left out, Māui hid under the floorboards of his brother’s canoe and waited until they were far away from the shore before revealing himself. He had carved a magic fishhook from an ancestors’ jawbone and he cast it deep into the sea, chanting powerful words.

Soon, Māui realised he had caught something. Something huge! With the help of his brothers, the catch was hurled to the surface of the water. Much to their surprise the fish they had caught was in fact a huge piece of land and they were delighted to find that they had discovered ‘Te Ika a Māui’ (Māui’s fish), which we know today as the North Island.

Before Māui had time to thank Tangaroa (the god of the sea) for the gift of this land, Māui’s brothers began carving out pieces of the huge fish, creating the many valleys, mountains, and lakes that you see today on the North Island.

The legend of the South Island
‘Te Waka a Māui’ (Māui’s canoe) or what we know now as the South Island is said to be the waka or canoe that Māui and his brothers fished from. It’s believed that the Kaikōura Peninsula on the east coast of the South Island is the place where the seat of the canoe was situated, where Māui stood to haul in his giant catch.

Stewart Island-Rakiura is believed to be the anchor from the canoe and is named ‘Te Punga a Māui’ (Māui’s anchor stone).

20TH AND 21ST CENTURY NEW ZEALAND
While retaining some ties to the British Crown, New Zealand has become a proud nation in its own right.

Colonial Ties
Throughout the 19th and much of the 20th century, the ‘homeland’ of Britain had an enormous influence on New Zealand. Government administration, education, and culture were largely built on British models. New Zealand troops fought, and suffered severe casualties in the Boer War and the two World Wars. As Prime Minister Michael Savage said about England in 1939, ‘where she goes, we go, where she stands, we stand’.

A New Buddy
After World War II, cultural ties with Great Britain remained strong. However, successive New Zealand governments saw the USA as their major ally and protector. New Zealand signed the joined SEATO (South-East Asia Treaty Organisation) and signed the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, and United States) Pact. New Zealand troops also fought with US forces during the Korean and Vietnam wars.

A nation in its own right
While New Zealand is still heavily influenced by its colonial heritage, the country now has its own strong sense of identity. While still a member of the British Commonwealth, and maintaining close, friendly relations with the USA, New Zealand now has a far more independent trading and foreign policy. Since the mid 1980s, New Zealand has been a nuclear free zone, with its armed forces primarily focused on peacekeeping in the Pacific region.

New Zealanders are friendly and down-to-earth people who embrace the spirit of manaakitanga, or hospitality.
With a patchwork history of Māori, European, Pacific Island and Asian influences, New Zealand’s population of five million people is a melting-pot of cultures.

Today, the population of New Zealand(opens in new window) is made up of people from a range of backgrounds; 70% are of European descent, 16.5% are indigenous Māori, 15.1% Asian and 8.1% non-Māori Pacific Islanders.

Geographically, over three-quarters of the population live in the North Island, with one-third of the total population living in Auckland. The other main cities of Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton are where the majority of the remaining Kiwis dwell.

New Zealand demographics don’t tell the full story. Beyond the numbers, what are Kiwi people really like?

Why are New Zealanders called Kiwis?
The name ‘kiwi’ comes from the curious little flightless bird that is unique to New Zealand.

Māori people have always held the kiwi bird in high regard. Their feathers were used to make ‘kahu kiwi’, valuable cloaks worn by tribal chiefs.

In the early 1900s, cartoonists started to use images of the kiwi bird to represent New Zealand as a country.

During the First World War, New Zealand soldiers were referred to as ‘kiwis’, and the nickname stuck.

Eventually, the term Kiwi was attributed to all New Zealanders, who proudly embraced the moniker. Just like the bird, New Zealanders are unique, adaptable and a little quirky.

The quirks and values of Kiwi people
New Zealanders share a set of values that arise from Māori cultural influences, early pioneering spirit, and a love of sports and the outdoors.

