Tourist Attractions
Landmarks
While in Tahiti and her islands, there are many wonderful landmarks that you can visit. Our islands boast some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and any of the 4X4 tours around the islands will surely take you by several of them. To the South on the island of Tahiti, you will find the end of the accessible world, complete wtih the overwhelming view of a magnificent blue ocean and soft, white sand beaches. Or, you can head on over to the infamous surfer hangout called Teahupoo, where the famous giant wave, called 'The Jaw', has become something for every surfer to see at least once in their lifetime.
For those who prefer other types of landmarks, there are many different museums around the islands that are open daily for you to enjoy. You can also take a tour of Marlon Brando's island, complete with bird sanctuary, which is only about 30 minutes North of the main island of Tahiti. Huahine also has many different archaeological areas where you can see up close some of the ancient Polynesian ruins. There are also petroglyphs scattered throughout each island for you to find and enjoy. On Hiva Oa, there are the giant Tikis', the largest ones in all of the islands.
Some islands boast sweet pineapple fields, vanillia plantations, and coconut groves to please the taste buds. While others boast a great place to swim with marine life, such as rays, sharks, and dolphins. Lagoons are abundant here, and you can always find one that will fit your idea of a perfect paradise to lounge in. Although, there are the famous pearl farms that can show you everything you need to know about pearls.
Mountains
For those who love the outdoors and the mountains, the beautiful mountains of Tahiti are a sight to be seen. The highest point in Tahiti is Mt Orohena, which rises 2.24 miles above sea level. From safaris to backpacking, there are many different ways that you can enjoy the mountains while on your visit. On a safari through the mountains, your guide will point out different spots that are perfect for pictures and also tell you more about the island and it's vegetation and mountains. You will also learn about the native animals that inhabit the islands, which ones are good, and which ones to steer clear of. A good guide will also be happy to tell you some of the legends and history of the islands while on your journey.
- Le Relais de la Maroto Mountain Hotel
Visit Le Relais de la Maroto on beautiful Tahiti. This hotel is located in the mountains at the head of the Papeno’o valley on the South Tahiti Island. The hotel is a great place to really get away and get in touch with nature. The hotel is only accessible by foot, helicopter, or four-wheel-drive vehicles, making it a location for the truly adventurous soul. The hotel is a great base to use for exploring the nearby rainforest.
The hotel is surrounded by the lush mountains of the rainforest, rugged hiking trails through the sparkling mountains, and many, many waterfalls, including Cascade Topatari, Cascade Vaiharuru, Cascade Puraha, and Cascade Maroto. The trails are fairly easy to walk, and while exploring them you will pass by ancient sacred sites, such as Marae. The friendly hotel staff will be glad to help you find the best trails to explore. If you want the best possible rainforest experience, consider hiring a guide. Mato Nui Excursions offers experienced guides, their number is 00 698 789547. The price is 87 pounds per day. The guides will take you on exciting hikes 2,000 meters up the mountain. You will experience the fun of sleeping on a platform in the open night air.
A stay at Le Relais de la Maroto is truly a special vacation. The rooms are comfortable, and the hotel has a restaurant that offers famous French gourmet cuisine, and a large wine cellar. In fact, the wine cellar is one of the largest in French Polynesia. A stay at Le Relais de la Maroto is a chance to experience peace and nature at their finest. Near the hotel there is an 800-meter long tunnel drive that comes out on the Vaihiria Lake. The tunnel starts at the base of Mount Orohena, and visitors can explore the natural gorges of the tunnel. The dangerous parts have been filled in with cement making it safe to travel. As you exit the tunnel, you will be stunned by the impressive scenery of the lake, which is totally different from the mountains that you just left. Spend a day exploring the lake and the surrounding rainforests. Make sure you bring your camera along, as you will want to take many pictures of this tranquil, beautiful location.
If you are interested in staying at Le Relais de la Maroto, give them a call at 00 689 579029 and make your reservation. The hotel is small, so make your reservation early. You don’t want to miss this chance to rest and really explore the amazing rainforests of Tahiti. If you are looking for the truly Tahitian experience, the le Relais de la Maroto is the place for you to stay! Don’t wait; book your room today!
