Easter Island, traditionally known as Rapa Nui, conjures up images of myths and tragedies and forgotten far off lands. The island is indeed one of the most remote parts of the world - the nearest populated land mass is tiny Pitcairn Island almost 2000km to the west with the South American coast being 3,700km to the east. There are no islands to the north or south. The Polynesian people who lived, first arrived about 400AD from the Marquesas but in time, they believed they were from Te Pito o Te Henua - the navel of the world and there is little evidence of trade with other islands - it seems these Polynesians knew nothing of the world beyond their horizon.
Facts
-land mass: 45 sq. miles
-population: 2,500
-tourists: 3,000
-total islands: 1
-# of hotels (approx.): 15
-language: Spanish, Rapa Nui
-temp 0C : Jan 25 ; Jun 20
-currency: Chilean Peso
There are several unique and fascinating archaeological sites to see including the many, now fallen, Maoi stone statues staring stoically into the ocean. There are also many stone platforms as well as the unique hieroglyphic scripts carved on wooden tablets - and no other Polynesian society had developed the written form.
Tourism remains low key despite the islands international recognition as a unique destination. There are no hotels as such but instead a good variety of guesthouses offering all standards and budgets. Several tour companies offer organised trips to visit the sights around the island. Car and bicycle hire are the alternatives. Cuisine on island is influenced by its many South American inhabitants and food on the whole is generally quite expensive.
Lan Chile operates four flights a week from Santiago in Chile and connecting on to Papeete in Tahiti.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tokelau Islands
Tokelau is tiny coral island about 500km north of Samoa which remains a dependent territory of New Zealand. There is no airport so the only way to get there is on the monthly cargo boat from Samoa, a journey that takes over 2 days and nights.
This tiny collection of three coral atolls is the true south seas of old. Tourists seldom visit the islands as the only way of getting there is by cargo boat from Samoa. Those that make the arduous journey will find nothing much to do except chill out with the locals. The atolls themselves are tiny - none rise above 5 metres and are less than 200 metres wide. Travel between the atolls is by local catamaran which sometimes departs fortnightly. Life is very traditional with strict Christian beliefs and all village affairs are dictated by the chiefs and elders. Food and water are scarce. Visas must be obtained from the Office for Tokelau Affairs in Apia, Samoa tel: (685) 20822; fax (685) 21761. Accommodation and a return ticket to Samoa must be pre-booked and it is customary to contact the village spokesman before you arrive asking permission and advising your intentions for travel. Camping is prohibited.
This tiny collection of three coral atolls is the true south seas of old. Tourists seldom visit the islands as the only way of getting there is by cargo boat from Samoa. Those that make the arduous journey will find nothing much to do except chill out with the locals. The atolls themselves are tiny - none rise above 5 metres and are less than 200 metres wide. Travel between the atolls is by local catamaran which sometimes departs fortnightly. Life is very traditional with strict Christian beliefs and all village affairs are dictated by the chiefs and elders. Food and water are scarce. Visas must be obtained from the Office for Tokelau Affairs in Apia, Samoa tel: (685) 20822; fax (685) 21761. Accommodation and a return ticket to Samoa must be pre-booked and it is customary to contact the village spokesman before you arrive asking permission and advising your intentions for travel. Camping is prohibited.
Tuvalu Islands
Tuvalu is one of the worlds smallest nations spread over 800 km of ocean and located about 1000km north of Fiji. The seven islands are all tiny coral atolls, no higher than 5 metres high with a fragile eco-system unable to support its growing population.
The government of Tuvalu is so concerned about over population and rising sea levels that it has already purchased land in Fiji (the island of Kioa) and re-settled some of its population and is looking for more land. With few natural resources, the coconut fronds and pandanus leaves that can grow on the islands are put to use in making some of the finest handicrafts in the Pacific.
The main island of Funafuti has the nations only airport which is served from Fiji. Visas are granted on arrival for one month. Funafuti is a ramshackle place with a litter problem, has a few hotels and guesthouses and is mostly westernised. The other atolls all retain traditional houses and lifestyles, although boat services to them are unreliable. It is customary to contact the village spokesman before you arrive asking permission and advising your intentions for travel. Camping is prohibited.
The government of Tuvalu is so concerned about over population and rising sea levels that it has already purchased land in Fiji (the island of Kioa) and re-settled some of its population and is looking for more land. With few natural resources, the coconut fronds and pandanus leaves that can grow on the islands are put to use in making some of the finest handicrafts in the Pacific.
The main island of Funafuti has the nations only airport which is served from Fiji. Visas are granted on arrival for one month. Funafuti is a ramshackle place with a litter problem, has a few hotels and guesthouses and is mostly westernised. The other atolls all retain traditional houses and lifestyles, although boat services to them are unreliable. It is customary to contact the village spokesman before you arrive asking permission and advising your intentions for travel. Camping is prohibited.
Niue Island
In early January 2005, Niue Island was hit by the devastating Hurrican Heta. Substantial damage was caused much of the topurism industry suffered. However, rebuilding has been swift and several new hotels have been completed.
Niue Island, the "rock" island, lies about 600km to the east of Tonga in the south west Pacific about half way between New Zealand and French Polynesia. There are few beaches on the island, but travellers to this remote island will find an easy going and extremely friendly Polynesian society.
Isolated Niue is a raised atoll or makatae, similar to the islands of Atiu and Mangaia in the Cook Islands and is about 100 sq. miles in size. It is quite flat making it an excellent place to explore by bicycle and tropical forests dominate in the east of the island where bird life is rich.
