French Polynesia, Society Islands, Windward Islands, Tahiti Island, Papenoo

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Papenoo

Around Tahiti Nui


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 the far end of the village, and the 4WD route up the Papenoo Valley, cutting through the ancient crater rim to Relais de la Maroto, starts up the west side of the river.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Around Tahiti Nui attractions

1. Plage de Hitimahana

0.49 MILES

The black-sand Plage de Hitimahana is exposed to the prevailing winds, which makes it an excellent kitesurfing and windsurfing spot.

3. Lighthouse

2.17 MILES

Impressive 1867 towering lighthouse right next to Point Venus's beach.

4. Pointe Vénus & Matavai Bay

2.38 MILES

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…

5. Pointe du Taharaa – One Tree Hill

2.59 MILES

At the top of the hill at around PK8, pull off to the lagoon side of the road and park in the lot that once belonged to Tahiti’s very upmarket Hyatt…

6. Plage Lafayette

3.52 MILES

On the edge of Matavai Bay, this wide curve of sparkling black sand is great for a dip. It never gets crowded. The eastern side is framed by steep…

7. Tombeau du Roi Pomare V

4.04 MILES

In Arue, on the water’s edge, signposted and just a short detour off the coastal road, is the tomb of the last of the Pomare family. The Tomb of Pomare V…

8. House of James Norman Hall

4.06 MILES

Towards the outer edge of Pape’ete’s urban sprawl in Arue is this lovely little replica of Mutiny on the Bounty co-author James Norman Hall’s house. The…