The largest island and international gateway to French Polynesia, Tahiti combines vibrant local culture with spectacular natural scenery. Explore the colorful markets and waterfront of Papeete, hike through lush valleys to waterfalls, surf legendary waves like Teahupo'o, and discover black-sand beaches. It's the best island for experiencing everyday Polynesian life, food, and culture.
Tahiti in pictures
Tahiti Tourisme
Tahiti TourismePlaces on Tahiti
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1. AIMATA - The vahine pareo, between heritage and creativity
Akua: For a culinary adventure on the Punaauia lagoon with a stunning view of Moorea, this intimate spot is perfect for a romantic dinner.
Akua: For a culinary adventure on the Punaauia lagoon with a stunning view of Moorea, this intimate spot is perfect for a romantic dinner.
Interested in politics and curious about how French Polynesia is governed?
Open in MapsInterested in politics and curious about how French Polynesia is governed? Let me take you on a tour of Tahiti’s main institutions.
Open in MapsBlue Banana: Located in Punaauia, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Blue Banana: Located in Punaauia, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Don’t forget to reserve your spot at the end of the pier for an unbeatable view of Moorea.
And if you really want to taste the spirit of the islands, let yourself be carried away by two local breweries that will make your drinks and your evenings sparkle: HOA and Les 3 Brasseurs.
And if you really want to taste the spirit of the islands, let yourself be carried away by two local breweries that will make your drinks and your evenings sparkle: HOA and Les 3 Brasseurs. Each one has its own style, its own story, its own music. It’s up to you to choose your own tempo.
The electric mountain bike is ideal for adjusting your effort to suit your mood: activate the assistance to make the climb easier or reduce it for more of a challenge!
The electric mountain bike is ideal for adjusting your effort to suit your mood: activate the assistance to make the climb easier or reduce it for more of a challenge! And the icing on the cake is that you can stop to swim in the rivers and admire the Puraha waterfall, the lake, and much more.
In depth
Tahiti: everything you need to know before you go
Beyond the airport: the market, the valleys, Teahupo'o and the west coast - how to give the main island the days it deserves.
Most visitors use Tahiti as a door to the other islands. Stay a little, and you find the real center of Polynesian life. The biggest island, the highest mountains, the capital, the markets, and the most famous wave in surfing: give Tahiti days, not hours.
Where is it?
Tahiti is the main island of French Polynesia, in the Windward Islands. It is really two round islands joined by a narrow strip of land at Taravao: Tahiti Nui, the big part, with Papeete in the northwest - and Tahiti Iti, the wild peninsula. At its end sits Teahupo'o, where the road stops and the famous wave begins.
How do you get there?
You arrive here: all international flights land at Faa'a, and every island flight and Moorea ferry starts here. The real question is how to get around. Rent a car for the island, and take the ferry for Moorea. Plan extra time on the coast road - it is the only road, and everyone shares it.
When should you go?
May to October is the drier, cooler season. November to April is warm, wet and green. Humpback whales pass from about July to November. The big waves at Teahupo'o also come mostly in the dry months - so surf season and dry season are almost the same.
What to do
- Start at the Papeete market. Two floors of fruit, fish, monoï (the scented coconut oil), flowers and weaving - the island's living room. The market is at its best early in the morning, and earliest of all on Sunday.
- Drive into the valleys. The Papenoo valley cuts through the green heart of the island, past waterfalls and old trails - a 4x4 day trip into a Tahiti most visitors never see. The Faarumai waterfalls, near the north coast, are an easier short walk into the same green world.
- Go to the end of the road. Teahupo'o, at the tip of the peninsula, is a village first and a legend second. From a taxi boat you can watch the surfers on the wave. From the shore, you can feel why they respect it.
- Swim the west coast. Black-sand beaches, sunsets over Moorea, and easy snorkelling along the Punaauia coast. Tahiti's lagoon is simpler to enjoy than people think.
- Eat at the roulottes. In the evening, the food trucks set up and the whole island lines up together: grilled fish, chow mein, crêpes. It is the cheapest good dinner in French Polynesia, and the most local one.
Where to stay
Papeete keeps you close to the market, the ferries and the little nightlife there is. The west coast - Punaauia, Paea - has the beaches, the sunsets and most of the hotels. The peninsula is for surf and quiet. There are family guesthouses all around the island, and they are easy to reach.
Is Tahiti for you?
Tahiti is for travellers who want to see Polynesia at work: a real city, real traffic at rush hour, and under it all, the deepest culture, food and history in the islands. It is not the postcard lagoon - Moorea and the atolls do that better. Give Tahiti two or three days at the start or end of your trip. It may quietly become one of the reasons you come back.
Practical tips
- Rent a car - the island is bigger than it looks, and buses are rare.
- Go to the market early - by mid-morning the best fish and flowers are gone.
- Rain showers pass quickly on the north and east coasts - wait a little before you cancel a plan.
- Much of the interior is protected land - visit the valleys with a local guide.
- Bring a light jacket for the mountains - the interior is much cooler.
That is Tahiti.
23 places · 34 guides · 24 things to know
Also nearby
Essentials · 5 min
Tahiti: where to go for a drink?