The capital town is Alofi, located on a peninsula on the west of the island with about 2000 inhabitants, being half the population. The coastline around the island is extremely rocky, with limestone caves making for good snorkelling offshore. Scuba diving off the reef is exceptional, the highlight being the impressive gorgonian fans. Tourism is very low key and the traditional Polynesian lifestyle of farming and fishing is strong. Getting there is expensive due to its isolation from commercial travel routes. Taxis are available at the airport, about 3km south of Alofi Town and cost about NZ$10 although most hotels will meet and greet. Public transport is non-existent around the 60-km paved coastal highway but car hire (NZ$50 per day), mopeds (NZ$20 per day) and bicycles (NZ$8 per day) are readily available. Infrequent cargo boats also visit the island from Tonga.
Niue Island, the "rock" island, lies about 600km to the east of Tonga in the south west Pacific about half way between New Zealand and French Polynesia. There are few beaches on the island, but travellers to this remote island will find an easy going and extremely friendly Polynesian society.
Isolated Niue is a raised atoll or makatae, similar to the islands of Atiu and Mangaia in the Cook Islands and is about 100 sq. miles in size. It is quite flat making it an excellent place to explore by bicycle and tropical forests dominate in the east of the island where bird life is rich.
The capital town is Alofi, located on a peninsula on the west of the island with about 2000 inhabitants, being half the population. The coastline around the island is extremely rocky, with limestone caves making for good snorkelling offshore. Scuba diving off the reef is exceptional, the highlight being the impressive gorgonian fans. Tourism is very low key and the traditional Polynesian lifestyle of farming and fishing is strong. Getting there is expensive due to its isolation from commercial travel routes. Taxis are available at the airport, about 3km south of Alofi Town and cost about NZ$10 although most hotels will meet and greet. Public transport is non-existent around the 60-km paved coastal highway but car hire (NZ$50 per day), mopeds (NZ$20 per day) and bicycles (NZ$8 per day) are readily available. Infrequent cargo boats also visit the island from Tonga.
Micronesia Islands
Micronesia Islands is a collection of thousands of tiny islands and many dependent and independent states in the North Pacific. Famous for its exceptional scuba diving, enhanced by the many relics from WW11 which made it famous, these islands are a mix of remote outposts and commercial tourist destinations, of traditional cultures and lifestyles and american and japanese playgrounds.
Guam is perhaps the best known of the islands and certainly the most visited. Large hotels, fine beaches, large shopping complexes and pure relaxation are its trademarks.
Kiribati Islands (pronounced Kiribas), is perhaps the sparsest of the South Pacific islands. Covering an area of 3.5 million sq. km of ocean and stretching almost 4000 km from east to west, there are just 3 small groups of tiny coral atolls.
The Northern Marianas, including Tinian and Saipan are equally indulgent and offer the complete tourist vacation.
Beyond these islands, tradition and remoteness takes hold and tourism becomes low key. Enchanting spots include the Palau Islands, a myriad of limestone rocks with great sailing and scuba diving, and Yap, a step back in time to the Pacific of old. Archaeological sites throughout the region make this a great place for exploring.
Guam is perhaps the best known of the islands and certainly the most visited. Large hotels, fine beaches, large shopping complexes and pure relaxation are its trademarks.
Kiribati Islands (pronounced Kiribas), is perhaps the sparsest of the South Pacific islands. Covering an area of 3.5 million sq. km of ocean and stretching almost 4000 km from east to west, there are just 3 small groups of tiny coral atolls.
The Northern Marianas, including Tinian and Saipan are equally indulgent and offer the complete tourist vacation.
Beyond these islands, tradition and remoteness takes hold and tourism becomes low key. Enchanting spots include the Palau Islands, a myriad of limestone rocks with great sailing and scuba diving, and Yap, a step back in time to the Pacific of old. Archaeological sites throughout the region make this a great place for exploring.
Hawaii
The Hawaii Islands is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. One of the 50 States of the USA, it is a mix of tradition and modern living, of large beach resorts and tropical adventure. Waikiki rules the tourist brochures, but the absolutely stunning landscape around the group should be more than enough to tempt most tourists to these shores.
Oahu, in particular the tourist icon of Waikiki Beach, is visited by more than 4 million tourists each year, mostly Americans and Japanese. Waikiki beach, the shopping malls of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, magnificent golf courses and the surf on the North Shore are its main attractions.
The Big Island is by far the largest island in the far south of the group, but only 140,000 people live there. But, over a million tourists visit each year, drawn by the stunning tropical scenery, laid back lifestyle, snow capped mountains and lava flowing volcanoes. Scuba diving and game fishing are at its best here and there is a growing colony of large beach hotels and golf courses.
Maui, by contrast, is the glamour beach destination with lots of large international hotels and condominium complexes alongside sweeping swimming beaches and manicured golf courses. The rural charm of the upper valleys and the historical port of Lahaina give the island a classical feel. Maui is also renowned for its excellent whale watching.
Kauai, the garden island, is much quieter than Maui with equally good beaches and the most breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery with great hiking and kayaking opportunities. Those who love the outdoors will find Kauai to be the most compelling destination.
Only on Molokai and Lanai will you truly escape commercialism - tourist infrastructure is limited, the scenery and beaches are not picture postcard, but a certain charm prevails where elsewhere in Hawaii it has been lost.
Hawaii beach locations are renowned for their long stretches of white sand and great surfing conditions. If you like to just lie on the beach then the beaches throughout Hawaii will charm you. However, if you like to swim, you'll find some beaches to be fantastic fun, whilst others to be too dangerous to venture into. Winter months herald high surf to the northern shores of all islands and make swimming dangerous. In general, the best activity beaches are on Oahu, the most secluded beaches on the Big Island, the most scenic beaches on Kauai, and the best swimming beaches on Maui.
