French Polynesia has a moderately developed economy, which is dependent on imported goods, tourism, and the financial assistance of mainland France. However, the islands remain a paramount exporter of goods that only find their origins in the climate of French Polynesia.

French Polynesia’s main export partners (in 2007) are Hong Kong (34%), Japan (31.7%), France (9.2%) and the United States (7.4%).

Black Pearls are the main source of revenue, followed by Mother of Pearls, Noni, Coconut product and Vanilla. Below you will find a brief description of the main local products that are exported.

Tahitian Cultured “Black” Pearls

Since the end of the 1980s, the Tahitian cultured pearl has become the major export item of French Polynesia. In 1995 alone, the territory had exported approximately 3 tons of pearls. These beautiful “jewels” of Tahitian grown mother-of-pearl oysters (with black lips), are only found in the lagoons of Polynesia.

The warm lagoons of the islands are among the most perfect on earth for this species of oyster due to the temperature, density, salinity, light, and ideal climate. Commonly known as "Black Pearls," Tahitian Cultured Pearls range widely in pricing, size, shape and color.

Colors range from the darkest black to shimmering shades of green, blue, bronze, eggplant, and even pink – which is why the traditional name of “Black Pearls” has now been replaced with, “Tahitian Cultured Pearls”.

With first-hand expertise and infinite selection of dozens of major pearl retailers on all the islands, visitors quickly discover that this is the best place in the world to learn about (and shop for) pearls. Visitors are encouraged to visit merchants during their stay to learn how to judge the quality and style in order to help determine their own preference.

Tahitian pearls can be found throughout the islands in local shops, in hotels and resorts and aboard cruise ships. There are pearl showrooms on the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea; as well as family pearl farms on many of the islands including Huahine, Taha'a, and throughout the Tuamotu Archipelago.

The most well known island for pearl production is the island of Manihi, which has been aptly dubbed, “The Pearl Island”.

Tahitian Vanilla

Although the French brought vanilla to many of their colonies in the late 1700s, vanilla was not imported to Tahiti until 1848 from Manila, Philippines. Until recently, the majority of the Tahitian production was exported to France.

In the past, most vanilla traders in the United States were not interested in Tahitian vanilla, as they believed that it had very little natural “vanillin.” Then, in the early 1980s, Marc Jones and Peter Stone, two young American entrepreneurs, decided to promote Tahitian vanilla to the American marketplace.

Their efforts attracted many creative chefs who were interested in its fruity, floral flavor and fragrance.

At the time, Tahitian vanilla was very expensive, which was a significant drawback for many. Today, most varieties of vanilla have the nearly the same price, which encouraged the popularity of the Tahitian vanilla.

Because the production of vanilla decreased over the years and other industries expanded, the government invests more money in this industry and assists vanilla producers with loans and technical advice in order to keep the production levels.

Today, most of the vanilla is grown on the islands of Taha’a and Raiatea, with some farms on Huahine and Moorea. In 2001, thirty-five metric tons of green beans were produced on the islands, seven tons of dried vanilla was exported, and four tons were sold locally.

Tahitian Noni

Noni, known scientifically as morinda citrifolia, is a tropical fruit found primarily in the South Pacific. The noni fruit is about the size of a potato and can vary in color from white to yellow to green.

Although Tahitians have used noni for centuries because of its paramount health benefits, it’s only in the last few decades that scientific research has been conducted to prove the effects of this natural health drink.

It was found that Tahitian noni, as a refreshment or a beverage, is cholesterol-friendly, supports the immune system, increases energy and physical performance, is rich in anti-oxidant properties, and supports a healthy cardiovascular system.

Noni is one of Tahiti’s main exports today – with the bulk of the buyers in the US.

Handcrafts

The growth of Tourism encouraged the production of handcrafts, in turn encouraging Polynesians to return to their islands to carry on traditional trades from previous generations. 

