Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is a dream destination for many travelers who love paradise. From its white and black sand beaches, it's no time to move on to steep terrain and verdant landscapes. Tahiti is a delight for swimmers, sailors, hikers and surfers. In short, anyone who enjoys spending time in the fresh air and sunshine. Staying in Tahiti also means meeting its friendly inhabitants and discovering its vibrant culture. Let's get to the heart of the matter with these 15 must-do activities once you've reached the Queen of the Pacific.
1. Stroll around Papeete, the capital of Tahiti
A stay in Tahiti can start with a day's stroll through its capital, Papeete. The Notre-Dame church, built in the 19th century, is right in the center of town. Then head for Avenue Pouvanaa-a-Oopa to see some of Papeete's other emblematic monuments. You might not expect it, but the streets of French Polynesia's capital are full of street art. Lovers beware! We finish with a stroll along the seafront and a well-deserved break in the Paofai gardens. This green space, rich in plant and tree species, is the perfect place for a picnic and a stop at the children's playground.
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2. Shopping at the Papeete market
The municipal market is a must-see on any visit to Papeete. It's a veritable institution in the city. No less than 7,000 m2 are devoted to a compendium of Polynesian culture. Head for the colorful stalls to stock up on tropical fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. You'll also find beach essentials, including pareos, hats and monoi. It's also a good time to sample some of the local specialities on offer. A friendly place that leaves pleasant memories in the mind.
3. Sunbathing on the most beautiful beaches
Tahiti boasts some magnificent beaches. Like Rohutu, a few kilometers west of Papeete. This white sand beach is bordered by clear water on one side and palm trees on the other. Perfect for swimming and lounging with a good book in hand. In the commune of Punaauia, Vaiava beach is also immediately appealing, with its warm turquoise sea. But a trip to Tahiti is also an opportunity to spend time on its black sand beaches. The beaches of La Pointe Vénus, Tautira and Taharuu, for example, each have their own unique charm!
4. Climbing in Vaitavere
Tahiti is, of course, renowned for the beauty of its beaches. But it's also a great place for hiking. One of the most popular hikes is up Vaitavere Mountain. After parking at the cemetery, you head into the wilderness and enjoy the striking contrast between the red of the earth, the green of the vegetation and the blue of the lagoon. And what a splendid view of Moorea! Note that this hike can be done on foot or by mountain bike. Of course, an electric mountain bike is preferable for easier climbing.
5. Marvel at the Teahupoo wave
South of Tahiti, the Teahupoo wave has long fascinated surfers the world over. If this spectacle of nature is not to be missed, it's because it's one of the most frightening and fearsome waves in the world. The spot is famous for being one of the stops on the world surfing championship circuit. With a bit of luck, travelers can see surfers tackling this behemoth of the seas, as many other international competitions take place here.Note that what makes this wave so unique is that it's almost as high as it is wide.
Planning to attend a surf competition in Tahiti this summer? Find out everything you need to know about renting your apartment during the 2024 Olympics!
6. Visit the Arahurahu marae
Marae are ancient places of worship where ceremonies were held. The Arahurahu marae invites you to discover a piece of local culture, and more specifically the ancestral religion of the original Polynesians (Ma'ohi) before the arrival of the Europeans. You'll discover several emblematic pieces of this type of construction, including a surrounding wall, a sacred courtyard, an altar and carved wooden pieces. Once on site, there are several rules to observe. Keep quiet and don't step on the stones. There are also some lovely walks in the surrounding forest.
7. Enjoy the view from the Taravao belvedere
Tahiti is always a great place to get up high and enjoy breathtaking panoramas. By car, one of the best experiences is to drive to the Taravao plateau. You'll pass through magnificent green countryside, with cows here and horses there. Once you've reached the belvedere, you take in the view and get out your camera. It's always a special moment to observe the piece of land that links Tahiti Nui (the big island) and Tahiti iti (the little island).
8. Discover the islands around Tahiti
Travelers flying to Tahiti and planning to spend some time there can take the opportunity to visit the most beautiful islands around Tahiti. The promise of landscapes of rare beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Moorea, for example, is encircled by a coral reef and remains one of the most beautiful spots for swimming and water sports (snorkeling, paddling, etc.). Air Tahiti Nui offers flights to other jewels, such as Bora Bora, Huahine and Tetiaroa. Huahine is one of the most authentic parts of Tahiti and its islands.
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9. Learn to scuba dive
Tahiti is an incredible destination for first-time scuba divers. The seabed around the island is rich in coral and numerous species of flora and fauna. In fact, some of them are endemic! There are several clubs offering this memorable experience. The west coast of Tahiti, for example, is less popular with tourists. Good luck! Professionals are on hand to guide divers step by step. Everything takes place in perfect safety conditions.
10. Crossing the Papenoo Valley
The Papenoo Valley lies in the center of the island and was formed when the crater of the Tahiti Nui volcano collapsed. It's a place that nature-lovers particularly appreciate. The steep slopes and vegetation offer stunning views. The valley is also rich in archaeological sites, dams and waterfalls. Don't forget to take a break on the shores of Lake Vaihiria, Tahiti's largest natural lake. The Papenoo Valley is also home to a varied fauna, with wild goats and pigs, birds and fish parading in the Vaituaru River.