- Le Belvedere Mountain Restaurant
When visiting Tahiti be sure to visit Le Belvedere restaurant located at the peak of the highest mountain, and gazing down into the Fare Rau Ape Valley. The price range for this restaurant is between ten and twenty US dollars. The restaurant has a panoramic view overlooking the beautiful Venus point and the city of Papeete. The restaurant is located in the mountains at the end of the Belvedere road, a truly beautiful setting. The restaurant is famous for raclette and fondues, which are the specialties. The décor of the restaurant has a Polynesian flair. There are four dining areas and a charming outdoor patio.
One of the popular dishes are the seafood fondue, with a locally favorite shrimp selection and onion soup. The restaurant also serves great Mahi-Mahi, a local fish, and Pepper steak for those who don’t enjoy seafood. There is a van available to take the guests from back and forth from the restaurant to the nearby hotel. The attire for the restaurant is casual, and you do not need a reservation. But bring your swimming gear! The restaurant has a private pool and the friendly staff will probably invite you to take a swim!
Le Belvadere claims to have the best view of all of Tahiti, since it is located on the highest peak on the island. From the restaurant you can see the sunset, or enjoy a moonlight dinner. The restaurant is a very romantic location. Be sure to make your reservation as soon as you arrive on the island!
- Mont Aorai
Climbing Mont Aorai is one of the great classics of the day trips known on the island of Tahiti. Climbers leave from the Le Belvedere restaurant, which is at an altitude of 600 meters. There is an asphalt rod that makes the path easy to follow. The path was marked and maintained by soldiers, and leads to the top of Mont Aorai. If you are going to take the drive to the top, make sure you are registered at the center for reserve training that is located at the restaurant. The path is clearly marked, and passes by two rest areas, or refuges, Fare Mato at 1400 meters and Fare ATA at 1800 meters. The path is not difficult, and there are no insurmountable obstacles, therefore you do not need to hire a guide. However, if you are going to make the trek, make sure you never go alone. Also, bring the proper equipment, including water, good shoes, mosquito repellent, and replacement clothes. These supplies will ensure you are in the best shape to make it to the top. Plan at least five hours of walking to reach the top of the mountain. If you are planning on hiking the mountain and coming back the same day, make sure you leave early in the morning. Otherwise, take gear and plan on spending the night in one of the refuges. This is a great experience to get up close and personal with nature. Since you are registered at the reserve training center, make sure you let them know your plans, so they don’t come looking for you!
Waterfalls
While here in Tahiti, you are sure to come across some of our magnificent waterfalls. No matter the weather or the time of year, you can always find a beautiful waterfall for swimming and pictures. Some guided tours will even go out of their ways to show you some of the most beautiful waterfalls that Tahiti has to offer a visitor.
So, no matter what you are in the mood for, swimming or picture taking, make sure that you get to take in the sights and sounds of Tahiti's waterfalls.
- The Blow Hole
A visit to Tahiti is not complete without making a trip to see the Blow Hole, in the Trou du Souffleur. This unique land formation was begun during the volcanic period that created the island. Continuing erosion has caused a large collection of lava tunnels, and even caves. The Blow Hole is a lava tunnel that is located next to the sea cliff. It gets its name because of the interesting activity that occurs there. What happens is the seawater fills the tunnel as the tide comes in, and the air inside the cave gets compressed. As the ocean water and the air mix, the pressure inside the cave increases dramatically. Eventually the air and water explodes into a violent jet stream, creating quite a bit of noise. This is a great place to get some pictures, but do not approach too close, because the Blow Hole is dangerous because of the high water pressure and unpredictable eruptions.
