Tourist attractions on Tahiti

The island

Two volcanoes emerging from an emerald sea gave birth to the myth of paradise known today as the largest of the Polynesian islands with an area of 1042 sq. km. (651 sq. mi.): steep cloud-draped mountains, deep verdant valleys, luxuriant ferns, swift, invigorating rivers and black sand beaches await you on this “island of love” of nearly untouched relief. If Tahiti Nui, the big island, offers numerous excursion possibilities, Tahiti Iti, her discrete little sister, overflows with innumerable treasures surrounded by an aura of legend. These treasures can be discovered as you follow the narrow, shaded pathways which wind between the seashore and the forests of “mape” (Polynesian chestnut trees) through the Te Pari towards the petroglyphs of Vaiote and the drums of the god Hono Ura. Papenoo waves, dear to surfers mingle with the cold Papenoo river waters and the black sand of the beach. The wonderful Matavai bay allows visitors to embrace by just one look the shiny relief emerging from the immensity of Pacific Ocean. More than just an international point of arrival for the other fabulous nearby islands, Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, offers visitors numerous treasures: the colourful market, art and history museums, botanical and flower gardens, animated nightlife and cultural exhibitions such as the traditional “Heiva” which provides a lively change of scenery full of folklore, dancing, singing, colours and fragrances.

Tourist attractions:

Shopping at Le Marché
Discover the true heart of Papeete at the 153 year old public market called Le Marché. Shop from hundreds of stands filled with Tahitian-made crafts, oils, vanilla, fruits, and flowers. Located two blocks from the waterfront across from the cruise dock, the market is the perfect place to find everything imaginable from all the islands. Those visitors in Tahiti on the weekends should plan a visit on Sunday mornings where the market is the most colorful and lively.

Evenings at Vai'ete Square
A must for every visitor unfolds every evening on the waterfront at Vai'ete Square. Here, dozens of colourful roulottes, or food wagons, host a great variety of island cuisine and desert. Visitors can enjoy a unique and informal dinner or a memorable post-dinner desert in a lively setting not to be missed.

Circle-Island Tour
A favourite among visitors for over 100 years! Over 71 miles of dramatic coastline scenery with wave-pounded cliffs, peaceful beaches, and brightly coloured churches. Popular stops include botanical gardens, waterfalls, and ancient temples. Explore the tiny villages and panoramic vistas of the remote and beautiful peninsula of Tahiti Iti with an extended tour.

The lagoon setting and historical displays makes this one of the best and most beautiful museums in the South Pacific. Polynesian history, religion, and culture before the arrival of the explorers and missionaries is carefully recorded and presented. Highlights include rare collections of paintings, sculptures, ancient canoes, and historical artifacts.

James Norman Hall Home
The residence of one of Tahiti's famous resident authors, James Norman Hall,
is maintained as it was when he lived in Tahiti from 1920 to 1951. Hall is best known for Mutiny on the Bounty which he co-authored with Charles Nordhoff. Visitors see his original writing desk, art collection, and library with 3,000 books. Guests are invited to enjoy tea in the garden under the terraced mango tree.

The Gauguin Museum
Dedicated to Paul Gauguin's life during his years on the island of Tahiti and in the Marquesas, the museum features exhibits and memorabilia from the late painter himself, including sketches, copies of documents , block prints, and reproductions of many of his most famous paintings.

Pearl Museum
The only museum in the world devoted entirely to pearls. The unique presentations about Tahitian Cultured Pearls describe and demonstrate the history and practice of cultivating pearls as well as their place in art, history, mythology, and religion.

Bougainville Park
In the heart of the waterfront area, visitors find a newly renovated and peaceful oasis. Crowned by a massive banyan tree, the park is named in honor of the French explorer and navigator, Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811) and features running streams and lush vegetation.

Botanical Garden
Adjacent to the Gauguin Museum, this lush and manicured garden features hundreds of varieties of tropical trees, plants, and flowers including bamboo, bananas, palms, and hibiscus. The garden was originally planted by American botanist Harrison Smith who moved to Tahiti in 1919.