TahitiTravel Guide

Quietly nestled on the western coast of Tahiti, Te Moana Resort enjoys an easy-to-reach location in the Island’s capital of Pape’ete. With two restaurants and bars on-site, endless ocean views and a long list of water sports on the go, this beach resort has everything you could want for your island adventure.

Just five minutes’ drive from Pape’ete Airport, this beach resort ticks the box for accessibility. It’s also well-equipped with all the mod cons to make for a memorable stay. Just picture it: two outdoor pools, swim-up bars, hearty breakfast buffets and exotic overwater bungalows. If there’s anything else you need, you’re guaranteed to find it here. Ah, bliss!

This oceanfront resort boasts an elegant design with finishings mirroring the rich island heritage of French Polynesia. With its central location in downtown Pape’ete, it’s a popular choice for travellers wanting to stay close to Tahiti’s top attractions. However, with a bounty of on-site facilities (multiple restaurants, and the largest pool on the island!), it might be a little hard to leave.

Aside from wiggling your toes in those classic white sand beaches, Tahiti boasts the most beautiful black sand beaches. Yes, you read right! The most famous is Lafayette Beach, located near Pape’ete (the capital of Tahiti). However, Point Venus is also an option. Known for its iconic lighthouse, this shoreline just so happens to be the historic landing site of Captain Cook and Captain William Bligh.

Up for a good dose of Tahitian culture? Time your visit during the month of July for Heiva, French Polynesia’s most anticipated festival showcasing the beauty of Polynesian history, dance and music. Combining the Tahitian words ‘hei’ and ‘va’, which translates as ‘to assemble’ and ‘community places’, this historical event has been running since 1881, making it one of the oldest in the world.

Aside from those black sand beaches, Tahiti also boasts its fair share of lagoons brimming with tropical fish, baby lemon sharks, and colourful coral. Most day excursions will include a visit to The Blue Lagoon of Rangiroa – an experience you simply cannot miss! Most lagoon tours around the island will include a visit to Moorea and Bora Bora, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with stingrays.

Along with beaches and lagoons, the island of Tahiti has its fair share of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Embark on a full-day excursion through Papenoo Valley, which will bring you closer to the tumbling waters of Topatari, Vaiharuru, and Puraha. But that’s not all. Oh no, there are also the wonders of Fautaua and Faarumai worth adding to the list.

Located near Marina Taina, the Blue Banana hits the sweet spot for those seeking cold beer on tap and hearty meals to fill their belly. They serve everything from wood-fired pizza (highly recommended!) to seafood curries and sizzling burgers. Don’t forget to save some room for those delectable desserts on offer – their lava cake is pure perfection.

Looking for restaurants in Tahiti with a gourmet twist? Snap up your table at Le Lotus Restaurant. Floating above the lagoon at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, the setting is tough to beat, with creative cuisine on offer and an impressive selection of fine French wines. If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, there’s no doubt about it − this is the place to go.

Fabulous happy hours and mountain and marina views aside, this buzzing bistro in Pape’ete (Meherio means Mermaid) offers breakfasts, buffets, tapas and live music. The menu combines Polynesian and European influences, features seafood and carnivorous dishes like pork fillet and lamb shank, and for lovers of bubbles, there’s an extensive champagne menu.

If you’re looking to pick up a few trinkets and treasures during your stay in Tahiti, grab your shopping bag and head over to Marché Pape’ete (Pape’ete Market). Located at the heart of the capital, its bustling rows of local stalls sell everything from fresh fish to handmade soaps, woven bags and monoi (scented oil).

If you’ve always dreamed of adding a few pearls to your jewellery collection, don’t skip a visit to the Tahiti Pearl Market (if your budget allows!). At this reputable boutique, you’ll also have the chance to learn about the harvesting methods and intriguing history behind these natural beauties.

Located on Avenue du Maréchal Foch in the capital of Pape’ete, this local Tahitian shopping centre offers a range of shops and boutiques where you can get just about anything. If crowds are the last thing you want to encounter, be warned, Veima can get quite busy. But if you want to find a new pair of sandals or sunnies, it’s worth a visit.

When it comes to getting around in Tahiti by road, we highly recommend using hotel shuttles or metered taxis to get you from A to B. However, if you're wanting to do a lot of travelling throughout the island, a rental car is a better option. For shorter distances, bicycle hire tops the list. Just keep in mind that traffic picks up on the roads around the capital of Pape’ete.

Faa’a International Airport, also known as Tahiti International Airport, is serviced by various airlines, while Air Tahiti operates regular flights from Tahiti to multiple islands in the region. Should you want something more exclusive, a private charter flight is for you.

Currently, there are two shuttle boat companies transporting passengers between Pape’ete and her nearby islands of Bora Bora and Moorea – Aremeti and Terevau. Fares and schedules depend on the route.

If surfing is your vacation activity of choice, grab your board and make a beeline for Plage de Taharuu. This beach is also covered with mineral-rich black sand but takes first place for families since it features one of the safest surf breaks in Tahiti. If that’s not enough to ignite your wanderlust, that lush shoreline fringed with leafy palms certainly will.

If Tahiti’s black sand beaches pique your interest, pack the camera and head to the mythical Matavai’s Bay. This is where you’ll find Point Venus — the historic place where Captain James Cook conducted crucial astronomical research in 1769, studying the transit of Venus across the sun (hence the name). Who doesn’t love a beach with a backstory?

If you’re a first-timer to Tahiti add on a stay on Bora Bora, then head over to Matira Beach. It’s the largest public-access beach on the island, so there is plenty of space to sprawl out on the silky sand. It frequently gets the nod as one of the best beaches in Tahiti, and the most beautiful in the world.

If white sand beaches are all you’ve been dreaming of, venture across to the Bay of Tapueraha, then leap out onto La Plage de Maui. The lagoon here is perfect for swimming with the fishes or simply kicking back for some much-needed R&R.