The skills of the ancestors are kept sacred and passed on by both the “mamas” (the guardians of tradition and the matriarchs of the Tahitian society) as well as by skilled craftsmen. Today, Handcrafts are a major source of revenue for French Polynesia.

Every inhabited island has some sort of a center with professional artisans who produce fine, elaborated carvings in wood, stone and bone. The handcrafts include weaving, quilting, wooden sculptures and bowls, drums, tapa, carvings, and hand-dyed pareu.

Mother of Pearl

Although the pearl oysters have less value in comparison with the Tahitian cultured pearls themselves, French Polynesia exports approximately 600 tons of mother-of-pearl.

Exports are primarily to Asian countries where they are transformed into buttons and other accessories.

Because the mother-of-pearl is widely available in the islands, it has led the Polynesians to develop a handicraft of a very high quality: mother-of-pearl engraving.

This fairly new art form has led to the creation of some amazing pieces of jewelry, many of them including the Tahitian cultured pearl.

Copra Oil (Coconut Oil) 

The coconut tree, called " haari " in Tahitian, is from the Palm tree family, which was introduced during the first migrations to Polynesia and has perfectly adapted itself to the Polynesian soil and climate.

Since the export of coconut oil resulted in a considerable need for coconuts a century ago, the coconut tree is widely present in the Polynesian flora, which is proven by the extensive number of coconut groves throughout the islands.

Monoï “the sacred oil”

For centuries, the beautiful women of Polynesia have used Monoï oil to moisturize and condition their skin and hair. As opposed to other coconut oil products, Monoï Tiare Tahiti is a unique blend of cosmetic coconut oil and the natural essence of tiare flowers (Tahitian gardenia).

It is a very popular product as no preservatives, emulsifiers or animal products are added.

Sources:
Institut de la Statistique de la Polynésie Française
www.nationmaster.com
www.atlapedia.com
www.mafat.govt.nz
www.vanilla.com

Today, visitors are learning what others have known for centuries – Tahiti and her many islands are like one huge, natural spa. The crystal-clear lagoons are 'thalasso-therapy-warm' and the tropical afternoon rains are naturally reinvigorating.

With a range of hotel and cruise spa offerings to complement its natural outdoor spa experience, Tahiti is the ultimate destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Here is a complete list of hotels and cruises offering unique spa services and experiences:

Marù Spa at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa

The Marù Spa features five hidden treatment rooms, some set on the waterfront and others 12-feet above ground in the branches of two giant Banyan trees. The setting matches the pleasures of the treatments offered within.

The Polynesian word “Marù” translates in English to “kind, gentle, slowly, soft of sound and soft of touch” - a name that captures the tactile oasis of the spa. The spa also offers a private independent suite for a couple massage as well as a wonderful “rain shower” among other services.

Spa at The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Pamper yourself at the The Spa at the new Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, which is beautifully surrounded by tropical groves and pristine Pacific waters. The treatments and rituals reflect the rich natural resources of the sumptuous island of Bora Bora, such as monoï, tamanu, kahaia and vanilla.

The Spa boasts European, Eastern and Polynesian therapies that create a completely holistic experience. The Spa also offers aroma steam room, an outdoor vitality pool with a shaded lounge deck, and relaxation area, overlooking the pandanus and kahaia forest.

The Spa at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti

The Spa at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti embraces healing traditions of the islands to create treatments using local ingredients like coconut milk, ginger, fragrant tiare flowers and aromatic vanilla beans.

A wide range of unique treatments can be enjoyed at The Spa, including the popular couple’s massage or a massage in the privacy of one’s own room.

The Mandara Spa at The Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa and The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

The world-renowned Mandara Spa is found on two properties, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa and the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa.

The Mandara Spa, which originated in Bali, embraces the healing traditions of the islands to create treatments using local ingredients like coconut milk, ginger, fragrant tiare flowers and aromatic vanilla.

