Let’s explore the beautiful island of Tahiti, the largest island of French Polynesia, also known the heart and soul of the South Pacific. There are 118 alluring islands in total in this island cluster that are spread over a sailing surface that is the size of Western Europe. Therefore, one day in Tahiti can easily be spent out at sea, but if you decide to stay on the island, you certainly won’t regret it.
What is the Best Time to Visit Tahiti?
Although the temperature of Tahiti remains moderate throughout the year, the best time to visit Tahiti is from May till October. That’s because the weather between these months remains dry. The temperature range is from the upper 60s to the mid-80s, which makes this ideal weather to visit the beach.
The island mainly enjoys two seasons: winter and summers. During winter, there are fewer rainfalls and the weather remains pleasant. On the other hand, in summer, the weather is mostly hot and humid. And regardless of the time when you travel to Tahiti, you will find high hotel fares.
A Few Facts About Tahiti
The island of Tahiti is divided into two parts: Tahiti Nui, which is in the north-western part, and Tahiti Iti, which is the smaller, south-eastern part created by a volcano eruption and containing large mountains surrounded by coral reefs. This is also the most populous island of French Polynesia consisting of 68.7% of the population.
The capital of Tahiti is Papeete. All flights in Tahiti arrived at Faa, an International Airport thus your vacations will start at Tahiti and end at Papeete.
One Day in Tahiti Itinerary
There are quite a few alluring places to visit and things to do during your one-day trip to Tahiti, so you will need a reliable itinerary to make the most of your trip. Here it is!
Enjoy the streetlife and shopping
At the start of your trip to Tahiti, you will land in Papeete, a multicultural and vibrant city with busy street life and a lively harbor. To do some shopping, head towards the market called Le Marche. Here you can purchase things like colorful pareos, monoi oil, and vanilla beans.
After shopping head towards Robert Wan’s Black Pearl Museum. Here, you can purchase Tahitian black pearl souvenirs as a memento of your trip.
To feel like a native, visit Vaiete Square after sunset. You can enjoy the waterfront strolls at night, especially when you have food trucks, Les Roulottes, to serve you affordable meals like fresh fish, pizza, steak fries, and Chinese food.
Stop for a Tasty Lunch
After shopping in Papeete, drive 15 minutes from the city towards Blue Banana. It is a seaside restaurant with delicious food. You can enjoy some excellent pan-fried soles here in a wonderful atmosphere.
Museum of Tahiti and the Islands
Another important place to visit in Tahiti is the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands. Here you can get to know this incredible archipelago through its geography, culture, and history. It really is a fascinating place to visit because you can see for yourself how special Tahiti really is. A must-see during your one day in Tahiti.
Taharuu Beach
One of the most beautiful places in Tahiti is Taharuu Beach, a place famous for its volcanic black sand which will blow you away as soon as you set your eyes on it. But the whole place looks like paradise – black sand, leafy lush jungle, misty mountains, and bright blue water will leave you speechless.
You can also enjoy swimming in the powerful waves of this beach and have a scoop of ice-cream from a small shop located on the right there on the beach.
Water Gardens of Vaipahi
After enjoying your time at Taharuu Beach, head towards the Water Gardens of Vaipahi. You don’t have to pay anything to enter this beautiful place, and it takes only 15 minutes from the beach to reach it.
These gardens are full of tropical and blooming plants. A stroll among the dense vegetation and lush greenery can help you find some protection from the heat. Add to that the waterfalls and small lagoons, and you can see why a trip to Tahiti is a fantasy of so many people.
Isthmus of Taravao
From the water gardens, head towards the Isthmus of Taravao. It is a narrow strip of land that connects the Tahiti Nui to the smaller Tahiti Iti. Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti are ancient volcanoes, and coming to this amazing place will allow you to enjoy a spectacular view of them both.
La Plage de Maui
If you’re still thinking about enjoying the sand, you can move once again to the shoreline. Although many of the beaches on the island contain a black hue, La Plage de Maui is dazzling white. It is located on Tahiti’s southern shore, and the sand and the clear waters here will delight any visitor.
The bay is calm and shallow, and you can also try the beach snack bar that serves fresh seafood and is very popular among tourists. Be very careful while driving to La Plage, though, because the roads are very unpredictable.
Day trips from Tahiti
Many of you reading this will stay more than one day in Tahiti, and that opens up a lot of opportunities for sensational day trips. Here are some destinations you may want to consider.
Moorea
A rocky island with a magical view of mountains that are covered with lush greenery, Moorea is sure to leave quite an impression on you. A great destination if you’re into hiking, but there are some wonderful beaches here, of course.
Bora Bora
This incredible feat of nature has to be high on every visitor’s priority list. A small cluster of islands surrounded by a lagoon and a coral reef, with an extinct volcano in the middle of it all… Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Oh, and coconut trees, don’t forget the coconut trees!
Where to Stay at Tahiti
InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa
Pointe Tahiti, Faaa, 98702 Faaa
An amazing place to stay, not only does InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa have its own lagoon, but it also offers incredible views and can be easily reached from the airport. Overwater bungalows with private sun terraces, an overwater restaurant, and a stema bath are just some of the features that await you. Prepare for an amazing stay!
Vanira Lodge
Teahupoo, 98735 Teahupoo
Do you want to stay in a luxurious treehouse? That’s just one of the options Vanira Lodge has in store for you! Each accommodation unit has been created out of natural materials, and there is a swimming pool here facing the sea. Staying here will be a special and exceptionally enjoyable experience, exactly what you want from visiting Tahiti.
Tiki Hotel
Punaauia, 98717 Punaauia
If you’re looking for a bit more down-to-earth accommodation, Tiki Hotel is an excellent choice. Surrounded by loads of greenery, it offers everything you could need during your stay, including air conditioning, mini-bars, flat-screen TVs and more. With very kind and helpful staff constantly at your service, you can be sure you’ll get your money’s worth here.
Mahana Lodge Hostel and Backpacker
Rue Paul Gauguin, 5, 98719 Papeete
Oh yes, hostels are an option in Tahiti too, and Mahana Lodge Hostel and Backpackers is an excellent choice. A shared kitchen and a shared lounge are at your disposal here, and all rooms are air-conditioned. There is also a continental or a buffet breakfast to get you started, plus the people working here are always ready to help you.
Extra tips for visiting Tahiti
You may want to bring your snorkeling gear with you. The waters around the island are absolutely perfect for that.
While booking an overwater room may sound like a fantastic idea at first, keep in mind that these rooms are generally much more expensive. Booking a regular room can leave you more funds to spend on enjoying the island.
Food trucks are extremely popular here, so you can expect a great selection of quick bites.
Don’t let the relatively high accommodation (and other) prices discourage you. There’s something for everyone in Tahiti!
Melanie
Melanie is a creative writer with a special interest in Culture, Tourism and Languages. Along with being associated with the Tourism industry for the past 7 years, she is working as a creative writer for CCJK, a known translation services provider.