Hawaii's isolation from the world has created a unique and thriving natural environment with stunning and diverse scenery from mist filler tropical rinforests to barren mountain scape volcanoes.
Hawaii boasts numerous championship golf courses on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island which are generally part of a mega resort complex. Most resort courses are overtly manicured and lack the rough edge of European golf courses. The most breath-taking and challenging courses are found on the main island of Oahu.
Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon and wedding destinations in the world, with Waikiki Beach a particular favourite amongst Japanese and the ostentatious resorts of Wailua on Maui and Princeville on Kauai with Americans. These large International resorts offer exceptional pampering along with fine dining to add to the naturally romantic scene of a tropical beach paradise.
Oahu, in particular the tourist icon of Waikiki Beach, is visited by more than 4 million tourists each year, mostly Americans and Japanese. Waikiki beach, the shopping malls of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, magnificent golf courses and the surf on the North Shore are its main attractions.
The Big Island is by far the largest island in the far south of the group, but only 140,000 people live there. But, over a million tourists visit each year, drawn by the stunning tropical scenery, laid back lifestyle, snow capped mountains and lava flowing volcanoes. Scuba diving and game fishing are at its best here and there is a growing colony of large beach hotels and golf courses.
Maui, by contrast, is the glamour beach destination with lots of large international hotels and condominium complexes alongside sweeping swimming beaches and manicured golf courses. The rural charm of the upper valleys and the historical port of Lahaina give the island a classical feel. Maui is also renowned for its excellent whale watching.
Kauai, the garden island, is much quieter than Maui with equally good beaches and the most breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery with great hiking and kayaking opportunities. Those who love the outdoors will find Kauai to be the most compelling destination.
Only on Molokai and Lanai will you truly escape commercialism - tourist infrastructure is limited, the scenery and beaches are not picture postcard, but a certain charm prevails where elsewhere in Hawaii it has been lost.
Hawaii beach locations are renowned for their long stretches of white sand and great surfing conditions. If you like to just lie on the beach then the beaches throughout Hawaii will charm you. However, if you like to swim, you'll find some beaches to be fantastic fun, whilst others to be too dangerous to venture into. Winter months herald high surf to the northern shores of all islands and make swimming dangerous. In general, the best activity beaches are on Oahu, the most secluded beaches on the Big Island, the most scenic beaches on Kauai, and the best swimming beaches on Maui.
Hawaii's isolation from the world has created a unique and thriving natural environment with stunning and diverse scenery from mist filler tropical rinforests to barren mountain scape volcanoes.
Hawaii boasts numerous championship golf courses on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island which are generally part of a mega resort complex. Most resort courses are overtly manicured and lack the rough edge of European golf courses. The most breath-taking and challenging courses are found on the main island of Oahu.
Hawaii is one of the most popular honeymoon and wedding destinations in the world, with Waikiki Beach a particular favourite amongst Japanese and the ostentatious resorts of Wailua on Maui and Princeville on Kauai with Americans. These large International resorts offer exceptional pampering along with fine dining to add to the naturally romantic scene of a tropical beach paradise.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a collection of 15 islands in the heart of Polynesia mid way between Tahiti and Tonga. Cook Islands travel is centred mostly around Rarotonga, the main population centre with the international airport. Rarotonga has high volcanic mountain peaks covered in tropical rain forest and lots of small beach resorts. Aitutaki is a small island 45-minutes flight to the north with attractive beaches and a beautiful lagoon and is the only other frequently visited island by tourists. Of the other islands, Atiu is good for eco tourism and has a few guesthouses. The Cook Islands is a self-governing dependency of New Zealand with its own parliament but uses the New Zealand currency.
Rarotonga is the largest Cook Island being 67 sq. km in size - its population of 11,500 live around the coastal road. Here there are plenty of small beach resorts ideal for families and couples, and lots of self catering bungalows and vacation homes for more independent travellers. The tourist infrastructure is well developed with some excellent day tours, good independent restaurants and a reliable transport network. Rarotonga's main attractions are its lovely beaches, tropical mountain trails and laid back Polynesian lifestyle. Snorkelling is good along the south coast and there are several scuba diving companies with reefs being ideal for beginners and holiday divers.
Aitutaki is the only other tourist centre, a 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. It is a lot less commercial and ideal for honeymoons - stay here a couple of days and you'll feel totally submerged in island style life. The villages are charming and although it lacks tropical mountains, the beaches are lovely. The main attraction, however, is one of the finest lagoons in the entire Pacific with good snorkelling and day cruises to the tiny uninhabited atolls where the beaches are exquisite.
Atiu is the third most popular destination and is excellent for exploring. The island has gorgeous secluded cove beaches, interesting caves, a very traditional community lifestyle and rare tropical birds.
Traditional dance performances is one of the icons of Polynesian life. Erotic hip swaying movements and upbeat drumming has come to resemble the archetypal Polynesian person - aesthetic and extremely seductive. Cook Island dancing is performed regularly at the resorts and there are several colourful competitions each year that are well worth experiencing.
Rarotonga is the largest Cook Island being 67 sq. km in size - its population of 11,500 live around the coastal road. Here there are plenty of small beach resorts ideal for families and couples, and lots of self catering bungalows and vacation homes for more independent travellers. The tourist infrastructure is well developed with some excellent day tours, good independent restaurants and a reliable transport network. Rarotonga's main attractions are its lovely beaches, tropical mountain trails and laid back Polynesian lifestyle. Snorkelling is good along the south coast and there are several scuba diving companies with reefs being ideal for beginners and holiday divers.
