Bora Bora
For traditionally designed tattoos head to this highly rated tattoo studio. Popular, sterile and reliable. Book well ahead as Marama is something of a…
Must-see shopping in French Polynesia
Pape'ete
The main level of the Marché de Pape’ete has woven hats, wonderful homemade monoi (fragrant coconut oil), flowers and produce, while you can wander for…
Bora Bora
Not your average pearl shop – it's in a private home – La Perle de Maimiti is run by an experienced salesman who has worked for various pearl companies on…
Hiva Oa
If you’re looking for souvenirs, stop at Jean & Nadine Oberlin, a couple from Alsace who fell in love with Hanaiapa long ago. They make lovely tapa (with…
Centre Educatif de Développement
French Polynesia
To check out Mangareva’s famous mother-of-pearl carvings, head to this venture, just downhill to the left from the intersection above Cathédrale Saint…
Pape'ete
For a truly great-smelling shopping experience, check out this boutique. Nearly everything in the shop is made from local vanilla; you can get whole pods,…
Rangiroa
Has an excellent selection of set and loose pearls directly from the pearl farm, which is on the premises. Employs professional, English-speaking staff…
Bora Bora
This trendsetting boutique has island-made shirts, T-shirts, caps, swimsuits and accessories. They're inspired by traditional island designs and…
Pape'ete
Get glammed up at this trendsetting boutique stocking island-made shirts, T-shirts, dresses and accessories. Inspired from traditional designs, the pieces…
Bora Bora
Bora Bora does not produce black pearls but you can visit the Farm and see how it’s done thanks to regular demonstrations at the back of the boutique…
Rangiroa
Has an interesting selection of creative local jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings, some of which are made of pearl and bone. It…
Hiva Oa
This relatively large centre has a good selection of local woodcarvings, bone earrings, pareu (sarong-type garment) and tapa, and a lot of friendly ladies…
Pape'ete
This popular studio in the Marché de Pape’ete (upstairs) is run by two brothers who are originally from the Marquesas. They create traditional-style black…
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
Tavita is one of the best tattoo artists in the country and is famous for his entirely tattooed face. He creates traditional-style black-ink tattoos and…
Pape'ete
This gallery near the cathedral has an interesting mix of etchings, paintings and crockery. It’s a great place to buy works from local artists, both well…
Maupiti
You can find some quality souvenirs made from oyster shells, urchins and seashells as well as pearls here; it’s located in the north of the main island …
Pape'ete
So you really don’t want to forget your trip to Tahiti? This shop has many styles available, including traditional Polynesian designs as well as some more…
Huahine
Along the beach north of town, pearl farmer Ray Marks at Pearls of Huahine sells beautiful pearls at excellent prices out of his home. Look for his sign.
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
Has decently priced clothes, paintings, jewellery, wooden handicrafts and decorative trinkets. The friendly and helpful owner will help you find what you…
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
Art-Expo, at Apooiti Marina, sells a wide variety of jewellery, clothes, decorative trinkets and wooden handicrafts – from mother-of-pearl belts to…
Rangiroa
A good find. Artist Arno is renowned for high-quality earth paintings that represent traditional designs. It also sells shirts as well as shell necklaces…
Bora i Te Fanau Tahi – Artisanat
Bora Bora
By the Vaitape quay, this crafts centre has lots of stalls selling pareu, basketwork, shell necklaces and bracelets and other crafts produced by island…
Nuku Hiva
Next to the tourist office, the fare artisanal (craft centre) is a good place to stock up on monoi (fragrant oil), necklaces, bracelets and carvings.
Bora Bora
Loads of Polynesian works of art, including paintings and carvings by local artists and artisans, are sold at this pretty special gallery just next to the…
Bora Bora
Jewel designer Laurent Rebstock is big name in the pearl business and has a superb selection of loose pearls and jewellery pieces on show. Prices start at…
Pape'ete
This highly reputable gallery has works from established artists, such as Christian Deloffre and Gotz, as well as works from emerging painters or…
Bora Bora
About halfway between Vaitape and Matira Point, this gallery has a little bit of everything – including a mix of art, books, etchings and pottery.
Pape'ete
Self-catering is a breeze in Pape’ete. Supermarché Champion, close to the Temple Paofai, is handy if you’re in the city centre.
Bora Bora
This store in the centre of Vaitape has a wide choice of mounted and loose pearls as well as jewellery pieces. Free transfers are available.
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
This is a lovely gallery featuring works by island craftspeople, including sculptures, pottery, paintings and mother-of-pearl objects.
Nuku Hiva
Master carver Damas Taupotini has a workshop across the road from Pae Pae Piki Vehine. He carves pieces from bone, wood and stone.
Nuku Hiva
Another renowned carver is Edgar Tamarii, whose workshop is located near Moana Nui hotel. He specialises in woodcarvings.
Pape'ete
This high-end boutique sells all kinds of quality arts and crafts from French Polynesia and other Pacific islands.
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
Sells a wide variety of clothes and T-shirts all made with local-style floral or patterned fabrics.
Pape'ete
This music shop has a decent selection of CDs by local artists; you can listen before you buy.
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
A family-run pearl farm, a few kilometres south of Uturoa. Has loose and mounted pearls.
Ra'iatea & Taha'a
One of the best places to buy all sorts of vanilla products; located at Hotopu Bay.
Mo'orea
James Samuela is highly trained, young and professional, and speaks good English.
The Marquesas
Woodcarvings by 'Ua Pou masters as well as seed necklaces and other local crafts.
Boutique du Centre Plongée Marquises
Nuku Hiva
Here you’ll find a few curios, pareu (sarongs) and shell necklaces.
