Hawaiki Nui Vaa... Nov 19, 2009
Published: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:10 AM HST The Hawaiki Nui Va a outrigger paddling race took place in French Polynesia from Nov. 4-6. The race consisted of 92 teams and over 2,000 paddlers from Polynesia, Hawai i, Australia, New Zealand and other sea faring countries in a grueling 80-mile paddling marathon that visits three islands in three days, through reef-laced channels and deep ocean passages. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Kekaha couple attends sovereignty rally (448) Oct 12, 2009
In addition to Aotearoa and Hawai i, royalty were there representing: Mangai (the most southerly of the Cook Islands), Rarotonga (the most populous of the Cook Islands), Tuvalu (formerly known as the Ellice Islands), Samoa and Pakomotu (also called Paumotu, a large chain of atolls in French Polynesia). The traditional chiefs on Sept. 11 signed a proclamation of the New Foundation of the Royal Union of the Pacific Nations, named Te Alepha Te Papa Nui A Te Taata Maori No Te Moana Nui O Kiva. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
'Couples Retreat' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know Oct 10, 2009
It should be noted, of course, that while French Polynesia is absolutely in the middle of nowhere, there is clearly no place on Earth that Edward Pattison, Kristen Stewart and "Twilight" have not invaded. Yup, right there on the mainland was themselves. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Diversity Lottory: Ghana Tops Oct 9, 2009
General News of Friday, 9 October 2009. General News of Friday, 9 October 2009. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Tsunami watch canceled but officials say stay out of the water today Sep 30, 2009
A tsunami warning was in effect for American Samoa, Samoa, Niue Island, the Wallis and Futuna Islands, the Tokelau atolls, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Kermadec Islands, the Baker and Howland Islands, Jarvis Island, French Polynesia and the Palmyra Islands ... A tsunami warning was in effect for American Samoa, Samoa, Niue Island, the Wallis and Futuna Islands, the Tokelau atolls, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Kermadec Islands, the Baker and Howland Islands, Jarvis Island,... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Tahaa, French Polynesia Sep 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009. By Susan and Richard Cardwell, Alamo. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
An exotic vacation the family will love Sep 30, 2009
He believes this Four Seasons project is the largest in French Polynesia -- another effort that sets the Four Seasons apart, especially as a family destination. "We want children to see how we impact the environment. The whole idea is to develop this as a bio center where children and parents can snorkel, learn about sea life and the environment," says Martin. (CNN -- Travel)
In Samoa, shaking and then waves Sep 30, 2009
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu issued a tsunami warning for numerous islands in the Pacific, including the Samoas, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, French Polynesia and Palmyra Island. The center posted a tsunami watch for Hawaii, Vanuatu, the Marshall Islands, Solomon Island, Johnston Island, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Wake Island, Midway Island and Pitcairn. (Honolulu Advertiser)
More than 100 people were believed to have been killed after an earthquake triggered a tsunami in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, officials said.• 19 deaths reported following 8.0 magnitude quake in Samoa Sep 30, 2009
The warning covers Samoa, American Samoa, New Zealand, Niue, Wallis-Futuna, Tokelau, Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Kermadec Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Howland-Baker, Jarvis Isand Palmyra Is ... There was a red alert in French Polynesia as a tsunami is expected to hit shortly. (Xinhuanet, China)
South Pacific escapes from $480/night Sep 30, 2009
The dealIf youre looking for the ultimate island escape, consider spending a week in stunning French Polynesia. On the dramatic Society Islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, legendary beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and oceanfront resorts provide the perfect setting for a tropical beach break in the stunning South Pacific. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Kids welcome in exotic French Polynesia Sep 26, 2009
Kid travelers wanted in French Polynesia - Family- msnbc ... Kids are more than welcome in exotic French Polynesia, theyre wanted ... The appeal of French Polynesia is quite obvious, as this view from the Otemanu Beachfront Villa Private Pool at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort attests. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Forecast » Sep 23, 2009
Jackson, MS 39201 Last Updated: 09/23/09 05:31:19 EDT. C) Relative Humidity: 90% Barometer: 30. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Hawaii convention center falls far short of economic goals Sep 21, 2009
Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Hawai'i and French Polynesia, said hotels weren't to blame. Vieira blamed the state Legislature for moving the center's marketing responsibilities from the Hawai'i Visitors ntion Bureau to Philadelphia-based SMG. Convention center operator SMG was given that responsibility in 2002. (Honolulu Advertiser)
French frigate Prairial open for tours at Aloha Tower Sep 19, 2009
The Prairial is based in Papeete, Tahiti, and conducts maritime surveillance of fisheries and illegal activities in French Polynesia. It carries a Panther helicopter and is armed with four anti-ship Exocet missiles, and a weapons system capable of destroying surface and air targets. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii hotels have 'worst summer' with July occupancy 70.3% Sep 11, 2009
Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Hawai'i and French Polynesia, said hotels here have felt the boost from travelers making last-minute vacation plans. "The bad news is that you're getting them at rock-bottom prices," Vieira said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
UH receives $891K for ocean/science research Sep 3, 2009
$428,916 for the project entitled, "The development of microbial associations in major reef building corals of the Pacific Ocean." The funding will allow research to be expanded to examine the onset of microbial associations in key reef building corals from Hawaii in the North Pacific Ocean and Morrea, French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. $296,270 for the project entitled "2009 Oceanographic Instrumentation, R/V Kilo Moana Multibeam Sonar Upgrade." The funding will be used to purchase... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii hotels rank high in new survey Sep 2, 2009
Other island destinations in the survey include Guam, Bali, Aruba, Jamaica, the Bahamas and French Polynesia. When compared to selected major competitive country and regional destinations, Hawaii ranked fifth at the half-year mark at 66 percent hotel occupancy, with South Korea topping the list at 74. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Adults-only: escaping to a child-free paradise Aug 28, 2009
It opened in April 2007 with Fiji's first over-water bures (cottages), a style long popular in French Polynesia. Reachable by another 150m boardwalk from the island, these 10 bures are very similar in design to the 18 deluxe bures lining the beach (each with its own outside deck and plunge pool), except that they have two glass panels in the floor of the lounge area through which guests can watch the fish swimming below. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
* Deserter caught after stealing luxury yachts Aug 28, 2009
Using the sailing skills he had picked up in his native French Polynesia, the 21-year-old celebrated his freedom by embarking on a glamorous tour of the Mediterranean. The former member of the 11th Maritime Artillery Regiment, who has not been named, had come to mainland France to serve in the army. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Taking the kids and myself to a spa Aug 27, 2009
We're at the Thalasso Spa at the , which I'm told, is the largest spa in French Polynesia, the first in the world to use water drawn from deep in the Pacific, which they tell us is extremely pure and rich in minerals. It's just an average mom-and-daughter afternoon together, or once in a lifetime, in this case. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Astronomy Travel Aug 25, 2009
Enjoy the best that French Polynesia has to offer at our exclusive five-star beachfront resort in Tahiti. Interact with local craftsmen as they create their wares, or shop for Tahitian black pearls. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Spas stepping up pampering for teens Aug 25, 2009
We're at the at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort, which I'm told is the largest spa in French Polynesia, the first in the world to use water drawn from deep in the Pacific, which they tell us is extremely pure and rich in minerals. It's just an average mom-and-daughter afternoon together, or once in a lifetime, in this case. (CNN)
Bolt's 9.58 shatters 100m record Aug 17, 2009
6, Terani Faremiro, French Polynesia, 12. 96. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Cruises for those who want something different Aug 10, 2009
Among the best known ship is the Aranui 3, which sails French Polynesia from Tahiti to the Marquesas Islands and Tuamotu. Accommodations tend to be comfortable, albeit basic, and frills are, um, few. (San Francisco Chronicle)
World's best snorkeling 2009 Jul 31, 2009
Just getting to Rurutu in French Polynesia is a bit of an adventure; but then you still have to take a boat to find migrating humpback whales. Likewise, Australias Great Barrier Reef, one of the worlds great snorkeling spots, lies 12 to 50 miles offshore. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Neen how China's arriving Jul 27, 2009
"For our hotels, it means the Chinese guests don't need to leave cash as deposit and payment any more. It means the addition of the most China-friendly payment method enabled at our hotels," said Cheryl Williams, regional vice president of sales ting for Starwood Hotels ts Hawai'i and French Polynesia. "Even if Hawai'i only targets 1 million millionaires in China, it's still a substantial new and promising market to expand the 'pie' for Hawai'i," Williams said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Taking the kids sailing in the Tahitian Islands Jul 23, 2009