Aitutaki is the only other tourist centre, a 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. It is a lot less commercial and ideal for honeymoons - stay here a couple of days and you'll feel totally submerged in island style life. The villages are charming and although it lacks tropical mountains, the beaches are lovely. The main attraction, however, is one of the finest lagoons in the entire Pacific with good snorkelling and day cruises to the tiny uninhabited atolls where the beaches are exquisite.
Atiu is the third most popular destination and is excellent for exploring. The island has gorgeous secluded cove beaches, interesting caves, a very traditional community lifestyle and rare tropical birds.
Traditional dance performances is one of the icons of Polynesian life. Erotic hip swaying movements and upbeat drumming has come to resemble the archetypal Polynesian person - aesthetic and extremely seductive. Cook Island dancing is performed regularly at the resorts and there are several colourful competitions each year that are well worth experiencing.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a collection of 15 islands in the heart of Polynesia mid way between Tahiti and Tonga. Cook Islands travel is centred mostly around Rarotonga, the main population centre with the international airport. Rarotonga has high volcanic mountain peaks covered in tropical rain forest and lots of small beach resorts. Aitutaki is a small island 45-minutes flight to the north with attractive beaches and a beautiful lagoon and is the only other frequently visited island by tourists. Of the other islands, Atiu is good for eco tourism and has a few guesthouses. The Cook Islands is a self-governing dependency of New Zealand with its own parliament but uses the New Zealand currency.
Rarotonga is the largest Cook Island being 67 sq. km in size - its population of 11,500 live around the coastal road. Here there are plenty of small beach resorts ideal for families and couples, and lots of self catering bungalows and vacation homes for more independent travellers. The tourist infrastructure is well developed with some excellent day tours, good independent restaurants and a reliable transport network. Rarotonga's main attractions are its lovely beaches, tropical mountain trails and laid back Polynesian lifestyle. Snorkelling is good along the south coast and there are several scuba diving companies with reefs being ideal for beginners and holiday divers.
Aitutaki is the only other tourist centre, a 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. It is a lot less commercial and ideal for honeymoons - stay here a couple of days and you'll feel totally submerged in island style life. The villages are charming and although it lacks tropical mountains, the beaches are lovely. The main attraction, however, is one of the finest lagoons in the entire Pacific with good snorkelling and day cruises to the tiny uninhabited atolls where the beaches are exquisite.
Atiu is the third most popular destination and is excellent for exploring. The island has gorgeous secluded cove beaches, interesting caves, a very traditional community lifestyle and rare tropical birds.
Traditional dance performances is one of the icons of Polynesian life. Erotic hip swaying movements and upbeat drumming has come to resemble the archetypal Polynesian person - aesthetic and extremely seductive. Cook Island dancing is performed regularly at the resorts and there are several colourful competitions each year that are well worth experiencing.
Rarotonga is the largest Cook Island being 67 sq. km in size - its population of 11,500 live around the coastal road. Here there are plenty of small beach resorts ideal for families and couples, and lots of self catering bungalows and vacation homes for more independent travellers. The tourist infrastructure is well developed with some excellent day tours, good independent restaurants and a reliable transport network. Rarotonga's main attractions are its lovely beaches, tropical mountain trails and laid back Polynesian lifestyle. Snorkelling is good along the south coast and there are several scuba diving companies with reefs being ideal for beginners and holiday divers.
Aitutaki is the only other tourist centre, a 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. It is a lot less commercial and ideal for honeymoons - stay here a couple of days and you'll feel totally submerged in island style life. The villages are charming and although it lacks tropical mountains, the beaches are lovely. The main attraction, however, is one of the finest lagoons in the entire Pacific with good snorkelling and day cruises to the tiny uninhabited atolls where the beaches are exquisite.
Atiu is the third most popular destination and is excellent for exploring. The island has gorgeous secluded cove beaches, interesting caves, a very traditional community lifestyle and rare tropical birds.
Traditional dance performances is one of the icons of Polynesian life. Erotic hip swaying movements and upbeat drumming has come to resemble the archetypal Polynesian person - aesthetic and extremely seductive. Cook Island dancing is performed regularly at the resorts and there are several colourful competitions each year that are well worth experiencing.
Tonga Travel
Tonga travel is extremely low key with just a handful of beach resorts around the islands. However, lack of commercial tourism makes this one of the hidden jewels of the South Pacific where the charm of the people and the down-to-earth charachter of the resorts play an integral part in making your holiday special. Apart from the glorious beaches and small islands, Tonga is an excellent destination for sailing, game fishing or exploring by water. This is the only South Pacific country not to have been colonized by Europeans and remains the only monarchy in the region. The Tongan Kings once ruled most of its neighbouring islands wielding enormous power throughout Polynesia. Today, the islands retain its proud and rich culture and offer tourists a remarkable array of attractions.
Tongatapu is the main island, with its capital Nukualofa sitting on reclaimed land overlooking the lagoon. It is a large coral island, completely flat and covered in agricultural plantations. It faces a large lagoon, within which lie smaller truly enchanting coral islands with gorgeous beaches. Most of these islands are uninhabited and only a couple offer tourist accommodation. Tongatapu boasts some splendid coastline, notably its blowholes and has the largest standing ancient Polynesian structure.
The timeless Ha'apai group are a tourist backwater, even for Tonga's minimalist tourist approach. These are great islands to explore and interact with the local people.
Further north is Vava'u, the main tourist attraction. Here is one of the great sailing destinations in the world with a maze of deep water channels and tiny coral islands. It also offers the best place in the south pacific to watch humpback whales when they come to the calm protected waters to calve between June and October.
If ever a traveller wanted to really get away from the world, the remote island of Niuatoptapu is that persons dream. Utterly isolated and boasting just one deluxe accommodation, Niuatoputapu offers stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes and a very traditional lifestyle.
