6 August 2024

With its lush nature and tropical vibe, Tahiti is one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. It has an amazing natural landscape—beautiful beaches with turquoise lagoons, mountains, tropical jungle, and waterfalls—a rich cultural heritage and friendly and warm people.

The archipelago’s only international airport is in Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti, so for many tourists, Tahiti is just a transit hub to the other islands in French Polynesia. But Tahiti can be (and is) more than that! We spent four days on this beautiful island and discovered many things to do. After we left Tahiti and went to Moorea, the neighboring island, I even returned by ferry for another day trip to Tahiti! If you would like to combine going to the beach (or staying by the pool) with city walks, visits to museums, and a road trip around the island, Tahiti is the place for you. You won’t find the same white-sand-and turquoise-water beaches as on the other islands in French Polynesia, but you will find a more diverse array of activities and things to do!

Where to stay in Tahiti:

After deciding between more options, we chose Hilton Tahiti. The hotel was near the airport (which can be a good but also a bad thing). In the end, it turned out to be the best decision! Hilton Tahiti has one of the most beautiful pools I’ve ever been to. It was lovely in the morning light, but at sunset, the view from the pool was incredible. You could see Moorea’s mountain tops in the distance, palm trees swinging near the ocean, and the passing ferries going between islands.

On our last night there, we enjoyed a private dinner on our balcony. The fish with rice and vanilla sauce was one of the most tropical dishes I’ve ever eaten!

hilton_dinner — Private dinner on the balcony at Hilton Tahiti

tahitian food — Grilled fish with rice and Vanilla sauce

Best time to travel to Tahiti:

Tahiti has good tropical weather all year round but also has a rainy season when it rains a lot. This usually runs from November through April. If you want to enjoy perfect weather, the best time to visit Tahiti is from April to October. We traveled to Tahiti in August; the weather was mostly sunny and warm, with some scattered rains in the afternoons.

tahitian clouds

How many days to spend in Tahiti?

I suggest spending 3 to 5 days in Tahiti before heading to other islands. That’s enough time for you to discover the island and also relax.

Read below a list of ten things you can do in Tahiti (and be sure to add yours in the comment section)

The 10 Best Things to Do in Tahiti:

1. Visit Papeete Market

Originally called “Mapuru a Paraita,” Papeete Market is not only a bustling market where you can buy all kinds of tropical fruits, flower crowns, vegetables, spices, and fresh fish but also a cultural landmark for Tahiti and French Polynesia. The market has been a central part of Papeete’s daily life for many years and is the gathering point for many farmers and small businesses of French Polynesia.

tahitian_market — We also made friends at Papeete Market

Papeete Market (“Marché de Pape’ete”) is open every day, usually from very early in the morning (5 am during the week and 4 am during the weekends until late afternoon, but if you want to see the market at its best, the best time to visit Papeete Market is on a Sunday morning. Sundays are the days when the market sees the most sellers (so many that they also go with their stands outside into the street). Locals come to buy roasted pork for their Sunday celebration, interact with neighbors, and sell fresh produce.

2. Spend a day (or more) at the beach

Most tourists go to other islands in French Polynesia in search of that perfect, pristine white sand beach and clear blue water. But if you are in Tahiti, also discover its charming beaches. What you will find here is a more local vibe. Small beaches, some with local restaurants in the vicinity, invite you to mingle with locals for an authentic Tahitian beach day. These are some of the best beaches in Tahiti for you to visit: Lafayette Beach (offers a panoramic view over Moorea island), Point Venus (a black sand beach with a pretty lighthouse), La Plage de Maui (with white sand and a nearby lagoon).

3. Visit the Robert Wan Pearl Museum

Tahitian pearls are famous and considered among the most valuable pearls in the world. So, while you visit Tahiti, make sure not to skip a visit to the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Here, you can learn more about the history and legends of pearls across various cultures and civilizations and admire a collection of the world’s most exquisite cultured pearls.

4. Snorkeling & Diving

Explore the underwater world and discover the stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life in the clear waters around Tahiti. Some of the best places for snorkeling are Lagoonarium de Tahiti (a natural aquarium where you can see a large variety of fish, stingrays, and even small sharks), Punaauia Beach (vibrant coral reefs right off the shore), and Faa’a Lagoon (a beautiful coral garden).

5. Visit the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands

On a rainy morning, when we were touring the island, we stopped at the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, ready to learn more about Tahitian and Polynesian culture and history.

The museum provides a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of Tahiti and the surrounding islands, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of Polynesian history, traditions, and way of life. It also houses the Herbarium of French Polynesia. The museum has many interactive exhibitions, too, making it a good place for children as well. Get ready to spend at least two hours here.

6. Try the local cuisine

Tahitian cuisine is very unique, with both French and Polynesian influences. Fish and coconut are two of the main used ingredients, and you can find them in Tahiti’s signature dish: Poisson cru au lait de coco. Fresh raw fish is marinated in coconut milk and served in a bowl with lemon juice and shredded vegetables. It’s served everywhere, as an appetizer and as a main dish, and it’s really (I mean really) tasty! We had the best Poisson cru in Tahiti at the Hilton at their breakfast buffet. (And yes, raw fish for breakfast, but it has coconut!!). Another Tahitian staple was the firi firi donuts – tiny donuts made with coconut milk, a popular street food.

7. Visit the Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens

Founded by American botanist Harrison Smith in the early 20th century, the garden is a testament to his passion for tropical flora. Wander along the garden paths and discover a diverse collection of plants from around the world: palm trees, orchids, and many types of tropical fruit trees (you can also sample the fruits when in season).

8. Watch the surfers and the world’s famous waves at Teahupo’o

Definitely not a place for beginners, Teahupo’o attracts experienced surfers from all around the world. This place is famous for its huge and thick waves crashing into a shallow reef. Many surf competitions take place here every year, and even the Paris 2024 Olympics chose Teahupo’o as the surf competition location. You can watch the waves either from the shore of Teahupo’o Beach or from the boat. There are many boat tours available that take you close to the surf break, providing an excellent point to watch surfers tackle the massive waves.

9. Visit Venus Point

Venus Point is a scenic peninsula on Tahiti’s northern coast, with a black sand beach and a historic lighthouse. This is where Captain James Cook first observed the transit of Venus across the sun in 1769. The lighthouse dates from 1869 and is still operational today. The beach has shallow waters and is a good place for children to play and swim. There is also a nice restaurant across from the lighthouse. Be aware, though, that there are many stray dogs wandering around.

10. Spend a day at the pool

Yes, you could probably do that in any other location. But the pool at Hilton Tahiti is really special. Watching the ferries go back and forth to Moorea and other Polynesian islands while sipping cocktails and not doing anything was a delightful way to spend a perfect rest day.