The Coral Garden teems with fish striped banner fish, long skinny trumpet fish, parrotfish, triggerfish, a barracuda and big ugly eel that eat the scraps of day-old baguettes (we are in French Polynesia, after all) ... So here we are exploring a small slice of French Polynesia's 118 islands the four girls who have come from Connecticut, Wisconsin, Kansas and California, my husband Andy and me and Allan and Pam Roza, from Milwaukee, whose daughter Orlee only reluctantly agreed to her... (MSNBC -- Travel)
Stamp to salute Hawaii statehood Jul 21, 2009
This will not be the first stamp painted by Kane; he has already designed 41 stamps for the United States, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and French Polynesia ... This will not be the first stamp painted by Kane; he has already designed 41 stamps for the United States, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and French Polynesia. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Eclipse fever hits China Jul 17, 2009
The next total solar eclipse will be on July 11, 2010 but far fewer people are likely to see it as it tracks across the South Pacific over French Polynesia and Easter Island to the southern tip of South America. AFP Digg. (iAfrica.com)
Raiatea's roots Jul 13, 2009
Her plans include a trip to a Tahitian pearl market; a stop at the Paul Gauguin museum; Bastille Day festivities at the residence of Adolphe Colrat, high commissioner of France; and a meeting with either Oscar Temaru, president of French Polynesia, or vice president Anthony Geros. Helm flipped through her Tahiti itinerary, reviewing her jam-packed schedule with a big smile. (Honolulu Advertiser)
HIDDEN GEMS: Uncovering island hideaways Jun 29, 2009
Vanuatu thus has joined a number of other Pacific island groups, notably Fiji, Hawaii and French Polynesia, where visitors can sail away from high-rise resorts and tourist crowds to explore pristine small islands in ships both small and large. The company says passengers enjoy the spaciousness of the Island Passage compared with other ships of her size which carry 40 or more passengers; it adds that on day trips which Island Passage makes in New Zealand, there's room for 200. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Hawaii tourism down 6.9% in May not as bad as past 10 months Jun 27, 2009
Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood Hotels ts in Hawai'i and French Polynesia, said "a little blip in bookings for July" is good but the overall picture remains shaky. He's pleased to see visitors taking advantage of good values at higher-end properties such as The Royal Hawaiian. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Cougars Set to Compete at USA Track & Field Championships Jun 23, 2009
44, 7th-best in school records Served two-year church mission in French Polynesia, returned in 2007 and resumed training. Decathlon (WSU '08) Second on WSU all-time decathlon list with 7,787 points (2008 Texas Relays) All-American - Finished 8th in decathlon at 2008 NCAA Championships 14th at 2008 US Olympic Trials (7,512 points). (Wsucougars.com)
Newsweek: Why nations can't escape empire trap Jun 16, 2009
The sun never sets on what Paris calls "the confetti of empire": from French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna in the South Pacific to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Newfoundland. Indeed, France's longest land border is not with Germany or Spain, but, thanks to French Guiana, with Brazil. (MSNBC -- International)
Migration linked to toxin Jun 16, 2009
Study theorizes voyagers left French Polynesia during ciguatera outbreak ... Using archaeological evidence, prehistoric climate data and recent reports of ciguatera poisoning from the consumption of contaminated reef fish, researchers at the Florida Institute of Technology theorize that climate conditions conducive to ciguatera outbreaks may have occurred in French Polynesia between A.D. 1000 and 1450 an active period of Polynesian voyaging and colonization ... A negative phase brings a cooler... (Honolulu Advertiser)
A Brush with Gauguin Jun 16, 2009
Hiva Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas, a distinct group of 14 isles within French Polynesia, located about three hours northeast of the French Polynesian capital Papeete ... He doesn't tell me where we are heading, but knowing that the island has some of the most sacred ancient temple sites in French Polynesia, I'm not surprised when we come across a small, carved rock statue atop a stone platform. (Time.com)
France to pay nuclear compensation Jun 16, 2009
France carried out 17 tests in the Sahara and 193 in French Polynesia. Early in the morning of 13 February, 1960, several thousand French servicemen gathered in the Algerian Sahara to witness "Gerboise Bleue" or "Blue Desert Rat", an atmospheric nuclear explosion four times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. (BBC News -- Europe)
Nuclear veterans await decision Jun 5, 2009
In France, a government-backed bill that is expected to pass later this year would provide compensation to those who contracted illnesses attributed to the country's nuclear tests in the Sahara and French Polynesia between 1960 and 1996. At the height of the Cold War in the 1950s, Britain carried out a series of nuclear weapons tests in mainland Australia, the Montebello islands off the west Australian coast and on Christmas Island in the South Pacific. (BBC News -- UK)