Deep Nature Spa at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti

Opened in December of 2008, the new spa at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti, Deep Nature Spa By ALGOTHERM, offers top of the line products that perfectly combine the energy of the ocean with the serenity of the Spa.

The Deep Ocean Spa offers customers unique treatments on its Spa Menu and wonderful amenities to compliment relaxing moments such as a Beauty and Energy Treatment Area, Steam Bath as well as a Tea Lounge.

Hélène Spa at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa

The InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa is home to the Tahitian spa of Hélène Silinger. Completely renovated, Hélène Spa is extended and has enriched its offerings with new wide and intimate care spaces, opening into tropical gardens with thousands of exotic scents.

The spa offers a range of massages and therapies using traditional Polynesian methods and ingredients.

Deep Ocean Spa by Algotherm at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is home to the Deep Ocean Spa designed by the acclaimed Dr. Yves Tregger with balneo and thalasso-therapy spa facilities.

Unique balneotherapy and thalassotherapy center is managed by the Algotherm company. This Thalasso-Spa center offers treatments using deep sea water to replenish the body’s minerals and restore equilibrium.

This is the first of its kind in the entire southern hemisphere and a true spa destination.

The Wellness Centre at Le Meridien Bora Bora

The Wellness Centre, located in a beach bungalow with a view of Mt. Otemanu, specializes in fragrance-oriented treatments and massages.

Discover the relaxing atmosphere of the spa at Le Meridien Bora Bora, which invites you to discover a wide range of services including body treatments, massages, facial treatments, and hand and foot treatments.

Carita Spa of Paris on The m/s Paul Gauguin

The Paul Gauguin boasts the legendary Carita Spa. Staff are supervised and trained by the Carita Organization in Paris.

On-board services include massage, thalasso-therapy, aromatherapy, wraps, steam room treatments and a full range of beautifying services.

Le Spa at the Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti

Revitalize and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul at Le Spa, the first purpose-built day spa and health club on the island of Tahiti.

Enjoy a range of pampering beauty and health treatments in the cool surrounds of the day spa, or energize the body with cardio and fitness activities.

Le Spa at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort and Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort

Le Spa at Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort and the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort offer the perfect sanctuary to be spoiled in a stylish and contemporary setting.

Relax in this peaceful haven and enjoy a massage or beauty treatment based on Tahitian plants and traditional techniques.

The Manea Spa by SPM Hotels, Resorts & Spa

The Manea Spa was conceived and built in the pure traditions of Polynesian well being. Since ancient times, massage has been part of the traditional medicine, philosophy of life, ancestral practices and customs, called “Taurumi” in Tahitian.

Experience it with Manea Spa at the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa, Manihi Pearl Beach Resort and Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort.

The Manea Spa at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa boasts beautiful thatched-roof pavilions set on stilts above a lake in a lush tropical garden.

The first spa resort of its kind for the island, Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa is located on a private motu in the lagoon on the west side of the island of Taha’a. The Manea Spa sits in a coconut grove between the waters of a small lake and the lagoon, offering a range of massages and facials, including a Lagoon Massage.

Miri Miri Spa at the St Regis Resort Bora Bora

The Miri Miri Spa, a signature amenity of the St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, sits on a private motu in the midst of the resort’s 44 acres of lush landscaping edged by the powdery white sands and spectacular lagoon of Bora Bora.

This 13,000 sq. ft. world-class spa and fitness center features Tahitian and Pacific Rim treatments, inspired by the Seven Pillars of Well Being – beauty, harmony, aqua, vitality, life balance, nature, and nutrition.

 The immense 624-page guide to Tahiti and her Islands is now fully updated with new maps, color pictures, hotels, restaurants, cruises and activities, boasting the many attributes of our destination.

The 5th edition of the “Tahiti & French Polynesia Guide” was exclusively written by, Jan Prince, a longtime Moorea resident.

