The Emblematic Flower of Tahiti
The Tiare Tahiti is the symbol of Air Tahiti Nui. This beautiful flower has an intoxicating fragrance and is one of the most iconic symbols of French Polynesia. Let me explain why.
Tiare Tahiti: The Perfect Flower
In Tahitian, the word tiare simply means “flower”. So, a tiare Tahiti would be a “Tahitian flower”. But tiare Tahiti is also the name of this particular white flower... Which makes sense, because the tiare is THE flower of Tahiti.
With its graceful petals, flawless symmetry, and heavenly scent, the Tiare Tahiti is perfection... No other name would suit it better. It is the queen of flowers, with a fragrance even more sought after than jasmine or rose.
The word tiare represents all the flowers that grow on the ground or on bushes. The Polynesians wanted to distinguish it from tree flowers, which they call pua.
Please note: in French, it has become customary to use the feminine form tiare for the flower and the masculine form tiare Tahiti for the plant. But if you get it wrong, no one will hold it against you - ;)
Tiare, the Enchanting Scent of Paradise
This flower is endemic to French Polynesia, although it is believed to have been brought here a thousand years ago by the first Polynesian explorers. The tiare Tahiti, formerly known as tiare ma'ohi, is recognized by botanists as Gardenia Tahitensis. Behind its 5 to 8 white petals, it holds a world of surprises.
Its scent is so captivating that it has inspired the world's greatest perfumers. To incorporate it in their creations, thousands of flowers are distilled to produce tiare absolute, a rare and pure extract of its fragrance, the essence of its perfection.
Blended with coconut oil, according to a recipe that Tahitian mamas will gladly share with you when you visit the Papeete market, it becomes the famous Tahitian monoi, the well-known beauty oil from our islands.
The Tiare Apetahi: Another Emblematic Flower of Tahiti
The tiare Tahiti grows everywhere in French Polynesia, including in the coral soil of the Tuamotu Islands.
But there is one that is exquisite, fragile, unique in the world, and grows in only one place on Earth: the tiare Apetahi. This natural wonder blooms only on Mount Temehani, in Raiatea. A wonderful romantic legend tells the origin of this extraordinary Polynesian flower...
Tahitian Flowers, Welcoming You to French Polynesia
When you board one of our aircraft, the first thing our cabin crew will do is offer you a tiare flower with a warm smile. Whether worn alone, arranged on a stem or a thin cord, and sometimes combined with other flowers, the tiare Tahiti symbolizes the Polynesian hospitality. Like the Polynesians, you can wear the Tiare Tahiti on your right or left ear.
In French Polynesia, accompanied by cheerful sounds of percussion and ukulele, sunshine, and the scent of monoi oil, you will be offered a flower necklace or crown as a sign of welcome.
In addition to your first taste of Polynesian hospitality on board our aircraft, this unique welcome will enchant your senses as soon as you set foot in Tahiti and will stay with you forever. It will become a lasting memory, as intoxicating as the scent of our islands.