- Fa'arumai Waterfalls
Just past the site of the Blow Hole, if you take the first road to the right and travel one kilometer, you will find the Three Waterfalls. Park your car at the base of the mountain. You will have the chance to walk along a beautiful trail, across a charming arched bridge, and through a bamboo forest. Eventually you will find yourself at the base of the Vaimahutu waterfall. Vaimahutu falls an astonishing 100 meters from the mountain above you. Be sure to take your camera, as this is a lovely spot to take some pictures. Consider packing a picnic lunch and having a picnic near the falls. Bring your swimming gear and take a dip in the swimming hole or stand under the falls. Be sure to bring some waterproof insect repellent. From Vaimahutu you can hike to two more falls, Haamaree Iti and Haamaree Rahi. This hike is a bit difficult, so consider hiring a guide to help you. But hiking to the two remaining falls is certainly worth it! They are some of the most beautiful on the island! If hiking is not for you, make sure you still visit Vaimahutu. It is well worth the trip! Don’t miss this great island location.
Exploring the Lava Tubes
Tahiti is an island that was created by a volcano. Some unique and interesting geological formation were created from the cooling lava that was left behind. Exploring the Tahitian lava tubes is one of the most popular adventures on Tahiti. The lava tubes are located in Hitiaa. Visitors can walk through the maze of tubes, or swim in the grottoes, waterfalls and streams that they create. Bring good walking shoes! The tubes go deep below Tahiti’s mountains. Some are so small that you must crawl through portions of the tubes. These underground galleries have running water throughout the maze of twists and turns they create. It is easy to get lost while exploring the tubes, as they create quite an underground maze, so it is recommended that you take a guide with you, and get to the lava tubes by a four-wheel drive vehicle, followed by a hike on foot. The caves are located on the rocky eastern coast. They are surrounded by gullies and caves that were created by water erosion. These lava tubes are one of the most unique geological formations you will find on the islands of Tahiti, so don’t miss this adventure!
Tahiti iti
The smaller part of the figure eight that makes up the island of Tahiti, called Tahiti Iti, literally means “little Tahiti”. This is not the Tahiti of the tourist brochures; instead it is a place of pyramid-like mossy cliffs that overlook a dark lagoon surrounded by black sand beaches, taro fields, and strands of coconut palms. By-passed by the tourist industry, this magnificent region boasts waterfalls, clear water, archaeological sites, and caves. Here is where you would go to see authentic Polynesia. The isthmus where Tahiti Iti breaks off into an “almost island” is where you will find the area's largest town, Taravao. The slope that rises from Taravao forms the Taravao Plateau, which is the agricultural center of Tahiti. The drive up the plateau makes on think of a French countryside, with lush fields and green grasses. These fields, lined with a wide variety of different tropical fruit trees, that lead up to a horse farm that features trail rides through the lush tropical hillside landscapes.
Two 18-kilometer roads run along the coasts from Taravao: one runs to the northeast and ends in the town of Tautira, while the other one to the southwest ends in the town of Teahupoo. The Tautira coast has few tourists and very little development. The highlight of this small village is a massive stone church dedicated to the first Spanish Catholic missionaries. There is also an endless sweep of black sand beaches that are all but deserted. Teahupoo, on the other hand, is one of the only regions left in French Polynesia where you can find wild coastline only accessible by boat or by foot. Here, you will also find the most dangerous and famous surfing waves in the world. Surfers “discovered” the most dauntingly huge, but perfect waves at the road's end. The Teahupoo side also sports a white sand beach, a small barrier reef, and even a dive center.
Maraa Grottoes
The Cave of Maraa on the Western coast is a beautiful sight to behold. In Paea, you will discover a car park at the edge of the road. After parking your vehicle, stroll down and explore the peaceful atmosphere of the Cave of Maraa. Strewn with fougeress, overhead springs drip through the ceiling of ferns into a cool, romantic cave formed by the sea. The decorated basins contain crystal clear and limpid water. Some Tahitians believe “varua ino” (evil spirits) lurk in the shadowy depths. Others say that if you follow an underground river back from the grotto, you will emerge at a wonderful valley in the spirit world.
Taravao Tableland
Off the beaten path of the Tahitian tourist industry, lies the tableland of Taravao. This wondrous setting of flowing grasses on a high plateau is where all of the fresh milk in Tahiti comes from since this is the only place here in French Polynesia where cows have an opportunity to graze. For those who love the sights and sounds of the ocean and those who are avid photographers, at the end of the road that leads to Taravao there is a small carpark where you can find some of the most beautiful scenery. A spectacular view of the isthmus of Taravao, which connects the larger island of Tahiti Nui and the smaller island of Tahiti Iti, can be found here, as well as a hiking trail that will lead you to the top of Mount Teatara.
