Where is Tahiti: The 5 Island Groups

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Topographically speaking, these islands boast a wide variety, from inactive volcanoes to low-lying coral reef atolls and everything in between. In total, these palm-fringed islands and atolls possess more than 2,500 kilometers of picture-perfect coastline. Yet, out of the 118 Islands of Tahiti, only 65 of them are inhabited, with the vast majority of citizens living along the coast. A whopping 70 percent of French Polynesia's population lives on the island of Tahiti, and half of that population - 25,763 people (2012) - lives in the country's vibrant capital city of Papeete. 

 

As seen in the Tahiti map above, the five island groups, or archipelagos, of Tahiti include: 

 

• Society Islands (where Tahiti and Bora-Bora are located)

• Tuamotu Islands

• Gambier Islands

• Marquesas Islands

• Austral Islands

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Society Islands

The most widely-travelled archipelagos is the Society Islands, which is also home to the largest island – Tahiti – the capital city of Papeete, and its sister island of Moorea. Comprised of the Windward and Leeward Islands, the enchanting Society Islands offer paradise to all who are fortunate enough to visit them. 

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• Tahiti

• Tetiaroa

• Moorea

• Huahine

• Raiatea

• Taha'a

• Bora Bora

• Maupiti

 

Tuamotu Islands

To the east of the Soviety Islands, 77 atolls spread across 930 miles (1,497 km) of glistening South Pacific waters to create The Tuamotu Islands. Together, this spectacular island group forms the largest chain of atolls in the world. The beauty of its lagoons, unique wildlife and pink and white sand beaches make the Tuamotus a special group of islands.

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• Rangiroa

• Tikehau

• Fakarava
• Ahe

• Nukutepipi

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Gambier Islands

At the end of the Tuamotu Islands, almost 1,000 miles southeast of Tahiti lies the Gambier Islands. Of the five, this archipelago is the the least populous and most remote in all of the Islands of Tahiti. of French Polynesia. Only 1,000 inhabitants across these 14 islands make their home here, with many living on the largest island of Mangareva.

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• Mangareva

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Marquesas Islands

Called by locals, “The Land of Men,” or “Te Henua ‘Enana,” the dramatic and lush Marquesas Islands are filled with enormous green cliffs, stunning volcanic peaks and incredible beaches. About 932 miles (1,500km) northeast of the island of Tahiti, about 3 hrs by plane, those who venture to the Marquesas are surely granted memories to last lifetime.

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• Nuku Hiva

• Hiva Oa

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Austral Islands

On the Tropic of Capricorn and south of the Society Islands lies the Austral Islands. This archipelago makes up the southernmost boundary of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. With a slightly cooler climate than its counterparts, the abundance of nature and wildlife in these islands make them feel other worldly. 

Here, you can experience once-in-a-lifetime whale watching, archaeological relics and more.

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• Rurutu

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Time Zone Location: Tahiti Time (TAHT)

While seemingly located world’s away, the majority of the Islands of Tahiti are actually in the same time zone as Hawaii. Tahiti Time (TAHT) is 10 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) - (GMT-10), which is 2 hours behind Pacific Standard Time or 3 hours behind during Daylight Savings Time. French Polynesia does not recognize Daylight Savings Time.

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Tahiti Flights

It's easy to fly to The Islands of Tahiti from the United States. The following airlines fly nonstop to Tahiti from the US mainland, including:

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• Air Tahiti Nui - nonstop 9 to 12x per week from Los Angeles

• Air Tahiti Nui - nonstop 2x week from Seattle 

• United Airlines - nonstop 5x week from San Francisco 

• Frenchbee - nonstop 3x week from San Francisco

• Air France - nonstop 5x week from Los Angeles

• Delta Airlines - nonstop 3x week from Los Angeles

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Flying to Tahiti from the United States:

- Honolulu to Tahiti: 5 hr, 45 min

- Los Angeles to Tahiti: 8 hr, 20 min

- San Francisco to Tahiti: 8 hr, 40 min

- Seattle to Tahiti: 9 hr, 35 min