Editorial: Maeva LAUTRET
Are you looking for a romantic happy hour in front of the sunset, a relaxed after-work drink with original cocktails, or a before-dinner drink in one of the city’s nightclubs?
In Tahiti, you’re spoilt for choice, with hotels offering heavenly views, fancy spots where you can listen to good music, or simple places where you can have a cheap cocktail.
Discover the happy hour spots below:
The Taapuna Beach Bar offers happy hour every day from 5pm to 9:30pm, in an exceptional setting where you can watch the sun set. Every Monday, the Taapuna Beach Bar invites you to discover a local artist.
An ocean-facing restaurant and beach bar on the black-sand beach of Sapinus Bay, facing the island of Moorea. Happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. The plus points of this place are the decor, the setting, the view and the originality of the cocktails.
Located in Marina Taina, facing the sea. Happy hour available on site. If you’re looking for a pretty fancy place in a sailor’s setting, with tasteful decor, this is the place to be!
Also located at Marina Taina, this spot offers happy hour from 4pm to 6:30pm. Many concerts take place at this spot, and the setting provides a beautiful view of the passing yachts, with a warm atmosphere. There’s a cocktail bar, a wine bar, a cigar cellar and plenty of tapas to share.
Also located at Marina Taina, Casa Bianca offers happy hour from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with a relaxed family atmosphere, garden area and view of the marina’s sailboats.
An authentic hotel offering happy hour from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm every day at the Tiki Bar. Every Friday and Saturday evening, you can enjoy live music. Special mention for the ocean view, well positioned for sunsets.
Enjoy happy hour at this luxury hotel, every day from 4:30pm to 6:30pm in the Heiva Lounge Bar Vaipuna Pool Bar. Enjoy the view over Papeete harbor and a modern setting that quickly takes on a vacation feel.
Located in the heart of Papeete, with happy hour available from 4pm to 6pm. The originality of this place is that the bar is a bungalow on stilts.
This bar is located in downtown Papeete, facing the sea, with a happy hour available every day from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. There’s plenty of musical entertainment on offer.
In the heart of Papeete, this venue offers wine by the glass, local craft beers on draught and an area for tasting exceptional rums and whiskies. Happy hour every Tuesday. The ideal place for wine lovers.
Rooftop bar in Papeete, on the 8th floor of the Kon Tiki hotel. Reservations from 8 people with valet parking Thursday to Saturday. This Reeftop offers happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. The big plus of this place, of course, is that it’s the only bar with a 360° view.
Reservations at this link: http://bit.ly/3OKZQdJ Happy hour Tuesday to Saturday, 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Lots of parties, relaxed and lively atmosphere.
Brasserie Hoa is an independent craft brewery based in Fare Ute. If you’re a fan of craft beers and live music, we recommend this spot. Happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. The plus points of this place are the craft beers, the artists’ exhibitions and the modern industrial-style decor, with table soccer and board games available.
Happy hour every evening 7/7 from 4pm to 6pm. Le Fare Suisse is located in the heart of Papeete, in the historic Paofai district.
Polynesia’s first microbrewery is located in downtown Papeete. It’s a very friendly place, open 7/7, with reruns of important matches. Happy hours at Les 3B are every day from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, except on Mondays when there’s another promotion.
Every Thursday and Friday, happy hour on cocktails from 5pm to 7pm. Festive atmosphere, healthy vegan menu with fresh produce.
Lounge where you can work, eat or have a drink. Happy hour from 4pm to 6:30pm. The plus points are the pronounced retro-industrial style and the variety of entertainment and vegan options.
Miamologie mixologie. Happy hour from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Highly original cocktails just outside downtown Papeete.
Small, tastefully decorated restaurant offering happy hour from 6pm to 8pm. Concerts in a friendly atmosphere.
Steakhouse restaurant with lounge terrace and happy hour from Thursday to Saturday, 5.30 pm to 7 pm.
Happy hour from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, reservations strongly recommended. Certainly the most atypical place with an incredible view over the whole town and Moorea. You’ll need a bit of time to get there, but the drive is well worth it. Special mention for the toilets overlooking nature.
Located in Arue, the Royal Tahitien offers happy hour every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, with local entertainment and a friendly atmosphere. The place offers a panoramic view of the volcanic black sand beach, where you can spot fishing boats.
Happy hour Thursday to Saturday, 5.30 pm to 7 pm.Happy hour Thursday to Saturday, 5.30 pm to 7 pm. Le White restaurant is a convivial place to spend time with friends, family or lovers.
The Mātāvai Bar is located in Arue, route de l’eau royale. It’s a beer bar with a good-natured atmosphere, a perfect place to meet up after a day’s work. It’s a bit like a British pub, but with a tropical twist.
Nestled at the foot of Tahara’a, this hotel offers happy hour from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm with a breathtaking view of Matavai Bay, with a black sand beach. The best thing about this HH spot is its wilderness setting. Every Thursday evening you can enjoy a Marquesan show.
Located on the east side of Mahina, l’Imprévu offers happy hour from 5pm to 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays. If you’re on this side of the island, it’s ideal.
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