Early voyagers
Over four hundred years before Christopher Columbus and the rest of Europe worried about falling off the edge of the world, Māori people voyaged thousands of miles across the vast unknown Pacific Ocean in small ocean-going canoes and became the first inhabitants of Aotearoa New Zealand.

To this day, Maori culture is a core part of New Zealand’s national identity.

Rugged Pioneers
New Zealand’s European pioneers were also brave, rugged and independent. Before establishing farms and settlements, they had to first clear the land – a painstaking and sometimes dangerous activity. Their isolation and exposure to the elements forced these early New Zealanders to become hardy and multi-skilled.

This resourcefulness and ingenuity has greatly contributed to the New Zealand character. The same qualities can be seen today in the new pioneers – a generation of young Kiwi business executives, computer software builders, film-makers, fashion designers, and sportspeople making waves around the world.

Backyard Genius
Since before Sir Ernest Rutherford ‘split’ the atom early in the twentieth century, Kiwis have been discovering and inventing things. Many of these inventions have literally been created in a backyard. While frozen meat, the Hamilton Jet boat, and the bungy jump are probably our most famous Kiwi inventions, there are many others.

New Zealanders are also responsible for the tranquilliser gun, seismic ‘base’ isolators (rubber and lead blocks which minimise earthquake damage), electric fences, the fastest motorbike in the world, freezer vacuum pumps, stamp vending machines, wide-toothed shearing combs, and the electronic petrol pump – to name a few!

Kiwis love the great outdoors
For the same reason that many visitors come to New Zealand, Kiwis have developed a passion for the outdoors and delight in activities that make the most of the spectacular landscape.

With so much coastline, it’s little wonder New Zealanders love the water and it’s reputed that over 15% of New Zealand families own their own boat. Respected as superior yacht designers, Kiwis continue to dominate on the world yachting, kayaking, windsurfing and rowing scene.

Hiking, camping, fishing, bush and beach walks are other popular outdoor pursuits. The more intrepid take to the mountains; following in the footsteps of perhaps the most adventurous Kiwi, Sir Edmund Hillary, who conquered Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, in 1953.

You’ll find a variety of awesome landscapes in New Zealand, all within easy reach of each other.

Spectacular glaciers, picturesque fiords, rugged mountains, vast plains, rolling hillsides, subtropical forest, volcanic plateau, miles of coastline with gorgeous sandy beaches – it’s all here. No wonder New Zealand is becoming so popular as a location for movies.

Lying in the south-west Pacific, New Zealand consists of two main islands – the North Island and the South Island. Stewart Island and many smaller islands lie offshore.

The North Island of New Zealand has a ‘spine’ of mountain ranges running through the middle, with gentle rolling farmland on both sides. The central North Island is dominated by the Volcanic Plateau, an active volcanic and thermal area. The massive Southern Alps form the backbone of the South Island. To the east of the Southern Alps is the rolling farmland of Otago and Southland, and the vast, flat Canterbury Plains.

How it began
New Zealand’s oldest rocks are over 500 million years old, and were once part of Gondwanaland. This massive super-continent started to split up about 160 million years ago, and New Zealand separated from it about 85 million years ago.

New Zealand sits on two tectonic plates – the Pacific and the Australian. Fifteen of these gigantic moving chunks of crust make up the Earth’s surface. The North Island and some parts of the South Island sit on the Australian Plate, while the rest of the South Island sits on the Pacific. Because these plates are constantly shifting and grinding into each other, New Zealand gets a lot of geological action.

Geothermal areas and hot springs
This subterranean activity blesses New Zealand with some spectacular geothermal areas and relaxing hot springs, as well as providing electricity and heating in some areas. Rotorua is the main hub for geothermal attractions, with plenty of mud pools, geysers, and hot springs in its active thermal areas — not to mention its trademark ‘Sulphur City’ smell. First settled by Maori who used the hot springs for cooking and bathing, Rotorua soon attracted European residents. The reputed health benefits of its hot pools quickly earned the area the name of ‘Cureland’.

Beyond Rotorua, you can enjoy hot springs and other thermal activity in most regions of the North Island north of Turangi, as well as in Hanmer Springs and the West Coast in the South Island.

