Impressionist master Gauguin spent his later years here – the stunning paradise of Tahiti’s traditional outrigger canoe races

Reported by You T-Ru / Special Feature

The place that enchanted French Impressionist master Gauguin –Tahiti,is the largest island in French Polynesia. Apart from its paradisiacal landscapes, French Polynesia also boasts fascinating traditional culture. The annual canoe races blend this distinctive traditional sport with a top-tier resort destination, drawing visitors from around the world.


▲ Tahiti. (Photo / Provided by Agoda)
In fact, the “outrigger canoe race” is a reflection of the early Polynesian migration. Back then, ancestors traveled here by sea from as far as 4,000 kilometers away — places like Hawaii and Auckland in New Zealand. Their vessel of choice was a narrow canoe equipped with flotation supports, locally called the Va’a.

The race content is a modern reenactment of those ancient sea voyages. Participants must paddle to four different islands over the course of three days. The first leg is from Huahine Island to Raiatea Island, covering 45 kilometers; the second from Raiatea to Tahaa Island, just 22 kilometers away; and the final leg from Tahaa to Bora Bora, spanning a lengthy 58 kilometers. Each canoe holds only six paddlers, including a team leader who directs the crew and adjusts tactics based on ever-changing weather and sea conditions. Over these three days, athletes face scorching sun, rough waves, strong currents, and treacherous reefs between islands — constantly pushing their physical and endurance limits.


▲ Outrigger canoes used by South Pacific residents. (Photo / Taken by reporter You T-Ru)
The canoe race is one of the most anticipated sporting events locally, drawing thousands of spectators to cheer for their favorite teams. The event is also broadcast live on TV for those unable to attend. In recent years, the scale of the competition has expanded year by year, showing a growing trend toward internationalization, with teams participating from Germany, France, New Zealand, and California, USA.

As the race nears its end, the excitement reaches a boiling point. All athletes are fully focused, giving their all to break through the finish line. Once the champion is crowned, the organizers host a grand celebration party on Matira Beach to honor all participants and pay tribute to their relentless spirit and determination.

Although French Polynesia may seem far away, there are actually many airlines offering flights to Tahiti’s Fa’a’ā International Airport. From there, inter-island travel via Air Tahiti or ferries is quite convenient.

【Tahiti-Related Travel Agency Packages】
EzTravel – Tahiti, Moorea + Bora Bora 8-Day 6-Night Tour starting from NT$175,000; EasyJet – Tahiti + Bora Bora 6-Day 4-Night Tour starting from NT$145,000

【Basic Introduction to Tahiti】
Population: 178,100
Area: 1,048 square kilometers
Climate: The rainy season runs from November to April each year, with January being the wettest month (Papeete recorded 340mm of rainfall), and August the driest (only 48mm of precipitation).  

▲ Tahiti. (Photo / From Google Maps)