Hawaii's tourist decline eases to 1.3% in April, but they spent less May 29, 2009
Waikiki was starting to show signs of recovery until fears of swine flu prompted millions of dollars worth of canceled trips from Japan and skipped bookings over the summer, said Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood Hotels ts in Hawai'i and French Polynesia. "We had massive cancellations from Japan that are still continuing," he said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
The latest travel trend? Becoming a nomad May 24, 2009
He's visited some of the prettiest destinations on the planet since, including French Polynesia, Easter Island, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa. (You can see photos on his blog (http://everything-everywhere. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Scientist to Watch: Dennis Wall May 12, 2009
As a PhD student, Wall tracked the radiation of an obscure genus of moss from its origin in Malaysia to its outermost ranges in French Polynesia. He wanted to see how quickly branches in the moss's lineage arose and decided to use statistical calculations that epidemiologists employ to monitor disease outbreaks. (The Scientist)
Natural Skin Care Company Naturopathica Launches Pear Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel May 7, 2009
Noni Fruit (Morinda Citrifolia) - native to Southeast Asia, has been extensively spread throughout the Indian subcontinent, Pacific Islands and the French Polynesia. Tahiti remains its most prominent growing location. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Vacation Blues as Tourists Stay at Home Apr 28, 2009
In February, French Polynesia reported a 30% drop in year-on-year arrivals tourist numbers are now at levels last seen in 1996 while the number of tourists cruising between the islands of Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda in 2008 sank by almost a fifth. The WTTC estimates the travel industry will contract by 3. (Time.com)
Nuclear cases in French Polynesia Apr 28, 2009
A court in French Polynesia has begun hearing complaints from former workers at France's nuclear weapons test sites ... Before the hearing started, the French Polynesian president, Oscar Temaru, met some of the veterans' representatives. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
9 secretsto becoming a permanent tourist Apr 13, 2009
Hes visited some of the prettiest destinations on the planet since, including French Polynesia, Easter Island, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa. (You can see photos on I dont regret it in the slightest, he says. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Charlevoix sailor to sail around the world Apr 3, 2009
Shellette will then travel to the Panama Canal, possibly stopping off in Beliz if there is time, before heading to the Galapagos Islands, sailing through French Polynesia. Then, about the end of November, we ll head down to New Zealand to get out of hurricane season in the islands (Polynesia) and hang out in New Zealand for four to five months til hurricane season is over, Dawson said. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Tourist numbers and spending down Apr 2, 2009
The type of people attracted by Hawaii's added-value offers tend to spend less, said Keith Vieira, senior vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts-Hawaii & French Polynesia ... The type of people attracted by Hawaii's added-value offers tend to spend less, said Keith Vieira, senior vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts-Hawaii & French Polynesia. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
• France to compensate nuclear test victims Mar 25, 2009
France plans to compensate people who suffered health problems as a result of its massive nuclear test program in the Algerian desert and on the islands of French Polynesia ... But they say it's still too stingy, and is only a first step toward healing wounds left by explosions that sent blinding white flashes cascading over French Polynesia and the Sahara Desert. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
France will compensate victims of nuclear tests Mar 25, 2009
France carried out more than 200 nuclear tests from 1960 to 1996, first in Algeria, then in French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. Up to 150,000 civilian and military personnel who worked on the testing program had been theoretically affected, Mr. Morin said. (International Herald Tribune)
* World News Quick Take Mar 25, 2009
Between 1960 and 1966, the government carried out more than 200 atmospheric nuclear tests, 17 of them in the Algerian Sahara and 193 in French Polynesia. The individual cases will be examined by an independent commission comprised of physicians and headed by a magistrate, Morin said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
France offers nuclear test money Mar 24, 2009
France carried out more than 200 tests, firstly in Algeria and later in French Polynesia, between 1966 and 1996. Mr Morin said about 150,000 civil and military workers were "theoretically affected" by the tests. (BBC News -- Europe)