Gentle, sandy beaches to wild, rugged coastlines
New Zealand has over 15,000 kilometres of beautiful and varied coastline. In the Far North and on most of the East Coast of the North Island you’ll find long sandy beaches perfect for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. The North Island’s west coast has dark sandy beaches, with sand heavy in iron. The north of the South Island has some beautiful sandy beaches, while the coastline around the rest of the South Island tends to be wilder and more rugged.

Mountain ranges to fertile farmland
About a fifth of the North Island and two-thirds of the South Island are mountains. Stretching from the north of the North Island to the bottom of the South, these mountains are caused by the collision of the Australian and Pacific Plates.

Over millions of years, alluvial deposits (eroded from the mountains by rivers) formed the vast Canterbury Plains in the South Island and a number of smaller plains in the North. These alluvial plains contain some of New Zealand’s most fertile and productive farmland.

Glaciers of grinding ice
New Zealand’s Southern Alps have a number of glaciers, the largest being Tasman glacier, which you can view by taking a short walk from Mount Cook village. New Zealand’s most famous glaciers are the Franz Josef and Fox on the South Island’s West Coast. Gouged out by moving ice over thousands of years, these spectacular glaciers are easily accessible to mountaineers and hikers. You can walk up to the glaciers or do a heli-hike — fly up by helicopter and walk down.

Sunken Mountains
Over thousands of years, the process of subduction has seen parts of the New Zealand landscape become submerged. The Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland are examples of high mountain ranges that have ‘sunk’ into the sea, creating spectacular sounds and fiords. These areas provide some of New Zealand most picturesque scenery, with steep lush hills plunging down to the deep still bays below. Clear, deep still water surrounded by beautiful bush makes these areas ideal for boating and kayaking.

There is archaeological evidence that Niue was settled about 900 CE by Samoans. According to tradition, a second group, a war party from Tonga, arrived sometime in the 16th century. Capt. James Cook landed on Niue in 1774 and, because of hostility from the Niueans, named it Savage Island. London Missionary Society members began to arrive in the 1830s, and by the 1850s the islanders had been converted to Christianity.

In 1900 Great Britain established a protectorate over Niue. The following year the island was annexed to New Zealand as part of the Cook Islands, but in 1903 it was separated and given its own resident commissioner and island council. The first Niuean Legislative Assembly was elected in 1960, and in 1966 the resident commissioner’s authority was partly delegated to the assembly and a Niuean leader of government was installed. In 1974 the people voted for a new constitution, choosing self-government in association with New Zealand. The devastation caused by a tropical cyclone in 2004 greatly affected the economy, and over the next several years the island began to rebuild with the help of foreign aid, particularly from the New Zealand government and the European Investment Bank. Niue is a member of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum.

PEOPLE
Scattered throughout the 14 neat and colourful villages, Niue’s less than 1500 residents enjoy dual citizenship, as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. They are bilingual, speaking both Niuean and English, and enjoy an independent lifestyle. The locals are very respectful, genuinely friendly and hospitable to visitors and have accepted tourism as an important component to their economic development and well being. They are well educated and enjoy life.

LANGUAGE
Niuean and English are widely spoken in Niue. The following Niuean words are handy to learn:
Greetings or hello: Fakaalofa lahi atu
Thank you: Fakaaue
Please: Fakamolemole
Eat: Kai
Drink: Inu
Good luck: Kia monuina

RELIGION
The church plays a large part in the community and there are many denominations catered for. Attending a mass is recommended no matter what your beliefs may be just to experience the beautiful singing.

Wearing swimwear in villages and the town is not acceptable in Niue. A paleu (sarong) should be worn around swimwear in public so as not to offend locals.

