Best time to travel to Tahiti

Tiare Tahiti

Tahitian emblematic flower is celebrated during Tiare Honoring Days through weaving wreaths and bunches of the favourite blossoms

Best time: September–April (all year round)

Tiare Tahiti
Tiare Tahiti
Tiare Tahiti
Tiare Tahiti

Tiare Tahiti is the national flower symbol of Tahiti. In Tahitian, Tiare means “flower” in a general sense. Locals wear them in their hair, weave wreaths as a present to the island's tourists, and resorts decorate hotel rooms with an abundance of these flowers. The Tiare Tahiti is just a beautiful flower with a heady smell. The flower is one of the components of Tahitian monoi oil and is added to perfumes.

Its snow-white blossoms, as well as its subtle fragrance, spread all over Tahiti year-round but particularly between September and April. The first week of December, during the Tiare Days named "La Journée du Tiare Tahiti," Tahitians decorate businesses and public institutions, houses, and shops with these flowers. For the floral design contest, locals make magnificent floral arrangements, crowns, necklaces, and Tiare flower dresses. The award ceremony is accompanied by a parade and a dance show. Everyone on the streets of Papeete has a chance to receive a tiare.

Practical info

What is the event known as Tiare Honoring Days all about?

Tiare Honoring Days is a cultural celebration that takes place annually in December throughout Tahiti. During the event, participants immerse themselves in floral artistry through designing magnificent floral arrangements, crowns, necklaces, and even Tiare flower dresses. The event typically includes a parade, dance performances, and ultimately an awards ceremony. Visitors to the island can experience Tahitian culture, learn about the various traditions, and appreciate the stunning natural landscapes that the festival offers. Show more

When is the best time to visit Tahiti to catch the Tiare Tahiti in full bloom?

While Tiare Tahiti blooms throughout the year, the most bountiful season is from September to April. During this time, the flower is ubiquitous and can be seen in hotel lobbies, on beaches and in tourist destinations. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the cultural celebration of Tiare Honoring Days, the best time to visit is in December. However, traveling between September to November offers the added advantage of fewer crowds and more affordable offers. Show more

What is the significance of the Tiare Tahiti in Tahitian culture?

Tiare Tahiti plays a crucial role in Tahitian culture as it is the country's official flower and a symbol of Polynesian beauty and peacefulness. It also symbolizes love and friendship, with locals often using them to adorn their homes and offer gifts to tourists. This flower plays a part in different traditions such as weddings, baptisms, and funeral ceremonies. Locals produce oils and perfumes with Tiare Tahiti flowers that showcase the unique Polynesian fragrance that can be purchased as souvenirs by the visitors. Show more

Where can tourists purchase Tiare Tahiti wreaths or crowns while visiting Tahiti?

Tourists can easily purchase Tiare Tahiti wreaths or crowns while in Tahiti by visiting markets around major tourist attractions on different islands or from locals. They can also receive these as complimentary welcome gifts or as part of honeymoon packages offered by resorts and hotels. Visitors can purchase Tiare oils or perfumes as souvenirs that retail at duty-free shops at airports or local gift shops. The oils are made of local ingredients and produce an enjoyable sensory experience of Tahitian culture. Show more

Can visitors buy any special perfumes or oils made of Tiare Tahiti as a souvenir?

Yes, visitors to Tahiti can purchase various Tiare Tahiti oils and perfumes, which are made by incorporating monoi oil, derived from Tiare Tahiti and coconut oil. These fragrances can help moisturize the skin or provide an after-sun treatment. The oils and perfumes are readily available at markets, gift shops, and duty-free shops throughout Tahiti to offer an authentic sensory experience of Polynesian culture that visitors can take back home with them as a souvenir. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin