Things to see and do Tahiti

We really recommend a visit to the market on Sunday, early in the morning (unless you go there to buy gifts and souvenirs): the atmosphere is like no other! In the heart of the city, on more than 7,100 m², the Papeete market is worth a visit for its rich colors and scents, and for the picturesque and joyful animation that can be found there every day of the week. If it is obviously magical for the visitor, it has kept its primary function as a place of exchange.

The Papeete market has existed since Governor Bruat drew up the plans in 1847. Destroyed by the cyclone of 1906, then by the German bombings of 1914, it has been rebuilt several times, the last one in 1987. The current building, whose metal structure is not really aesthetic, is organized in two levels.

It is very busy on Sunday mornings, when all the families living in the suburbs of Papeete come to get the supplies for the Sunday maa tahiti. All the local products are here, and they have even taken care to present them to you on panels explaining the history, the cooking and the Tahitian name of vanilla, coconut... The coconut, a primordial product, is proposed in several ways: you can open it with a cutter to drink the water through a straw, or you can be offered the bottled milk, the flesh, or all sorts of coconut cakes. But if there was only coconut! Bananas, mangoes, papayas, but also uru (fruit of the breadfruit tree), fei (plantain banana which is eaten cooked), taros (tuber), tamarinds, carambola, barbadines, and other soursops: the choice of fruits and vegetables is very varied. Fish are also numerous (red or white tuna, mahi mahi, parrots, red mullets), as well as seafood (goats, lobsters, crabs, sea urchins, clams, everything is there!) They are fished in the lagoon or offshore in the five archipelagos, and sent by plane, in defiance of any commercial logic (it is very expensive), but to the great benefit of freshness and taste. Do not miss the early morning arrival. Flowers of all kinds are on sale all the time, whether you need a tiare for the ear or a big crown. Allcompose a fascinating patchwork of scents. Monoi, vanilla, jams and pastries are also on offer.

The escalators that lead you to the second level give access to some good snacks and souvenir vendors of all kinds. A non-exhaustive concentration of local handicrafts is offered: various pareos, flowered shirts, carved objects, basketry, tikis of all sizes made of mother-of-pearl, stone or precious wood, dugout canoes, umete (hollow container), hairpins, bracelets... Everything is handmade, engraved with subtle patterns, and you will not find here any kind of made in Taiwan souvenirs. Most of the products in the market are authentic and the work is of high quality. But beware! The handicrafts are sometimes made to order in Indonesia and are almost indistinguishable. Look at the origin, the quality of the work, the material used, and always ask before buying, the sellers are generally honest. Finally, note that you won't be able to get the whole market at a very low price: prices remain high, as everywhere in the country.

Point Venus, so named by Cook in 1769 during his first mission to Tahiti, is a historic site: it is also where the Europeans first landed in 1767 (Samuel Wallis and his Dolphin). Today, it is home to Tahiti's only lighthouse. The superb black sandy beach is the ideal meeting place for swimmers, who come together on weekends to sunbathe during the day or celebrate at night! The sand is extremely fine.

The two marae de Paea are among the most beautiful on the island. At KP 19, the Tataa marae is one of the largest, but located in a private property, it is difficult to access. At KP 22.5, the Arahurahu marae is the best preserved in Tahiti: a must in your discovery of the island. Decorated with recent tikis and bamboo huts, it often hosts dance performances as part of the Heiva celebrations in July. Be sure to keep an eye out for the road as these signs are not always clearly visible.

Located at the foot of a hill facing the mountain side of the ring road, the Maraa caves, dotted with large ferns and decorated with clear and limpid water basins, offer a breath of fresh air in the surrounding dampness! Occupied by a small lake and surmounted by an arched ceiling, the optical illusion prevents the visitor from detecting the depth of the first (main) cavity. A peaceful and mysterious atmosphere.... A little further away, you will reach four successive caves: Ana Paero, Vaipoiri, Matavae and Puahotu.

Vaima's natural spring is a welcome stopover for a refreshing swim. According to Polynesian mythology, this inexhaustible source draws its energy from the royal eel of Lake Vaihiria, which purifies the water and gives it healing properties. Slightly further away, the very pretty waterfall of the Vaipahi gardens is located a little inland (a little steep path to get there). It falls from basin to basin through a thick jungle.

At KP 22 east coast, at the end of a bend, a small promontory allows you to see the Dragon's breath. It is actually a hole under the road, where sea water rushes in and out violently by ejecting air and water on both sides. On the sea side, the water is suddenly projected at each breaker. On the road side, a powerful breath escapes from a hole between the road and the cliff, so powerful that it can make you fall to the ground. Beware of cars arriving by the bend: the site is rather badly placed at this level.

This is an exact replica of Normandy's farmlands, with greasy grass meadows, dairy cows and farms. An inconceivable landscape in the tropics, but nevertheless very real: it is here that the excellent fresh milk sold throughout Tahiti is produced. From Taravao, a paved road accessible to any vehicle climbs a few kilometres up to the plateau and leads to a car park. From here, on a clear day, the view of the Taravao isthmus is magnificent. A one-hour walk is enough to reach Mount Teatara (1,197 m), from where the view is even more beautiful.

The first waterfall, Vaimahutu, is 80 meters high and can be reached in a few minutes on foot. It takes only 20 minutes to walk to Haamarere Iti and Haamarere Rahi. Other waterfalls are scattered all over the island, most often inland; they can be discovered by chance during a walk in the forest. The easiest to access (but the least intimate) are those of the Papenoo River: Topatari, Vaiharuru, Puraha..

Experienced and knowledgeable, Teiva will take you on a friendly tour through the Papenoo Valley to the volcanic crater, or lead you to Mount Marau. In one full day (meals not included), you can even reach Lake Vaihiria. A child of Papenoo, Teiva will take you back to the footsteps of his ancestors, he will tell you the history of these mythical lands, the soul of the Maohi people, and will give you some keys to understand the Polynesian culture. The visit of archeological sites is part of the program. Very good welcome.

There are several possibilities for excursions in the Fautaua Valley: a lookout, the fort of Fachoda, the governor's garden, or the magnificent Fatuaua waterfall. Also known as the Loti waterfall, the latter is 135 m high - not 300 as Pierre Loti claimed! A relatively easy hike will take you there in about a dozen kilometres: count 3 hours of walking, including about 1 hour of climbing after the small bridge, without hurrying too much. Note that you can reach the waterfall from below by following the river, or from above (the fachoda): we prefer this alternative because it leads to a water basin with a natural slide, very pleasant to cool down.

To access it from Papeete by car, take the east exit on Avenue de Fautaua, then follow the road for 3 km. You pass by the old Loti bath (now an esplanade), and less than a kilometre later, you can park on the parking lot above the hydraulic service. Walk on the maintained track, and follow the river (left bank) to the Tearape or Fachoda bridge. A tropical atmosphere is guaranteed, don't forget your mosquito repellent. The ascent then begins towards the point of view on the waterfall. Leave equipped accordingly: it often rains and mosquitoes are bloodthirsty barbarians! Swimming is more than recommended in basalt organ basins.

Finally, you can continue for about 30 minutes to the Teovere pass: superb view of the Diadème pass.

Local population, young and sporty. You need to be patient…

Originally built for Queen Pomare IV two years after her death, this tomb was in fact requisitioned by her son, renowned for his ingratitude. Located on Pointe Outuaiaiai, this large coral building was completed in 1879 in place of a monumental church built in 1815 by his ancestor King Pomare II, a Christian convert. Queen Pomare IV, after half a century of reign, was given her own tomb next to the church, but her son Pomare V had no qualms about removing her ashes and being buried here in 1891.

The beach at KP 36 is one of the best surf spots on the island. It extends just in front of Papara's pass and its perfectly designed rollers. There is room but not much shade: the big advantage of this beach is definitely its wave conditions, you surf a lot but you don't swim a lot. Depending on the weather conditions, the rollers may be a little strong. A little further away, the black sandy beach at KP 38.5 is also very popular. There is a snack bar and a beautiful relaxation area.

Several white sandy beaches follow one another between KP 15 and 18. First we will reach To'Aroto beach at KP 15: on the edge of a fringing reef, it is not the most suitable for swimming but it is pleasant. Then comes the beach of Vaiava, where you can rent kayaks and paddles. An ice-cream seller will even delight the gourmands. Slightly further away await you the beach at KP 18 and Mahana Park (KP 18.5), again with beautiful facilities.

The beach (black sand) of the surfers par excellence. Don't expect to take a wave on the weekend - they are of course overloaded - but you will find a place on the beach to ask and appreciate the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the area.

This narrow beach is quite busy on the weekend, just as much as the lawn and the parking around the tomb of Queen Pomare V. We can bathe there, but there is little sand to ask his towel.

If this small black sand beach is not the most beautiful of the island, it has the advantage of being the closest to Papeete. A few coconut trees, trees that look above the water… a situation that really must be enjoyed by the happy owners of the villas overlooking the beach.

At Papeete, take the bus for Mahina or Teahuopoo. Get down at the bottom of the Taharaa coast. Take the public passage created by the Radisson Hotel on its left. Facing the sea, follow the beach to the right of the old Hyatt hotel (transformed into a beach bar and a restaurant) and a little further along the rocks. Possible possible.

Near the port, there is a large esplanade. Facing the sea, there is a beach lined with a wood. Meetings can be made at night, sometimes military.

Take the road leading to the mixed military circle, which leads to the beach between the circle and the room. At the time of the piroguiers, at the beginning of the evening until the night. It is mainly a quiet place, at night, to bring a conquest and take a bath at midnight. It makes beautiful memories…