Sunday is a respected and quiet day in Niue. Most people attend church in the morning and again in the afternoon. Throughout the country, Sunday is considered to be a day of rest and worship and visitors are asked to be considerate of the local Sunday observances. Many people play golf, go sightseeing and swimming on Sunday, but certain activities such as boating and fishing are not allowed. If you are passing through a village on Sunday please ensure that you keep to the speed limit and your clothing and behaviour is respectful of tradition. Anyone not sure of Sunday protocols are encouraged to check at the Niue Tourism Visitor Information Centre for guidance.

Early period
Archaeological evidence at Chalan Piao on Saipan indicates that the Northern Marianas were settled by an insular people originating in Southeast Asia. They made a distinctive form of red-slipped pottery, sometimes incised with lime-filled decoration, closely related to Philippine ceramics. By AD 800 a plain, unslipped pottery style was in use. Stone architecture had also developed, characterized by parallel rows of upright pillars topped with hemispheric capstones (halege). According to early Spanish accounts, the pillars were supports for structures called latte (for which term the culture is named), which may have served as houses or canoe sheds. Each village had from one to several latte structures. Stone and shell tools were used and betel nuts were chewed, as shown by extended burials most often located between the rows of latte.

The Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to arrive on the Marianas when he stopped there briefly in 1521. There is some historical question as to which island he actually visited, but Magellan named the islands the Ladrones (Spanish: “Thieves”) because while he was there some of the islanders took a small skiff that he had trailing behind one of his ships.

In 1565 Miguel López de Legazpi landed at Umatac, Guam, and proclaimed Spanish sovereignty over the Ladrones; some priests went ashore to perform mass. No colonies were started at that time, however, because the Spanish were more interested in conquests in the Americas, the Philippines, and the Moluccas. The British adventurer Thomas Cavendish was the next to visit the Marianas, in 1588 aboard the Desire. He traded briefly, and as he left he ordered his men to open fire from the rear of the ship to discourage the islanders from following.

The effects of the early explorers and those who followed them to the islands were mixed. On one hand the Europeans provided ironware and cloth, which was traded for fresh produce. On the other hand they introduced infectious diseases, including influenza, smallpox, leprosy, venereal diseases, and tuberculosis, which severely depleted the indigenous population.

Spanish colonial rule
The permanent colonization of the islands began with the arrival of the Jesuit priest Diego Luis de Sanvitores in 1668. With him were priests, laymen, women, and some Filipino soldiers. Mariana of Austria, the regent of Spain, financed his mission, and he renamed the islands the Marianas in her honour. Sanvitores and his colonists established churches and religious schools. A series of revolts attended those efforts, since the islanders resisted conversion to a religion that did not fit traditional beliefs. In response, the Spanish moved the population of the Marianas into enclaves and segregated the people into villages. Many islanders were killed in the process of relocation. Others died from the rapid spread of disease in the settlements, thus further decreasing the population.

In 1680 the Spanish sent reinforcements led by José Quiroga, who was interim governor of the Marianas from 1680 to 1696. He subdued the islanders after a series of revolts, sieges, murders of missionaries, and burning of churches that was known as the “Chamorro wars” and that resulted in many islanders fleeing to the hills. In reprisal, the entire native population was relocated from Saipan and Rota in the northern Marianas to the island of Guam. Finally, the Chamorro people took the oath of allegiance to the king of Spain, accepted Spanish customs, and began to wear Western-style clothes, cultivate corn (maize), and eat red meat—some of the cultural traits that the Europeans associated with “higher” civilization. Artisans were sent to the villages to teach sewing, spinning, weaving, tanning, iron forging, stone masonry, and other crafts. By 1698 the subjugation of the Marianas was complete.

The Spanish branched out from the Marianas into the rest of Micronesia, meeting only mild resistance. Guam became a regular stop for the Spanish galleons traveling between the Philippines and Mexico.

By the 19th century the Marianas had become involved in European colonial rivalries. German and British soldiers and settlers began to encroach on Spanish claims in Micronesia, and difficulties were averted in 1886 by the mediation of Pope Leo XIII, whose efforts in this regard prevented war between Germany and Spain. But Spain’s empire was weakening, and by 1898 war with the United States was at hand. After American naval forces under the command of Commodore George Dewey defeated the Spanish fleet in the Philippines and took Guam, Spain decided in 1899 to withdraw entirely from the Pacific. It subsequently sold its possessions—including all of the Marianas except Guam, which the Americans still held—to Germany.