Tongatapu is the main island, with its capital Nukualofa sitting on reclaimed land overlooking the lagoon. It is a large coral island, completely flat and covered in agricultural plantations. It faces a large lagoon, within which lie smaller truly enchanting coral islands with gorgeous beaches. Most of these islands are uninhabited and only a couple offer tourist accommodation. Tongatapu boasts some splendid coastline, notably its blowholes and has the largest standing ancient Polynesian structure.
The timeless Ha'apai group are a tourist backwater, even for Tonga's minimalist tourist approach. These are great islands to explore and interact with the local people.
Further north is Vava'u, the main tourist attraction. Here is one of the great sailing destinations in the world with a maze of deep water channels and tiny coral islands. It also offers the best place in the south pacific to watch humpback whales when they come to the calm protected waters to calve between June and October.
If ever a traveller wanted to really get away from the world, the remote island of Niuatoptapu is that persons dream. Utterly isolated and boasting just one deluxe accommodation, Niuatoputapu offers stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes and a very traditional lifestyle.
Samoa
Samoa travel evolves around two separate countries: Western Samoa and American Samoa. The two countries are separated by only 50 miles of ocean and share a common history and culture. This compact collection of islands makes Samoa an excellent destination for those who love to get out and explore and is one of the few South Pacific destinations where you can see the majority of sights in one short visit. But when you leave, you'll be itching to get back - the enchanting local culture and sometimes unpredictable lifestyle of the local people make Samoa one of the best places in the South Pacific to experience traditional Polynesian life.
Western Samoa Travel
Western Samoa (officially known as Independent Samoa) has the most tourist appeal. There are two main islands, both with stunning secluded beaches and coastal views, some lovely waterfalls and lots of traditional fishing villages. This is a great destination to learn about Polynesian culture and immerse yourself in the local way of life. The capital town of Apia also has its own charming appeal.
There are just two large islands in Independent Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) - Upolu Island (1115 sq. km) with its vibrant rainforest, coastal walks and gorgeous beaches and Savaii Island (1700 sq. km) with its very traditional village life, big open spaces, lava fields and interesting sights. The two islands are separated by a 18 km straight and connected by ferry (4 per day) and flight from Apia. Two small islands lie in this straight (Manono and Apolima) and four smaller islands just off the east coast of Upolu, only one of which is inhabited.
American Samoa Travel
Neighbouring American Samoa, just 100km to the south east, shares an identical culture and language but was taken over by America in 1899 and remains a US territory. Although its traditional culture and lifestyle has been eroded on the outside, the people are still very much Polynesians at heart. The main island of Tutuila has a stunning coastline and fantastic and very assessable rainforest from the coast to the high mountain peaks. The island, along with the smaller islands of the Manu'a Group further east, also boasts some of the finest archaeological sites in Polynesia.
Western Samoa Travel
Western Samoa (officially known as Independent Samoa) has the most tourist appeal. There are two main islands, both with stunning secluded beaches and coastal views, some lovely waterfalls and lots of traditional fishing villages. This is a great destination to learn about Polynesian culture and immerse yourself in the local way of life. The capital town of Apia also has its own charming appeal.
There are just two large islands in Independent Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) - Upolu Island (1115 sq. km) with its vibrant rainforest, coastal walks and gorgeous beaches and Savaii Island (1700 sq. km) with its very traditional village life, big open spaces, lava fields and interesting sights. The two islands are separated by a 18 km straight and connected by ferry (4 per day) and flight from Apia. Two small islands lie in this straight (Manono and Apolima) and four smaller islands just off the east coast of Upolu, only one of which is inhabited.
American Samoa Travel
Neighbouring American Samoa, just 100km to the south east, shares an identical culture and language but was taken over by America in 1899 and remains a US territory. Although its traditional culture and lifestyle has been eroded on the outside, the people are still very much Polynesians at heart. The main island of Tutuila has a stunning coastline and fantastic and very assessable rainforest from the coast to the high mountain peaks. The island, along with the smaller islands of the Manu'a Group further east, also boasts some of the finest archaeological sites in Polynesia.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
South Pacific Islands
Fiji
Taken from....http://www.pacific-travel-guides.com/fiji-islands/index.html
Fiji travel is the most diverse in the South Pacific. There are over 300 islands to visit, about 150 fiji accommodation properties and more than 50 organised day tours to enjoy. With over 400,000 tourists in 2003, and a highly developed tourist infrastructure, Fiji is the envy of its South Pacific neighbours. There is something here for everyone - gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, uninhabited coral islands and crystal clear lagoons, truly beautiful coral reefs, lush tropical rainforest with high mountains and a traditional village-orientated culture. This makes it an all round destination for beach vacations, active holidays, exploring and backpacking.
Taken from....http://www.pacific-travel-guides.com/fiji-islands/index.html
Fiji travel is the most diverse in the South Pacific. There are over 300 islands to visit, about 150 fiji accommodation properties and more than 50 organised day tours to enjoy. With over 400,000 tourists in 2003, and a highly developed tourist infrastructure, Fiji is the envy of its South Pacific neighbours. There is something here for everyone - gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, uninhabited coral islands and crystal clear lagoons, truly beautiful coral reefs, lush tropical rainforest with high mountains and a traditional village-orientated culture. This makes it an all round destination for beach vacations, active holidays, exploring and backpacking.
Tahiti
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. The island had a population of 178,133 inhabitants according to the August 2007 census.[1] This makes it the most populated island of French Polynesia, with 68.6% of the total population. The capital is Papeete, on the northwest coast. Tahiti has also been historically known as O'tahiti.