11. Climb Mount Orohena
A word of warning: climbing Mont Orohena, the highest peak in Tahiti and even French Polynesia, is for experienced climbers only. It's a demanding 3-day adventure. You'll need to check with a local guide, who will ensure that the weather is kind and that hikers are fully equipped. Once at the summit, however, the effort is well worth it, with incredibly beautiful views over Tahiti and neighboring islands.
12. Getting a Polynesian tattoo
Tattoos are of the utmost importance to Polynesians. In fact, the word tattoo comes from tatau, meaning to draw, to mark. The patterns inked into the skin tell the story of the wearer, his or her island of origin and, in some cases, even his or her family affiliation. Travelers who are adept at this practice can take advantage of their trip to Tahiti to get a tattoo of a design that speaks to them. It's an opportunity to discuss the origins and meanings of Polynesian tattooing. For example, the placement of Polynesian tattoos influences their meaning.
13. Attend the Heiva i Tahiti festival
You'll need to plan a trip to the island in July. The Heiva i Tahiti is a festival celebratingtraditional Polynesian music, song, dance and handicrafts in the form of competitions. For 3 weeks, the streets of Tahiti vibrate to the sound of bewitching percussion and song. And the dances are simply sublime. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the authenticity of Polynesian culture. The local troupes take great pleasure in creating captivating aural and visual experiences.
14. Try Tahitian cuisine
A trip to Tahiti wouldn't be complete without sampling some of the local specialties. Those who appreciate raw fish have come to the right place. Many restaurants and snack bars offer raw tuna marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk. Combined with diced raw vegetables, the result is delicious and refreshing. You should also try the chevrettes, freshwater shrimps prepared with coconut milk and vanilla. On the meat side, chicken fafa is very popular in Tahiti and its islands, fafa being a kind of Polynesian spinach. There are also sweet treats, with firi firi, a kind of doughnut, and po'e, made from banana, manioc, pumpkin or papaya and served with coconut milk.
15. Explore the Mara'a caves
Another natural beauty spot on the island of Tahiti. The Mara'a caves are carved out of the rock and nestled in the heart of lush vegetation. The permanent infiltration of water has formed small basins with fresh, crystal-clear water. Above, the ceilings are covered with ferns and mosses. It takes courage to bathe here, but many locals enjoy it when temperatures are high. The largest of the caves, Te-ana-pape-ō-Vai-pōiri, presents an optical illusion. It's much bigger than it looks.
What to do in Tahiti for 15 days?
On a 15-day tour of Tahiti and its islands, the first 2 days can be devoted to discovering Papeete, observing the buildings, the street art and stocking up on good produce and beach gear at the market. On day 3, you're off to the south of the island to admire the Teahupoo wave. If we're lucky, there'll be a competition and we'll be able to see the surfers at work. Over the next 4 days, we recommend exploring the various facets of the island, with the discovery of black sand beaches such as Pointe de Vénus, and expeditions into the heart of verdant nature to reach places like the Taravao lookout.
We then head for Moorea, Tahiti's little sister, for 4 days. You'll need at least that many days to appreciate the beauty of its lagoons, swim, kayak, pirogue and jet-ski. You can also vary the pleasures by setting off on a quad bike through the immense pineapple fields of the island's interior. The last 4 days take place on the island of Huahine. This is one of the most unspoilt islands on the planet, and it's a pure joy to wander through its lush forests, discover its typical villages and relax on its breathtaking beaches.
Did you enjoy Tahiti and her islands? Discover our top 10 paradise islands where you can spend the winter while waiting for the sun to return!
What to do in Tahiti for free?
Travelers looking to save money once they're here have no trouble filling their days in Tahiti. Nature is a playground unto itself. There are the black sand beaches to discover, but also the lush nature to explore, which is full of surprises, as in the Papenoo valley. Alternatively, take a drive to the Vaipahi water garden. This natural area is home to flowers and tropical vegetation, as well as trailheads for hiking in the mountains.
Where to stay in Tahiti?
Tahiti is a dream destination for many travelers, and the island is equipped with excellent hotels for enjoying its nature and culture.
- InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, for a dream setting
This hotel is a 10-minute drive from Papeete. Rooms are decorated in the purest Polynesian tradition. They offer breathtaking views of the lagoon bordering the resort. The swimming pool and the restaurant on stilts overlook Moorea. And to top it all off, the resort is equipped with a spa, for even more relaxation. Click here to book your stay!
- La Pension de la plage, for the family feel
A hotel that quickly feels like home, which you can book right here. The rooms are comfortable and bright, decorated with bamboo furniture. We love spending time by the pool and in the lush garden paths. And it's only 100 m from the white sandy beach of Toaroto. The Tahiti Museum is a 20-minute walk away.
- Le Relais Fenua, for interesting services
This hotel is close to Vaiava beach and can be booked right here. The bungalows have all the comforts you could wish for, and you can even rent a small studio for on-site cooking. The swimming pool is not very large, but is perfect for a morning or evening dip. The resort works with a number of partners to offer activities at the best possible prices, including boat trips, jet-skiing, paddle-boarding and scuba diving.
