Tahiti

What Tahiti lacks in wide white-sand beaches, it makes up for in waterfall-laden, shadowy mountains, unpretentiously beautiful black-sand beaches, sheltered blue lagoons and a distinctly Polynesian, modern buzz. This is the heart of the islands, where the cultures from all the archipelagos are mixed in the cacophonous, dusty, yet smiling and energetic capital of Pape'ete. Outside the city, explore the majestic, mountainous interior on a 4WD tour, learn to dive in the translucent lagoon, wander amid mystical archaeological sites, and from July to October go whale-watching. In July, catch the country’s most spectacular festival; the percussion and dance-heavy Heiva. Stay at a resort or head to Tahiti Iti to experience a more traditional pace of life – all international air travel goes through Tahiti, and it would be a shame to miss such an essential part of this region's cultural puzzle.

Explore Tahiti

M
Marché de Pape’ete
A Pape'ete institution. If you see one site in town, make it this market, which fills an entire city block. Shop for colourful pareu (sarongs), shell…
Papenoo
There’s a popular surf break just before the headland that signals the start of the small village of Papenoo. A long bridge crosses the Papenoo River at…
P
Pointe Vénus & Matavai Bay
Part of Captain Cook’s mission on his three-month sojourn in 1769 was to record the transit of Venus across the face of the sun in an attempt to calculate…
A
Administrative District
The Territorial Assembly and other government buildings occupy Place Tarahoi, the former site of the Pomare palace. The termite-riddled 1883 palace was…
B
Bain de Vaima & Vaipahi Spring Gardens
Bain de Vaima (Vaima Pool) is where locals come from all over to bathe in the icy but exceptionally clear waters that are thought to have healing…
T
Taravao
Strategically situated at the narrow isthmus connecting Tahiti Nui with Tahiti Iti, the town of Taravao has been a military base on and off since 1844,…
F
Faarumai Waterfalls
Through the village of Tiarei where the road swoops around a black-sand beach, you’ll see a sign on the mountain side of the road for the exceedingly high…
J
Jardins Botaniques
The 137-hectare Jardins Botaniques has walking paths that wind their way through the garden past ponds, palms, a massive banyan tree and a superb mape…
M
Marae Mahaiatea
Just east of the village of Papara, the Marae Mahaiatea was the most magnificent marae on Tahiti at the time of Cook’s first visit (according to Cook it…

M
Marché de Pape’ete
A Pape'ete institution. If you see one site in town, make it this market, which fills an entire city block. Shop for colourful pareu (sarongs), shell…
Papenoo
There’s a popular surf break just before the headland that signals the start of the small village of Papenoo. A long bridge crosses the Papenoo River at…
P
Pointe Vénus & Matavai Bay
Part of Captain Cook’s mission on his three-month sojourn in 1769 was to record the transit of Venus across the face of the sun in an attempt to calculate…
A
Administrative District
The Territorial Assembly and other government buildings occupy Place Tarahoi, the former site of the Pomare palace. The termite-riddled 1883 palace was…
B
Bain de Vaima & Vaipahi Spring Gardens
Bain de Vaima (Vaima Pool) is where locals come from all over to bathe in the icy but exceptionally clear waters that are thought to have healing…
T
Taravao
Strategically situated at the narrow isthmus connecting Tahiti Nui with Tahiti Iti, the town of Taravao has been a military base on and off since 1844,…
F
Faarumai Waterfalls
Through the village of Tiarei where the road swoops around a black-sand beach, you’ll see a sign on the mountain side of the road for the exceedingly high…
J
Jardins Botaniques
The 137-hectare Jardins Botaniques has walking paths that wind their way through the garden past ponds, palms, a massive banyan tree and a superb mape…
M
Marae Mahaiatea
Just east of the village of Papara, the Marae Mahaiatea was the most magnificent marae on Tahiti at the time of Cook’s first visit (according to Cook it…

Latest Stories from Tahiti

Story The paradise islands of French Polynesia are closing to visitors again
Feb 2, 2021 • 2 min read
The archipelago will close to international visitors from 3 February due to a rise in COVID-19 cases on the islands.
Wildlife & Nature 6 idyllic destinations for summer sailing
Aug 7, 2020 • 4 min read
Whether you choose to join the queue or set sail in a boat of your own, here are six picturesque places to take to the seas this summer.
Air Travel How I survived 30 hours of travel (without losing my mind)
Nov 18, 2019 • 6 min read
Caroline O'Donoghue has the perfect guide to help you survive long-haul flights and keep your sanity intact.
Budget Travel Tahiti and French Polynesia on a budget
May 9, 2012 • 3 min read
No, there's no need to remortgage the house to visit Tahiti & French Polynesia. Despite a reputation for opulence and exclusivity, it's perfectly possible…
Beaches Learning to surf in the Land of Giants
Mar 15, 2011 • 3 min read
The name Teahupoo is synonymous with fear in the surfing world. Rivaling Hawaii's Pipeline as the most photographed wave in the world, Teahupoo's…
Beaches Five ways to experience Tahiti's waterfall valleys
Mar 15, 2011 • 4 min read
Aside from a skinny circle of coastline and fringing reef, Tahiti is made up of enticing basalt peaks and fern-lined valleys streaked with sky-high…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tahiti.

See
Marché de Pape’ete
A Pape'ete institution. If you see one site in town, make it this market, which fills an entire city block. Shop for colourful pareu (sarongs), shell…
See
Papenoo
There’s a popular surf break just before the headland that signals the start of the small village of Papenoo. A long bridge crosses the Papenoo River at…
See
Pointe Vénus & Matavai Bay
Part of Captain Cook’s mission on his three-month sojourn in 1769 was to record the transit of Venus across the face of the sun in an attempt to calculate…
See
Administrative District
The Territorial Assembly and other government buildings occupy Place Tarahoi, the former site of the Pomare palace. The termite-riddled 1883 palace was…
See
Bain de Vaima & Vaipahi Spring Gardens
Bain de Vaima (Vaima Pool) is where locals come from all over to bathe in the icy but exceptionally clear waters that are thought to have healing…
See
Taravao
Strategically situated at the narrow isthmus connecting Tahiti Nui with Tahiti Iti, the town of Taravao has been a military base on and off since 1844,…
See
Faarumai Waterfalls
Through the village of Tiarei where the road swoops around a black-sand beach, you’ll see a sign on the mountain side of the road for the exceedingly high…
See
Jardins Botaniques
The 137-hectare Jardins Botaniques has walking paths that wind their way through the garden past ponds, palms, a massive banyan tree and a superb mape…
See
Marae Mahaiatea
Just east of the village of Papara, the Marae Mahaiatea was the most magnificent marae on Tahiti at the time of Cook’s first visit (according to Cook it…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Tahiti with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.