Adventure On Tahiti
The southern part of the island has remained quit isolated. In fact, you can only reach the southeastern half of Tahiti Iti via boat or on foot. There are no paved roads on this half of the island, and it is impossible to make the sharp turn onto the peninsula by car. Once you decide how you want to enter the area, you will be greeted by wild landscapes, natural hidden petroglyphs, and many other wonders. The paths can be dangerous, with hidden traps, so it is recommended that you take a guide with you. Experienced hikers will enjoy exploring the cliffs of the Pari.
As you pass through the Western coast, the road will end at the village of Teahupoo. From here you will need to hike the trail that follows the mountains. You will cross brooks on free standing footbridges, walk along black sand beaches, cross marshes, and finally arrive at the cave of Vaipoiri. This walk takes three hours, and is not for the faint-hearted. As you enter the grounds of the cave, you will find the cavern and its hidden lake. Continue on over the Faaroa River. Here you will find the Faaroa refuge, which was built for hikers to have a place to rest. Here is where the true adventure of the Pari starts. Here you will find a lagoon that is protected by a coral reef barrier. The lagoon is very calm, and you can easily reach the bottom of the cliff. From here you will be able to see the Giant Umete of Taapeha formation in the Umete of Taapeha valley. Past this, you can explore the Anaihe cave, which was used in the past as a shelter for passing fishermen. Now it has been arranged for tourists, including benches and a table made out of coconut wood. There are several falls in the area, including the Point Spade-to-Screw and Du’a Cascade.
As you continue your exploration, you will come to Devils Pass, a narrow corridor that is uncovered when the tide is withdrawn. There is a partially submerged cave, the Vaitomoana Cave, which is a perfect retreat from the jungle sun. Continue on to the Vaiote River, and explore the archaeological sites nearby. You will enjoy seeing the drums of Honura, hollow rocks that make musical sounds when struck. Continuing your journey, cross the river. There are still petroglyphs, which depict suns, dugouts, and hands. Your journey will continue another three hours, where you will find Tautira and the road that leads you out and back towards Papeete. Your adventure is finally over!
The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands
This museum is a wonderful place to learn about Tahiti and Tahitian culture. Here you will find wonderful displays of art, culture, society, and the skills of the Tahitian people from the time before the missionaries arrived here. Admission is free to all, and the museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on those days. For more information, or to contact the museum, please use the following information:
Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands
PK 14, 700 Pointe des Pecheurs, Punaauia
P.O. Box 380354-98718 Punaauia, Tahiti
Telephone: (689) 58-34-76
Email: musee@mail.pf
The Pearl Museum
Dedicated to the most abundant art in Tahiti, the Pearl Museum will awe you with it's vast array of pearls. The history, religions, myths, art, and even philosophy behind the pearls on Tahiti are all on display here as well, along with how the pearls are actually created. Here, you can also see a beautiful collection of pearls, oysters, and shells, which includes the “Pinctada Margaritifera”, the oyster that produces the famous Tahiti Black Pearl. You can find out everything that you ever wanted to know about the Tahitian pearls in this one museum. The admission is free to all, and the museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 9 am to 7 pm. For more information, or to contact the museum, please use the following information:
The Pearl Museum
Paofai
P.O. Box 7-98713 Papeete, Tahiti
Telephone: (689) 45-21-22
Email: iweber@tahitiperles.pf
The Paul Gauguin Art Museum
This art museum is dedicated to the life and art of Paul Gauguin, who was a famous French artist that spent the last years of his life in Tahiti. His style of art had a very unique appeal to other primitive, or exotic, artists around the world in the 20th Century. Here in this museum, you can view sculptures and other works by Gauguin that cannot be viewed anywhere else in the world. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, or to contact the museum, please use the following information:
The Paul Gauguin Museum
PK 51.2 Papeari
P.O. Box 16019-98727 Papeari, Tahiti
Telephone: (689) 57-10-58
Email: museegauguin@mail.pf