Cape “Point of Venus”
The cape, named after the blue planet, is located at the northernmost point of Tahiti and is always waiting for new tourists or those who have forever given their heart to this corner of the planet. The point of Venus was called this place many years ago by Captain James Cook, who watched the eclipse of Venus from here, which occurs once in more than a hundred years. The cape got its name in 1769.
It was in this year that Cook, by order of Her Majesty, went from Plymouth to Tahiti, discovered only a few months ago, and there witnessed an amazing astronomical phenomenon, when the shadow of Venus slowly floats across the sun as a tiny black dot.
Cook and his team were tasked with building an observatory on the island, with which it was planned to measure the Solar System. The fact is that at that time science had information about only six planets of the Solar system, and knew about the approximate distance to them. Venus was considered the key to the mysteries of the universe. By tracking the time of its transit, scientists hoped to calculate the distance from Earth to Venus and other values. That is why Cook’s trip to Tahiti is sometimes called cosmic.
The last eclipse of Venus could be observed in May of this year, and the next one is predicted in 2117.
Coordinates: -17.49507700,-149.49430300
One Tree Hill
Many places in Tahiti, in addition to incredible landscapes in their beauty, can boast of various pirate and mysterious stories. It seems that these lands are the most suitable place for a treasure or treasure. Merchant ships really sailed here, navigators made their famous discoveries and corsairs plowed the waters. So, a place called “One Tree Hill” was very much loved by the legendary Captain James Cook.
It is possible that if it were not for Cook’s imagination, which was strongly impressed by the lonely towering trees at the top of the hill, the cape would still bear its original name Skirmish Hill. But history ordered otherwise, and Cook renamed the cape. Nowadays, there was a luxury hotel here, which hosted the most respectable public. It’s closed now.
On the cape there is the only lighthouse on the whole island, there are magnificent beaches, there is a park with black sand, and all this splendor is framed by tropical plants and exotic birds.
Coordinates: -17.49603900,-149.49516200
Tetiaroa Coral Atoll
Among the islands of French Polynesia, the only coral atoll is Tetiaroa. In fact, Tetiaroa consists of 13 small islands located around the central lagoon. They are located 30 kilometers from the island of Moorea.
The first European to visit the atoll, according to legend, was the former captain of the mutinous ship “Bounty” William Bligh. In general, the history of this place is very long and interesting. The atoll belonged to the royal dynasty of Tahiti Pomare, but in 1902 Pomare V gave it to an ordinary dentist Johnston Walter Williams, as a sign of respect and gratitude for the cured teeth. The next stage in the history of the atoll begins in 1965, when actor Marlon Brando buys Tetiaroa from the heirs of Williams. Since then, the atoll has been called Marlon Brando Island.
Now excursions are being organized on Tetiaroa from Tahiti, and a super-modern ecological hotel is being built on the atoll itself, which should open in the near future.
Coordinates: -16.98109400,-149.57864300
Mount Orokhena
Mount Orohena, located in the South Pacific Ocean on the island of Tahiti, is the highest peak of French Polynesia. The height of this extinct volcano is two thousand two hundred and forty meters.
Climbing the mountain is quite difficult and takes about seven hours. Organized excursions to Orokhena are intended for experienced tourists and require an instructor to accompany them. Among the attractions of the mountain are the lava tubes of Hitiaa – a kind of tunnels formed when a deep lava flow cools down. It will take you about four hours to inspect the three tunnels of Hitiaa.
Another tour starts from the mouth of the Vayiot River, where you can explore ancient petroglyphs and mysterious hollow stones that sound when struck. Going up the river, you will discover many archaeological Polynesian monuments. You can explore the Vaitomoana Grotto by motor boat. Then, after a two-hour uphill climb, you will reach the Devil’s Pass. You will need climbing equipment to see the Anaihe Grotto and the Queen’s Grotto, as well as admire the beautiful views of the deep Taapeha Gorge.
Coordinates: -17.61915500,-149.48145700
Black Pearl Museum
In addition to the picturesque nature and beautiful beaches, there are several interesting museums in Tahiti that deserve your attention. One of them is undoubtedly the Black Pearl Museum, located in the center of Papeete.
Artificial pearls are the main export item of French Polynesia, there are many oyster farms on the island. A special pride of the Polynesians is the famous black pearl. Pearls of this shade produced by the mollusk pinctada margaritifera grow only in Polynesia.
In the museum you can not only admire the magnificent private collection of black pearls by Robert Wang, but also learn a lot of interesting facts about how important pearls are in the life of Tahiti. You will understand the influence of pearls on the mythology, culture, art and religion of the island, get acquainted with the main stages of pearl cultivation on oyster farms, learn how to determine the quality of a pearl by its appearance.
Coordinates: -17.54025800,-149.56845900