Tahiti and French Polynesia - Circle Island Tour Around Tahiti
(click on each thumbnail photo to enlarge)
I made these pictures while on a half-day bus sightseeing tour of the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Scroll down the page below the ad to see all of the photos from Tahiti.
Photo taken on a cloudy day from "One Tree Hill" 
in Mahina. Matavai Bay, where Samuel Wallis and James Cook once anchored, is below. Wallis originally named this hill "Skirmish Hill" because he fired cannonballs here on the Tahitians from his ship. However, Captain Cook renamed it to One Tree Hill because of a lone atae tree that grew on the top of the hill at the time.
Lighthouse on Point Venus. This point is of great historical significance, and was used by Captains Wallis, Cook, and Bligh. All ships visiting Tahiti anchored in Matavi Bay until the 1820's when Papeete became a more popular port. The Point was named by Captain Cook when he was sent by the Royal Geographical Society of England in 1769 to record the transit of Venus across the face of the sun. Scientists hoped that it would allow them to compute the distance between the earth and the sun. Although this would have been a great piece of information for navigators, Cook could not see Venus clearly enough to accurately get a record of the transit. The mission was a success; however, because of the numerous examples of flora and fauna that were documented by Cook's team. 
Point Venus has a good black sand beach and the area is popular on weekends with locals. This side of the point slopes off gradually, making for safe swimming for children.
Arahoho Blowhole on the northern side of Tahiti Nui was spectacular on this windy, rainy day. The surf pounds in underneath the road, and the geyser-like blowhole rushes out on the other side of the road.
Tahitian waterfall near the Vaipahi Garden.
The flowers and foliage are so spectacular in the South Pacific!
I love these ginger plants. They come in numerous vibrant colors. Wish we could grow them at home!
Photos by: Linda Garrison
Article on Renaissance R3 Cruise to Tahiti and French Polynesia - Mega 7-part feature from the South Pacific cruise
