LOCATION: The islands are located south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, halfway between California and Australia.

TIME DIFFERENCE:  The islands are two hours behind Pacific Standard Time except during daylight savings time, when they are three hours behind.  

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO TAHITI?  It only takes you 7 1/2 to 8 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Papeete, the capital of Tahiti.  You land at Faaa Airport (PPT) which is right outside of Papeete.  Tahiti is the gateway to all the other islands.

WHAT AIRLINES FLY TO TAHITI?  The main thing to realize about Tahiti is that there are not a lot of airlines flying there and each has their own different schedule.  There is not one airline flying every day of the week.   So your flight must be coordinated with the day you can leave the United States.   Airlines flying to Tahiti are:  Air Tahiti Nui, Air New Zealand, Air France and Hawaiian Air.

DOCUMENTATION:  All you need is a passport.

LANGUAGES:  French and Tahitian are the official languages but English is spoken everywhere. 

WEATHER:  Tahiti has two seasons - the rainy season and the dry season.   It is a tropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 79 degrees F.  Tahiti's summer (rainy season) extends from November through March and can be hotter and more humid.   Tahiti's winter (dry season) extends from April to October and can be cooler and drier.   The ocean and lagoon waters average 80 degrees F year-round.  

THE PEOPLE:  The people are Polynesian (83%), European (12%) and Asian (5%).  

TIPPING & BARTERING:  You do not tip or barter while visiting Tahiti and her Islands.

POLITICS:  Tahiti and Her Islands are an overseas territory of France.

CLOTHING:  Dress comfortably and informally in Tahiti.  Cool, natural fabrics are perfect.  T-shirts and shorts are perfect during the day.  At night  slacks, dresses or resort wear are perfectly acceptable anywhere.  Bring along some tennis or beach shoes for walking on the coral. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must!