The guide provides readers with up-to-date and in-depth information related to hotels, dining, nightlife and sightseeing in many of the islands including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Maupiti, the Tuamotu Atolls, the Marquesas Islands – and even the remote Austral islands.

As a local resident, Jan Prince has the ability to offer hands on knowledge of the destination and assures expertise and detailed information on what the islands have to offer at the time of travel. Based in Cold Spring Harbor, NY and Manhattan, Open Road Publishing is a leading travel guide publisher with guides to many countries worldwide and to many US destinations.

Jonathan Stein, publisher, and Avery Cardoza, co-publisher, have been publishing travel guides since 1993. For more information on Open Road Publishing or to obtain a copy of Open Road Publishing’s “Tahiti & French Polynesia Guide,” please visit: www.openroadguides.com

March 2009

Missionaries Day- March 5, 2009
The Missionaries day is a commemorative celebration of the 212th anniversary of the first English Protestant missionaries’ arrival in Tahiti on March 5, 1797

Tama Hiti Rau- March 25 to March 28, 2009
This event includes traditional Dance Performances by several dancing schools at Place Vaiete in Papeete, Tahiti.

“Ori Tahiti Master Course” Tahitian Dance Academy- March 30 to April 4, 2009
The first Tahitian Dance Academy “Ori Tahiti Master Course” is organized by the “conservatoire artistique de la Polynésie Française,” led by the Minister of Culture of French Polynesia.

Raiatea International Billfish Tournament- March 24 to March 29, 2009
This is the 7th International deep-sea fishing competition in Raiatea. The rules for this tournament are based on IGFA (International Game Fish Association) rules, which help protect deep-sea marine life. The winners of this competition will be rewarded with trophies and cash prizes.

April 2009 

Tahiti Nui Triathlon Series- April 18th, 2009
Sporting event of two races to choose from featuring Sprint Distance (750m swimming, 40km cycling and 10 km running) and Olympic Distance (1.5 km swimming, 40km cycling and 10 km running). The races begin at Mareto beach next to Opunohu Bay on the island of Moorea.

Tafaifai Exhibition- April 18th, 2009
Traditional Tahitian Quilt Exhibition at the City Hall in Papeete, Tahiti. 

Marathon Tahiti “Tamure”- April 4, 2009
A special entertaining day during which the public is invited to participate in a continuous marathon dance of the Tahiti “Tamure” or “Ori Tahiti,” at Place To’ata in Papeete.

May 2009 

Air Tahiti Nui Von Zipper Surfing Trials- May 1 to May 6, 2009
This Polynesian surfing competition takes place on “the wave” in Teahupoo. Competitors represent Tahiti's surfing talent. The winners of this tournament then qualify to compete in the famous Billabong Pro surfing tournament, taking place a few weeks later on the same spot against the world's top surfers.

Billabong Tahiti Pro Surfing Tournament- May 9 to May 21, 2009
Every year, this big competition brings together the world's best surfers on the mythical wave of Teahupoo.

Tahiti Pearl Regatta, 5th edition- May 7 to May 10, 2009

Organized in the Leeward Islands by yachting lovers and the Raiatea Yacht Club, the Tahiti Pearl Regatta is a Polynesian event combining regatta and sailing, human encounters and charming discoveries.

This is a 3-stage, 3-day race. At the finish of each stage, the winners received their trophy for the various categories and at the end of each day all participants enjoy a dinner with traditional Tahitian entertainment.

Raid Moorea, 6th edition- May 23, 2009
The Moorea Raid has become over the years a great South Seas classic. The program includes mountain biking and running, a guaranteed thrill for the participants who will discover along the way the breathtaking island of Moorea.

June 2009 

Raid Kaoha in Mountain Peaks- mid June
This event is a nature and discovery marathon that takes place on the island of Ua Pou, in the Marquesas.

Tahiti Moorea Sailing Rendezvous, 4th edition- June 19 to June 21, 2009
The Tahiti Moorea Sailing Rendezvous is an interactive event between tourists, sailors and locals.

