Why You Might Want To Spend Some Time on Tahiti Island

Most people stop in Tahiti for a few hours or maybe a night en route to the more popular Moorea or Bora Bora. But recently I spent a week on the big island and loved it. 

I'll share some of the things we enjoyed, but first, some pros to staying on the big island. The most important is affordability. 

The Airbnb's are cheaper, we are talking $100 per night cheaper which adds up quickly. Food is cheaper because there are just more options. Tours are cheaper because again more options and less tourists. 

Why You Might Want To Spend Some Time on Tahiti Island 

So what did we find to do? 

1. Well, the most obvious is taking a boat out to see the famous surf wave at Teahupoo. Totally worth it! In fact, it's wild to be sitting on a boat with the surfers next to you riding one of the most famous waves in the world. 

Only once did we worry about taking a wave ourselves. 

We booked a 4-hour tour through Teahupoo Excursions. Michael and his crew were fabulous. We spent about an hour at the wave and then headed to the southern tip of Tahiti Iti, past the end of the road. They maneuvered the boat through a canal into the jungle where we disembarked and swam across the river. The guide led us on a short walk through the jungle to a beautiful grotto inside a lava tube for a short swim. 

When we returned to the boat, the crew served chips and a very homemade cocktail that you just drink and don't ask what inside. It was delicious by the way. 

The next few sights can be done over a few days or in one long day as a driving loop around the island. 

2. Black Sand Beach at Taharuu - probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The current is strong and the rocks are plentiful so watch your feet. Be sure to check out the eels in the lagoon. 

3. Grotto de Maraa - giant cave formed by a lava tube. No swimming, but beautiful photo spot. FREE admission. 

4. Water Garden of Vaipahi - beautiful botanical garden that can provide the perfect picnic spot. Watch out for the chickens though who may want to share. your food. FREE admission and bathrooms available. 

Why You Might Want To Spend Some Time on Tahiti Island 

5. Arapaho Blowhole - one of the only blowholes in the world that spits out compressed air instead of water. 

6. Waterfalls at Tiarei - there are actually three waterfalls here. The first is a short walk from the parking lot. The others are a 20 minute walk from the parking lot. No swimming, but the view is meditative. 

7. Point Venus - the best spot on the island to view the sunset. It also features calm waters perfect for swimming, a lovely beach and volleyball courts. 

We chose to do all of these stops as a one day self driving tour. We started the day around 11am and returned home by 7:30pm so it's a full day. If you prefer a guide or don't have a car, I recommend Lydia. Let her know I sent you. 

Why You Might Want To Spend Some Time on Tahiti Island 

Other notable things to see and do on the island of Tahiti: 

8. Downtown Papeete - This is a half day walking tour that you can do on your own. Check out the indoor street market in Papeete, the cathedral, botanical gardens and the presidential palace. 

9. Food trucks - There are two places to find food trucks, a small one is right by the water in downtown Papeete and a larger one is closer to Point Venus on the water side of the highway. Both yum! Large portions so plan to share. 

10. Fun swimming snorkeling beach - We spent plenty of afternoons at this great beach at highway marker PK18. There are bathrooms available and plenty of free parking. It's also a great place to see the sunset. Be sure to check out the bakery Le Fournil Hautbois which is the best on the island. 

We completely enjoyed our time on the island of Tahiti. In my next post, I'll share what we did during our 10 days in Moorea. If you would like help planning your bucket list trip to French Polynesia, reach out to me. I'll help you use points and miles to make this amazing trip affordable.