Geography
Tahiti is some 45 km (28 mi) long at the widest point and covers 1,045 km² (403.5 sq mi), with the highest elevation being at 2,241 m (7,352 ft) above sea level (Mount Orohena). Mont Roonui, located on the southeastern part is 1332 m high. The island consists of two roughly round portions centered on volcanic mountains, connected by a short isthmus named after the small town of Taravao, which sits there. The northwestern part is known as Tahiti Nui ("big Tahiti"), and the southeastern part, much smaller, is known as Tahiti Iti ("small Tahiti") or Taiarapu. Whereas Tahiti Nui is quite heavily populated (especially around Papeete) and benefits from rather good infrastructure such as roads and highways, Tahiti Iti has remained quite isolated, its southeastern half (Te Pari) being accessible only by boat or hiking. A main road winds around the island between the mountains and the sea while an interior road climbs past dairy farms and citrus groves with panoramic views. Tahiti also has many swift streams, including the Papenoo in the north.
The vegetation is tremendously lush rain forest.
November through April is the wet season, and the wettest month is January, with 13.2 inches (335 mm) of precipitation in the capital of Papeete. August is the driest month with only 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain. The average low temperature is 70 °F (21 °C) and the average high temperature is 88 °F (31 °C) with very little seasonal variation. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Papeete was 61 °F (16 °C) and the highest temperature recorded was 93 °F (34 °C).[2]
History
View of Raiatea Mountain. The mummies of Tahitian rulers were formerly deposited on this mountain, traditionally considered holy.Tahiti is estimated to have been settled by Polynesians between AD 300 and 800 coming from Tonga and Samoa, although some estimates place the date earlier. The fertile island soil combined with fishing provided ample food for the population.
Although the first European sighting of the islands was by a Spanish ship in 1606, Spain made no effort to trade with or colonize the island. Samuel Wallis, an English sea captain, sighted Tahiti on June 18, 1767, and is considered the first European visitor to the island. The perceived relaxation and contented nature of the local people and the characterization of the island as a paradise much impressed early European visitors, planting the seed for a romanticization by the West that endures to this day.
Wallis was followed in April 1768 by the French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville who was completing the first French circumnavigation. Bougainville made Tahiti famous in Europe when he published the account of his travel in Voyage autour du Monde. He described the island as an earthly paradise where men and women live happily in innocence, away from the corruption of civilization. His account of the island powerfully illustrated the concept of the noble savage, and influenced the utopian thoughts of philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau before the advent of the French Revolution.
In 1774 Captain James Cook visited the island, and estimated the population at that time to be some 200,000. This was probably too high; another estimate from the same period was 121,500. After Cook's visit, European ships landed on the island with ever greater frequency. The best-known of these ships was HMS Bounty, whose crew mutinied shortly after leaving Tahiti in 1789. The European influence caused significant disruption to the traditional society, by bringing prostitution, venereal diseases, and alcohol to the island. Introduced diseases including typhus and smallpox killed so many Tahitians that by 1797, the island's population was only about 16,000. Later it was to drop as low as 6,000.
Dupetit Thouars taking over Tahiti on September 9th, 1842.In 1842, a European crisis involving Morocco escalated between France and Great Britain when Admiral Dupetit Thouars, acting independently of the French government, was able to convince Tahiti's Queen Pomare IV to accept a French protectorate. George Pritchard, a Birmingham-born missionary and acting British Consul, had been away at the time of the agreement. However he returned to work towards indoctrinating the locals against the Roman Catholic French. In November 1843, Dupetit-Thouars (again completely on his own initiative) landed sailors on the island, formally annexing it to France. He then proceeded to throw Pritchard into prison, subsequently sending him unceremoniously back to Britain.
News of the events in Tahiti reached Europe in early 1844. The French statesman François Guizot, supported by King Louis-Philippe of France, had strongly denounced the annexation of the island. However, war between the French and the Tahitians continued until 1847. The island remained a French protectorate until June 29, 1880, when King Pomare V (1842–1891) was forced to cede the sovereignty of Tahiti and its dependencies to France. He was given the titular position of Officer of the Orders of the Legion of Honour and Agricultural Merit of France. In 1946, Tahiti and the whole of French Polynesia became a Territoire d'outre-mer (French overseas territory). In 2003, this status was changed to that of Collectivité d'outre-mer (French overseas community).
French painter Paul Gauguin lived on Tahiti in the 1890s and painted many Tahitian subjects. Papeari has a small Gauguin museum.
Politics
Tahitian Women on the Beach (1891)Tahitians are French citizens with full civil and political rights. The Tahitian language and the French language are both in use.
Tahiti is part of French Polynesia (Polynésie Française). French Polynesia is now a semi-autonomous territory of France with its own assembly, President, budget and laws. France's influence is limited to providing subsidies, education and security. The current President of French Polynesia, Oscar Temaru, advocates full independence from France and seeks United States aid as opposed to French, about 80% of the population is currently in favor of full and/or additional independence from France.
During a press conference on June 26, 2006 during the second France-Oceania Summit, French President Jacques Chirac said he did not think the majority of Tahitians wanted independence. He said he would keep an open door to a possible referendum in the future.
Elections for the Assembly of French Polynesia, the Territorial Assembly of French Polynesia, were held on May 23, 2004 (see French Polynesian legislative election, 2004). In a surprise result, Oscar Temaru's pro-independence progressive coalition formed a Government with a one seat majority in the 57 seat parliament, defeating the conservative party led by Gaston Flosse (see also List of political parties in French Polynesia). On October 8, 2004, the Gaston Flosse led opposition party succeeded in passing a censure motion against the Government, provoking a political crisis. A major topic of controversy is whether the national government of France should use its exceptional power to call for new elections in a local government, in case of a grave political crisis.