The event starts with a day of sailing starting from Papeete harbor’s Yacht Dock to the island of Moorea. It is followed by a variety of local competitions such as outrigger canoe races, javelin throwing and fruit carrying races.

July 2009

Heiva I Tahiti- June 24- July 25, 2009
This is the largest annual cultural festival in Tahiti taking place at beautiful To’ata Square in Papeete. In addition to the dance and singing competitions, there are several sporting events, cultural demonstrations, local cuisine and artisan stands.

During this event, culture and tradition are at the center of the festivities with tattooing, weaving, and fire walking to name a few. This event brings nearly 10,000 participants together throughout the entire month of July.

Te Aito Va’a- July 10 to July 12, 2009
This event is a one-day individual outrigger canoe race. The top 100 qualified rowers will compete in the “Super Aito Va’a.

Heiva Tuaro- July 10 to July 14, 2009
Traditional sports competitions including javelin throwing, stone lifting, coconut tree climbing and canoe racing in Papeete.

August 2009

Te Vai Ari’i Marathon: The Super Aito Va’a
A three- day individual outrigger canoe race that features the top hundred rowers qualified from the “Te Aito Va’a” race, over distances of 5, 10, 15, 20 km.

September 2009

Taapuna Pro/ AM Surfing, 7th edition- September 26 to October 4 2009

This 6-day surfing competition takes place each year in Punaauia, on Tahiti's west coast in the beautiful pass of Taapuna.

Taps Junior, 6th edition- September 5 to September 6, 2009
Two days of open surfing competition at the Taapuna reef pass in Punaauia for juniors ages 16-18.

Tahiti International Golf Open- September 18 to September 21, 2009
The international event is held at the 18-hole Olivier Breaud golf course located at Atimaono in Mataiea, Tahiti. 

Raid Painapo 8th edition- September 19th, 2009
The worldwide raid is reserved for high-level professional and amateur athletes. The Raid Painapo is a mountain race held in Moorea and is dedicated to environmental preservation.

World Tourism Day- September 27th, 2009
Each year, GIE Tahiti Tourisme traditionally organizes this project with a theme proposed by the OMT (Organisation Mondiale du Tourisme)

Taapuna Master Surfing, 15th edition- September 10 to September 27, 2009
A surf competition dedicated to amateurs in Punaaia. The year's other big surfing competition takes place each year in Punaauia, on Tahiti's west coast in the beautiful pass of Taapuna.

PADI Dive Festival- 18-27 September 2009
Tahiti Tourism, Olympus, Scubapro, Hinano, DAN, Project AWARE, InterContinental, Air Tahiti Nui and Bathy's Diving with the PADI Diving Society joined forces for this year's dive festival. During this event, society members from the United States and Canada will meet for a week to explore the islands, experience diverse cultural events, and discover the exotic marine life particular to the islands of Tahiti such as the whales, sharks, and stingrays to name a few.

For more information on the PADI Dive Festival, please click here. 

October 2009

The 8th Hawaiki Nui Va'a- All Islands/ Date to be confirmed
Occurring In the Leeward Islands, over 100 canoes will race between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora.

The finishing line will be at the Matira Point in Bora Bora. Va'a (canoe racing) is one of the traditional sports of Tahiti.

November 2009

The 2nd Trail Rotui- November 21, 2009
A 15 km marathon around the Rotui Mountain on the island of Moorea. The marathon is available to all athletes, from beginners to professionals.

Tattoonesia- Date to be confirmed
An event in Tahiti where Polynesian and foreign tattoo artists come together and share with each other and visitors their designs, techniques and materials used in this ancestral art form

December 2009

Tiare Festival- Date to be confirmed
Annual contest of floral decoration with the Tahiti national flower "Tiare", at businesses and public places in Papeete.

To have more information on these upcoming events listed in this Te Parau Api, please click here.