Home > Islands > Tahiti
Village
Iaorana...or "good
health" is the Polynesian greeting of Tahiti. It's important
to note right up top that Tahiti is the name of the largest island
and administrative center of French Polynesia; but the Polynesian
Cultural Center also uses the name to collectively represent all
of the 100-plus French Polynesian islands surrounding Tahiti (except
the Marquesas, which is separately
represented at the Center).
Perhaps
more than any other group of Pacific islands besides Hawaii, Tahiti
with its fast hip-shaking dances and compelling wooden drum rhythms,
quintessentially characterizes Polynesia in the minds of people around
the world. The love of Tahiti, for example, gave rise to the actual
18th century mutiny on HMS Bounty; and ever afterward has represented
the notion of escape to a Polynesian paradise. Tahiti fits that bill
superbly, with its beautiful mountains, balmy climate, emerald and
blue lagoons, and warm inviting people. You'll meet them at the Polynesian
Cultural Center and gain insights into their fascinating culture.
Island
activities:
Three times each afternoon — at 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 — the Tahitians
present in-depth demonstrations on their ancient culture:
 |
Learn
both the women's and men's movements in their exciting dances,
or just try to stop your toes from tapping to the beat of the
wooden to'ere drums. Learn why the Tahitians make both
fragrant flower and beautiful shell lei, sample Tahitian coconut
bread, tour the garden, even let your kids try some fishing,
and more. |
The "village" houses:
The Fare Ari'i (also
sometimes called the Fare Pote'e) is the all-important "chief's
house" with "round ends," the large Fare Heiva or "celebration
house" is the central location for the presentations, "grass
skirt" and shell work production and Te Tahua Orira'a — the
dance platform. The Fare Ututu is the kitchen area where
the Ahima'a or earth oven is located, surrounded by the
plantation. There's also a Fare Tautai or "fishing
hut" on the edge of the lagoon.
Learn
more about fascinating Tahiti