Demographics
The population of Tahiti is predominantly of Polynesian (Pacific Islander) or mixed-Polynesian or 'demi' (around 80%) origin, with 12% European (mainly French) and 8% Chinese Hakka. Most French live in Afatauri, Papeete and its suburbs, notably Punaauia where they are almost 20% of the population. The Chinese are well integrated into the population despite their distinct cultural identity.
Economy
Tahitian coastTourism is a significant industry, mostly to the islands of Bora Bora and Moorea. In July, the Heiva festival in Papeete celebrates Polynesian culture and the commemoration of the storming of the Bastille in France.
After the establishment of the CEP (Centre d'Experimentation du Pacifique) in 1963, the standard of living in French Polynesia increased considerably and as a result, many Polynesians abandoned traditional activities and many islanders decided to emigrate to the centre at Papeete. Even though the standard of living in Polynesia is elevated (due mainly to France's FDI investment), the economy is extremely reliant on imports. At the cessation of CEP activities, France signed the Progress Pact with Tahiti to compensate the loss of financial resources and assist in education and tourism with an investment of about US$150 Million a year from the beginning of 2006. The main trading partners with Tahiti are France which accounts for about 40% of imports and about 25% of exports, the USA, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
TautiraBlack pearl farming is also a substantial source of revenues, most of the pearls being exported to Japan, Europe and the US. Tahiti also exports vanilla, fruits, flowers, monoi, fish, coprah oil, and noni.
Unemployment affects about 13% of the active population, especially women and unqualified young people.
Tahiti’s currency, the French Pacific Franc (CFP, also known as XPF), is pegged to the Euro at 1 CFP = EUR .00838 (approx. 81 CFP to the US Dollar as of January 2008). Hotels and financial institutions offer exchange services. U.S. currency and major credit cards are widely accepted.
There is no sales tax in Tahiti. However, a special 2% reduced rate Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all rented accommodations (hotel rooms, pensions and family stays), and room and meal packages for tourists. A 4% VAT rate applies to purchases in shops, stores and boutiques. A 6% VAT rate applies to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurants.
EducationTahiti hosts a French university, Université de la Polynésie Française ("University of French Polynesia"). It is a small growing university, with around 2,000 students and about 60 researchers. Le Collège La Mennais is located in Papeete.
Transport
Air TahitiFaa'a International Airport is the international airport of Tahiti with Air Tahiti Nui being the national airline while Air Tahiti is the main airline for inter-island flights. The Moorea Ferry is also a notable ferry that operates from Papeete. There are also several Ferries which transport people and goods throughout the islands.
Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. The island had a population of 178,133 inhabitants according to the August 2007 census.[1] This makes it the most populated island of French Polynesia, with 68.6% of the total population. The capital is Papeete, on the northwest coast. Tahiti has also been historically known as O'tahiti.
Geography
Tahiti is some 45 km (28 mi) long at the widest point and covers 1,045 km² (403.5 sq mi), with the highest elevation being at 2,241 m (7,352 ft) above sea level (Mount Orohena). Mont Roonui, located on the southeastern part is 1332 m high. The island consists of two roughly round portions centered on volcanic mountains, connected by a short isthmus named after the small town of Taravao, which sits there. The northwestern part is known as Tahiti Nui ("big Tahiti"), and the southeastern part, much smaller, is known as Tahiti Iti ("small Tahiti") or Taiarapu. Whereas Tahiti Nui is quite heavily populated (especially around Papeete) and benefits from rather good infrastructure such as roads and highways, Tahiti Iti has remained quite isolated, its southeastern half (Te Pari) being accessible only by boat or hiking. A main road winds around the island between the mountains and the sea while an interior road climbs past dairy farms and citrus groves with panoramic views. Tahiti also has many swift streams, including the Papenoo in the north.
The vegetation is tremendously lush rain forest.
November through April is the wet season, and the wettest month is January, with 13.2 inches (335 mm) of precipitation in the capital of Papeete. August is the driest month with only 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain. The average low temperature is 70 °F (21 °C) and the average high temperature is 88 °F (31 °C) with very little seasonal variation. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Papeete was 61 °F (16 °C) and the highest temperature recorded was 93 °F (34 °C).[2]
History
View of Raiatea Mountain. The mummies of Tahitian rulers were formerly deposited on this mountain, traditionally considered holy.Tahiti is estimated to have been settled by Polynesians between AD 300 and 800 coming from Tonga and Samoa, although some estimates place the date earlier. The fertile island soil combined with fishing provided ample food for the population.
Although the first European sighting of the islands was by a Spanish ship in 1606, Spain made no effort to trade with or colonize the island. Samuel Wallis, an English sea captain, sighted Tahiti on June 18, 1767, and is considered the first European visitor to the island. The perceived relaxation and contented nature of the local people and the characterization of the island as a paradise much impressed early European visitors, planting the seed for a romanticization by the West that endures to this day.
Wallis was followed in April 1768 by the French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville who was completing the first French circumnavigation. Bougainville made Tahiti famous in Europe when he published the account of his travel in Voyage autour du Monde. He described the island as an earthly paradise where men and women live happily in innocence, away from the corruption of civilization. His account of the island powerfully illustrated the concept of the noble savage, and influenced the utopian thoughts of philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau before the advent of the French Revolution.
