8 Fabulous Experiences to Have in Tahiti ...

Neecey

As one of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, there are going to be plenty of marvelous experiences in Tahiti. The South Pacific is full of islands that are mystical and magical, with stunning scenery and famously welcoming people. As one of the larger islands of the archipelago, there’s more than enough to interest holidaymakers than just the fact it is fabulously beautiful. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to the south seas, check out these unmissable experiences in Tahiti.

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1. Explore Pape’ete

Explore Pape’ete Capital cities are very rarely a letdown and Pape’ete is certainly one of the must-have experiences in Tahiti. The city sprawls across the northwest coast of the island and as well as cultural pursuits (see later), it offers brilliant shopping, dining and nightlife. If you’re hitting the shops look out for island crafts, fabrics and black pearls, and if it’s food supplies you want, there’s great choice of local produce and seafood at the Pape’ete Public Market. For dining you’ll find Italian, French and Chinese restaurants although they are pretty pricey – the best food options are in Downtown Pape’ete near the ferry dock where food trucks gather.

2. Enjoy the Beaches

Enjoy the Beaches Of course, the beaches in Tahiti are legendary, and unlike many of the typically tropical beaches on the other Society Islands, many of Tahiti’s beaches are black sand – the most notable one being Papanoo. Papenoo is less touristy than the island’s favorite beach – La Plage Maui – it's but preferred by surfers, and is only 5 miles down the road from Pape’ete. Even less developed is Plage de Toaroto, which offers excellent snorkeling, and lovely Venus Point where there is a lighthouse and park next to the beach; it is also where Captain Cook landed in Tahiti. Another surfing beach is Teahupoo, but generally this is only recommended for expert surfers.

3. Appreciate the Polynesian Culture

Appreciate the Polynesian Culture Polynesian culture is one of the most charming and fascinating cultures, and it seems a shame to go all the way to other side of the world and not delve into the experience of it all. There are the obvious things to do, such as visiting the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands in Puna'auia, a small town about 10 miles from Pape’ete, the Robert Wan Pearl Museum and trying the local cuisine, but one of the fun things to do in Tahiti is to attend the Ote’a – the traditional Tahitian dance. Lavish costumes abound and the dance is a fest of storytelling. Many dances these days are put on especially for tourists, so ask around to see if you can find an authentic one.

4. Visit the James Norman Hall Home

Visit the James Norman Hall Home If you’re familiar with or want to learn about Mutiny on the Bounty, one of the places to visit in Tahiti is the James Norman Hall Home. The home is a replica of the original home of James Norman Hall, who was an army pilot in WWI who moved to Tahiti in 1920, where he penned the famous story (with Charles Fordham). Staff will happily take you on a tour of the home, which contains many original possessions of Hall that are all still owned by the family.

5. Visit Fautaua Waterfall

Visit Fautaua Waterfall One of the best reasons to visit Tahiti in the rainy season is to see Fautaua Waterfall in all its glory. Swelled by the rains, the water cascades 985 feet down, into a large pool in the verdant Fautaua Valley. It’s a pretty arduous hike amidst the valley’s lush foliage and locals advise it is best reached on a guided tour. If you go it alone you have to purchase a permit from the town hall in Pape’ete, but it’s surely worth it.

6. Get a Tribal Tattoo

Get a Tribal Tattoo Did you know that the word tattoo originated from the Polynesian word tatau? With such a heritage, if you’ve always wanted a tattoo, it seems like Tahiti is the place to get one. You’ll see men all over the island with very elaborate designs, but if you can’t face the idea of a real one created by a native artist, there are plenty of places to go in Tahiti where you can get a temporary one that will wash off in a few days. There has been an annual tattoo festival in Tahiti since 2005 – Tattoonesia – but at the time of writing, I cannot confirm it continues.

7. Discover the Marae Temples

Discover the Marae Temples There are various marae on Tahiti. Marae are pagan temples built by the ancient Polynesians to worship their gods and to hold significant ceremonies and celebrations, such as coronations, important weddings, councils of war, and battle victory parties. One of the most important ones these days is Arahurahu. Set in a gorgeous valley, it is now used as an open air theatre, particularly for re-enactments during the Festival of Heiva – a celebration of everything Polynesian, held every July.

8. Explore Moorea

Explore Moorea The fabulous tropical and volcanic scenery is absolutely one of the best experiences of Tahiti, and among the most spectacular is the sister island of Moorea. This island is absolutely packed with some of the best things to see and do in Tahiti. There are mountains carpeted with lush foliage – the most spectacular being Magic Mountain –stunning beaches, fabulous clear sea waters and a lagoonarium for diving and snorkeling, and the Moorea Dolphin Center. Moorea is a short ferry ride from the main port of Tahiti – Pape’ete.

Which of these would be your pick of experiences in Tahiti?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

This will be my honeymoon place when I get there!!

Wow this looks like a great place to visit!!!!

I live in Tahiti, but the beaches in Moorea are better! ;)

Bora Bora is on my bucket list!

I was so lucky that I got to cruise to Tahiti and Moorea this past winter break. It was absolutely stunning!

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