To journey to the islands, the first stop is the main island of Tahiti which is the largest of all the islands and appropriately referred to as the "Queen of the Pacific". All international flights arrive here and visitors are greeted by Tahitian music being played by local musicians and the delightful scent of a Tiare blossom lei, the national flower of the islands.
            The total population of all the islands is approximately 245,000…about 75% of whom reside on the islands of Tahiti and Moorea.
           Tahiti is actually two islands joined by a narrow isthmus. Polynesian legends say that Tahiti Nui, the larger of the two islands, and Tahiti Iti, the smaller island, were formed when a fish swam away from the lagoon between the islands of Raiatea and Taha'a.
          Tourists often just transit in Papeete enroute to the outer islands. However, as the largest city it is a mistake not to spend a day or two exploring all it has to offer; the vast market where  hundreds of stands feature all the handicrafts of the skilled natives, the lush  valleys, high waterfalls and the nightly  roulettes ( quaint food stands ), which are a traditional fixture  for casual dining or desserts on the waterfront. Then there are the botanical gardens, the Paul Gauguin Museum and ancient temples. All are well worth the time.