ActionQuest Survey Shows Value of Face Time Versus FaceBook Mar 10, 2009
Three-week programs to the British Virgin Islands, the Caribbean's Leeward Islands, the Mediterranean, Galapagos, Ecuador Australia, French Polynesia, China, Thailand and India make for an educational adventure of a lifetime. Established in 1986, over 10,000 teenagers have taken the ActionQuest plunge. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
REGION: Growers warned about sharpshooters Mar 9, 2009
Biological control ---- using a pest's natural enemies to keep the pest population under control ---- "is very effective and safe in most cases," said Mark Hoddle, who led the Tahiti project and also used the tiny wasps against the sharpshooter on several other islands in French Polynesia. Wasps also have been used to fight the sharpshooters in Temecula's Wine Country. (North County Times)
Advances in Monitoring Nuclear Weapon Testing Mar 3, 2009
France exploded this nuclear weapon at Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia on July 3, 1970. Atmospheric explosions are now banned by treaty and relatively easy to detect. (Scientific American)
Tonga petroglyphs hint at Isle link Mar 3, 2009
Islanders from French Polynesia are believed to have voyaged to Hawai'i and back, and Tongans traveled widely through Oceania from the 12th to 18th centuries during the height of the Tu'i Tonga dynasty, "so anything is possible, including a chance encounter with and the bringing back of a Hawaiian," he said. "I am not sure we will ever be able to answer the specific scenario, but the fact that the link exists is truly significant in its own right. East and West Polynesia had some degree of... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces Best-Ever Early Booking Savings Program for Extraordinary 2010 Itineraries Through Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific Feb 27, 2009
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the award-winning luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The m/s Paul Gauguin was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Visitor arrivals fell 12.5% in January Feb 26, 2009
"Average daily room rates are down to the level of two to four years ago," said Keith Vieira, senior vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts-Hawaii & French Polynesia ... "Average daily room rates are down to the level of two to four years ago," said Keith Vieira, senior vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts-Hawaii & French Polynesia. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Fritch elected French Polynesia's new Speaker Feb 13, 2009
WELLINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- French Polynesia's lawmakers on Friday elected Edouard Fritch as Speaker in the French Pacific territory legislature, in the wake of the election of pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru as president, the Oceania Flash reported ... After his election, Fritch once again stressed that the new parliamentary majority was the largest in French Polynesia in a very long time ... French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the southern Pacific Ocean. (Xinhuanet, China)
Holland America Adds More Sydney, Australia, Round-Trip Voyages in 2010 Feb 12, 2009
As the ship departs Sydney it makes a beeline for Noumea, New Caledonia, and the heart of French Polynesia. Here, guests will leisurely explore the region's culture with additional calls at Mouli and Ile des Pins, New Caledonia; Port Vila and Luganville, Vanuatu, and Lautoka and Levuka, Fiji, before returning to Sydney. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
French Polynesia elects president Feb 12, 2009
French Polynesia's assembly has elected Oscar Temaru as the next president after Gaston Tong Sang's resignation ... Gaston Flosse, generally described as pro-France, had ruled French Polynesia for most of two decades until 2004. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Local Weather Feb 8, 2009
Melbourne, FL 32935 Last Updated: 02/08/09 07:15:32 EDT. C) Relative Humidity: 89% Barometer: 30. (Florida Today)
Same-sex cruise travel increasingly popular Feb 8, 2009
Tahiti and French Polynesia: March 14-21, round trip out of Papeete, Tahiti, includes stops at Raiatea; Taha's Motu Mahana; Bora Bora (overnight); and Moorea on Regent Seven Seas' Paul Gauguin. Available fares begin at $3,999 per person, double occupancy. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Yes, you can picture yourself on a yacht Feb 8, 2009
"She knows boats and understands what works for us. For instance, my wife gets seasick just looking at the water, so Mary suggests gentle places, like the Tuamotus in French Polynesia where we can sail in the calm of the lagoon," he says. Where do yachts go. (Boston Globe)
Holland America to Include Air on Qantas A380 - The Largest Passenger Airliner in the World - For 2009 Fall Asia, Australia and New Zealand Sailings Feb 8, 2009
While on board, guests will sail throughout French Polynesia, American Samoa, Fiji, the Cook Islands and Tahiti before heading to Australia and disembarking in Sydney. Highlights include crossing the International Date Line and overnight stays at Papeete, Tahiti; Bora Bora, French Polynesia, and Sydney. (PR Newswire)
