I lived for a year in French Polynesia. Paradise on Earth! Tahiti is the main island. It is gorgeous but the most packed one. You need a car to go around and discover the hidden gems. The best on Tahiti are the hikes. When you think of “white sand beach and coconut trees” you most probably have an image in mind that is more Moorea or Bora Bora or the Tuamotus. The below are just notes to give you some tips, if you have any specific questions please reach out directly: marieceline.piednoir@gmail.com
ACTIVITIES:
Go to the local market. Best place to buy presents! Especially perles.
Do the tour of the island on a scooter or by car
Surf at Papeno’o. Most accessible spot in French Polynesia haha. It’s a sand beach. To rent boards and/or take classes: http://moosurfschool.com/en/home
Surf at Papara: some rocks but second most accessible spot on the island
Go to see the Teahupoo wave. The viewpoint here or need to book with a boat tour to go to the wave.
So many snorkeling points. One I saved on maps here
So many insane hikes
HIKES:
Hiitia: maybe one of the beck hikes I have ever done.Waterfalls paradise. Start/park here
Valle de la fachoda: you can book canyoning
Mont Aorai: the most famous one but you need good weather conditions. You can sleep at the top.
BEACHES:
Papeno’o: sand beach
Black sand beach: gorgeous.
Tautira. See Coconut photo.
RESTAURANTS:
La plage de Maui: one of my favorite spots. Insane view on the lagoon. Call to book.
The roulottes located here. Super central and easy to access. A lot of choices and local atmosphere
Cafe Maeva: super central
Les 3 brasseurs: try the local beers
Poke Bar II: what a view and delicious food.
Dreams of Lucie: deserts
Ginger Kitchen and Bar: good food
O Belvedere: Insane view and spot! Book and see how to access it.
Bout du monde: just ADORABLE
WHERE TO SLEEP:
Many options and it will depend a lot on your budget! Have a look at Airbnb too and do not hesitate to call the “pension” directly because some of them are not really referenced in the touristic search engines.
ACCESS:
If you have the chance, by boat ^^ If not, only by plane unfortunately. Then you have a ferry to Moorea or flights to the other islands in French Polynesia
RENT A CAR: To rent a car a bit cheaper: ecocar-tahiti.com