In 1774 Captain James Cook visited the island, and estimated the population at that time to be some 200,000. This was probably too high; another estimate from the same period was 121,500. After Cook's visit, European ships landed on the island with ever greater frequency. The best-known of these ships was HMS Bounty, whose crew mutinied shortly after leaving Tahiti in 1789. The European influence caused significant disruption to the traditional society, by bringing prostitution, venereal diseases, and alcohol to the island. Introduced diseases including typhus and smallpox killed so many Tahitians that by 1797, the island's population was only about 16,000. Later it was to drop as low as 6,000.
Dupetit Thouars taking over Tahiti on September 9th, 1842.In 1842, a European crisis involving Morocco escalated between France and Great Britain when Admiral Dupetit Thouars, acting independently of the French government, was able to convince Tahiti's Queen Pomare IV to accept a French protectorate. George Pritchard, a Birmingham-born missionary and acting British Consul, had been away at the time of the agreement. However he returned to work towards indoctrinating the locals against the Roman Catholic French. In November 1843, Dupetit-Thouars (again completely on his own initiative) landed sailors on the island, formally annexing it to France. He then proceeded to throw Pritchard into prison, subsequently sending him unceremoniously back to Britain.
News of the events in Tahiti reached Europe in early 1844. The French statesman François Guizot, supported by King Louis-Philippe of France, had strongly denounced the annexation of the island. However, war between the French and the Tahitians continued until 1847. The island remained a French protectorate until June 29, 1880, when King Pomare V (1842–1891) was forced to cede the sovereignty of Tahiti and its dependencies to France. He was given the titular position of Officer of the Orders of the Legion of Honour and Agricultural Merit of France. In 1946, Tahiti and the whole of French Polynesia became a Territoire d'outre-mer (French overseas territory). In 2003, this status was changed to that of Collectivité d'outre-mer (French overseas community).
French painter Paul Gauguin lived on Tahiti in the 1890s and painted many Tahitian subjects. Papeari has a small Gauguin museum.
Politics
Tahitian Women on the Beach (1891)Tahitians are French citizens with full civil and political rights. The Tahitian language and the French language are both in use.
Tahiti is part of French Polynesia (Polynésie Française). French Polynesia is now a semi-autonomous territory of France with its own assembly, President, budget and laws. France's influence is limited to providing subsidies, education and security. The current President of French Polynesia, Oscar Temaru, advocates full independence from France and seeks United States aid as opposed to French, about 80% of the population is currently in favor of full and/or additional independence from France.
During a press conference on June 26, 2006 during the second France-Oceania Summit, French President Jacques Chirac said he did not think the majority of Tahitians wanted independence. He said he would keep an open door to a possible referendum in the future.
Elections for the Assembly of French Polynesia, the Territorial Assembly of French Polynesia, were held on May 23, 2004 (see French Polynesian legislative election, 2004). In a surprise result, Oscar Temaru's pro-independence progressive coalition formed a Government with a one seat majority in the 57 seat parliament, defeating the conservative party led by Gaston Flosse (see also List of political parties in French Polynesia). On October 8, 2004, the Gaston Flosse led opposition party succeeded in passing a censure motion against the Government, provoking a political crisis. A major topic of controversy is whether the national government of France should use its exceptional power to call for new elections in a local government, in case of a grave political crisis.
Demographics
The population of Tahiti is predominantly of Polynesian (Pacific Islander) or mixed-Polynesian or 'demi' (around 80%) origin, with 12% European (mainly French) and 8% Chinese Hakka. Most French live in Afatauri, Papeete and its suburbs, notably Punaauia where they are almost 20% of the population. The Chinese are well integrated into the population despite their distinct cultural identity.
Economy
Tahitian coastTourism is a significant industry, mostly to the islands of Bora Bora and Moorea. In July, the Heiva festival in Papeete celebrates Polynesian culture and the commemoration of the storming of the Bastille in France.
After the establishment of the CEP (Centre d'Experimentation du Pacifique) in 1963, the standard of living in French Polynesia increased considerably and as a result, many Polynesians abandoned traditional activities and many islanders decided to emigrate to the centre at Papeete. Even though the standard of living in Polynesia is elevated (due mainly to France's FDI investment), the economy is extremely reliant on imports. At the cessation of CEP activities, France signed the Progress Pact with Tahiti to compensate the loss of financial resources and assist in education and tourism with an investment of about US$150 Million a year from the beginning of 2006. The main trading partners with Tahiti are France which accounts for about 40% of imports and about 25% of exports, the USA, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
TautiraBlack pearl farming is also a substantial source of revenues, most of the pearls being exported to Japan, Europe and the US. Tahiti also exports vanilla, fruits, flowers, monoi, fish, coprah oil, and noni.
Unemployment affects about 13% of the active population, especially women and unqualified young people.
Tahiti’s currency, the French Pacific Franc (CFP, also known as XPF), is pegged to the Euro at 1 CFP = EUR .00838 (approx. 81 CFP to the US Dollar as of January 2008). Hotels and financial institutions offer exchange services. U.S. currency and major credit cards are widely accepted.
There is no sales tax in Tahiti. However, a special 2% reduced rate Value Added Tax (VAT) applies to all rented accommodations (hotel rooms, pensions and family stays), and room and meal packages for tourists. A 4% VAT rate applies to purchases in shops, stores and boutiques. A 6% VAT rate applies to bars, excursions, car rentals, snacks and restaurants.
EducationTahiti hosts a French university, Université de la Polynésie Française ("University of French Polynesia"). It is a small growing university, with around 2,000 students and about 60 researchers. Le Collège La Mennais is located in Papeete.
Transport
Air TahitiFaa'a International Airport is the international airport of Tahiti with Air Tahiti Nui being the national airline while Air Tahiti is the main airline for inter-island flights. The Moorea Ferry is also a notable ferry that operates from Papeete. There are also several Ferries which transport people and goods throughout the islands.
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