German and Japanese control
The Germans promptly established an administrative centre at Saipan, which had served as the seat of the Spanish administration after the Americans captured Guam in 1898. This period marked the permanent division between Guam and the Northern Marianas. Schools, a hospital, and other public buildings were erected in the Northern Marianas, and colonists were encouraged to emigrate from Germany. Large coconut plantations were started, as were other agricultural projects. Copra production was the main German agricultural interest.

German control in the Northern Marianas ended abruptly with the outbreak of World War I. In October 1914 the Japanese navy took possession of the Northern Marianas and the rest of Micronesia. Japan’s authority for this seizure was based on several secret agreements with the British designed to keep the peace in Asia in the event of war. After World War I, Japan received the Northern Marianas by the terms of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, and then later as a mandate under the League of Nations on Dec. 17, 1920. The United States, which continued to hold Guam, recognized this mandate on Feb. 11, 1922.

Japanese rule in the Northern Marianas was direct and allowed the islanders little part in local government. The basic laws of Japan were extended to the islands with only a few modifications to meet local conditions. Formal educational facilities were restricted, with emphasis placed on learning the Japanese language. Public health conditions, however, were improved, and hospitals were established. Economic development was Japan’s main interest, and large sugarcane plantations and refineries were started at Saipan and Rota. Large numbers of labourers and investment capital were made available. There was also full employment.

With the start of World War II in the Pacific in December 1941, the Japanese immediately took Guam from the United States and made their domination of the Marianas complete. The larger islands of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Pagan, and Agrihan, along with Guam, became bases for Japanese expansion to the south and east. In 1943 U.S.-led Allied forces began to reduce Japanese strength in Micronesia, and in June–July 1944 the Marianas were neutralized with the recapture of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. The three islands then became Allied bases for the bombing of the Japanese home islands; the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were flown from an air base at Tinian.

The native people of the Northern Mariana Islands are Micronesians. Only about one-fourth of the total population are Chamorros, descendants of the original inhabitants, who intermingled with Spaniards, Mexicans, Filipinos, and various other Europeans and Asians. About one-third of the people are Filipino, and there are smaller proportions of Chinese, Koreans, and other Pacific Islanders. There is also a small minority of Carolinians, descendants of people who migrated from the central Carolines during the 19th century. About two-fifths of the Northern Marianas population is native-born; small numbers come from Guam, the United States, or nearby island states. More than half of the people are nonresident aliens, or guest workers, mostly from Asia and largely employed in the garment industry. Since the late 1990s the government has attempted to control and reduce the number of nonresidents.

Having lost most of their original Pacific Islands culture, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands have a mode of life that is Spanish Roman Catholic but is influenced by American culture. Saipan has more than nine-tenths of the commonwealth’s total population. Chamorro, related to Indonesian, is the principal language. Chamorro, Carolinian, and English are official languages; Chinese and Filipino are also widely used. About nine-tenths of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Although Roman Catholicism predominates, there are significant minorities of independent Christians, Protestants, and Buddhists.

The cultural diversity of the Northern Marianas has increased rapidly since the late 20th century. There are growing Filipino, Chinese, and Korean communities, although they have limited political representation. The Carolinian community, which has lived on Saipan since the 19th century, is represented in the legislature. The local Chamorro population, with its tradition of extended families, is dominant in political, economic, and cultural matters.

A local arts council has promoted folk arts and cultural events in the community, and there are small museums and libraries. Public beach parks and preserves as well as golf courses and other sports facilities provide recreation; scuba diving is particularly popular among tourists. American national holidays and several local holidays are celebrated.

The Guam daily newspaper, which provides some local coverage, supplements two local weekly newspapers; all are published in English. There are several radio and television stations, and mobile phone usage, though low, was increasing in the early 21st century.