Tahiti, French Polynesia

Tahiti : Overview

OVERVIEW

Tahiti is one of the most beautiful, serene islands in the world. Accessibility can be difficult for people who use a wheelchair – especially a power wheelchair. However, if you are able to transfer into a manual chair for your stay, it is possible and well worth the challenge. It’s the perfect island destination for a disabled holiday to just relax, soak in the cultural beauty, and escape from the hustle and bustle.

LANGUAGE

The official languages of Tahiti are French and Tahitian. English and a variety of other languages are also spoken and can be understood in most hotels, as the staff is multicultural. The people of Tahiti appreciate tourists who do learn a few Tahitian phrases.

Here are a couple Tahitian greetings:

hello, good day, friendly greeting – ia orana
goodbye – nana
thank you – mauru’uru

CURRENCY

The official currency of Tahiti is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).

Currency can be exchanged at the airport and most hotels.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

TAHITI : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Tahiti Faa’a International Airport: The Faa’a International Airport in Papeete is a medium sized airport. This particular airport does not have jet bridges and customers must board and de-board via stairs onto the tarmac. People with disabilities can be assisted on and off the aircraft by a lift with glass side.

Be sure to check with your airlines before departure about any accommodations that may be required so that they can assist with any special needs and requests (i.e. aisle chair).

“At the airport there was a disabled restroom, but we did not go inside.” Gary 10/6/2009

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FERRY

There are ferries in Tahiti to transport people and cars to local islands such as Moorea. Most people take a catamaran, however these are difficult for people with disabilities to transfer into.

“The ferry is for both vehicles (lower levels) and passengers on the upper levels. Wheelchairs are wheeled into the lower vehicle area and you also exit from this area.” Gary 10/22/2009

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

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SHUTTLE

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

At the airport there are rental cars available. It is recommended to reserve rental cars in advance. The island does not have wheelchair accessible vans with lifts for rent at this time.

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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

“Le Truck”- The Le Truck is a popular and inexpensive way to get around the island. Le Truck is not wheelchair accessible. There are also taxi vans and city buses; however these vehicles are not equipped with a ramp or lift either.

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TAHITI : Accommodations

HOTELS

Manava Suite Resort: This new resort is located on the island of Tahiti. The lobby is flat and accessible. There are 4 rooms equipped with an access ramp, wide doors and entryway, raised toilets and retractable armrests. Public areas and the pool are easily accessible. There are wide cement paths throughout the property. An accessible toilet is also available in the main building.

“There is a ramp that goes to the pool area, pool has a sandy beach area on one side (might be beach entry). There was not a pool lift. There is also an accessible dock where you can enjoy spectacular ocean views.” Gary, 10/6/2009

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LUXURY RESORTS

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TAHITI : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Tahiti offers its visitors many things to do – everything from: scuba diving, shopping, mountain safari 4×4, to golf, fishing, and museums, to Polynesian shows, visiting an arts and crafts village to watching surf competitions. However, accessibility is sometimes a challenge for some of these activities.

Market: “The local market had ramps for access. The market sold fish, baskets, trinkets, and touristy stuff. There is an elevator that goes to the second floor. I have posted pictures.”  Gary 10/6/2009

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Enjoy the local food: There are two options : (1) restaurants which offer local cuisine, e.g., French/Italian, and other ethnic food, which can be pricey (2) Roulette dining (a.k.a. parking lot dining) located around town and at the waterfront which offers a variety of budget conscious food.

Roulette Dining: “Roulette dining (located in parking lots) are available at varied locations. It is not always the same location since the vans are mobile. They provide fish (grilled mahi or the catch of the day) & chips or rice, steak and fries or rice, and French bread. One van provided Pizza (very good with the thin cracker like crust). Even the locals called in and would drive by and pick up dinner. We were able to walk from our Hotel to the Roulette dining (about 3 blocks).  There was no sidewalk, but rather a flat area on side of road. Be careful to watch for cars. Most of the hotels have fantastic restaurants on the property so if you are not up to the trip to roulettes you will still enjoy dining in Tahiti.” Gary 10/6/2009

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TAHITI : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Mamao General Hospital is the largest hospital on the island.

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EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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TAHITI : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Getting around Tahiti is possible in a manual wheelchair; however access is sometimes limited and difficult if you have limited mobility. The Tahitian people are very friendly and helpful in assisting when needed. It’s best to contact your hotel beforehand so they can help prepare for and plan accommodations for your visit.

“The roads are rough and bumpy in places. The side walks have ramps, but no cut outs.” Gary, 10/6/2009

“The city does have some areas ramped but that is not to say that they are always in the best locations, it will work but you may have to make an effort to find them.” Gary 10/22/2009

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