South Pacific - Tahiti & French Polynesia (Chapter)

This is the Tahiti & French Polynesia chapter from Lonely Planet's South Pacific guidebook.

Just the name Tahiti conjures up centuries of legend and lifetimes of daydreams. Its 18th-century reputation as a wanton playground of flower-bedecked Polynesians in an Eden-like setting has effortlessly morphed into a 21st century image of a chic holiday haven for honeymooners.

• explore by 4WD Tahiti's divinely lush and craggy interior
• maps
• watch the best of the best shake their hips at the Heiva festival's dance competitions in Pape'ete in July
• transport
• dive with sharks and manta rays in Rangiroa's fantastic Tiputa Pass
• restaurants & accommodation

Coverage includes: Understand Tahiti & French, Polynesia, French Polynesia Today, History - From European Arrivals to the 20th Century, Culture, Arts, Directory A-Z, Getting There & Away, Getting Around, Tahiti, Pape'ete, Tahiti Nui, Tahiti Iti, Mo'orea, Huahine, Ra'iatea & Taha'a, Ra'iatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Tuamotu Islands, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, Manihi, Marquesas Islands, Nuku Hiva, 'Ua Huka, 'Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, The Austral Islands, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and the Gambier Archipelago.