The Best of Tahiti: A 3-Day Itinerary

Land in Papeete, pick up a rental car, and transfer to your hotel to check-in.

Morning/afternoon:

Head to Mahina to see Tahiti’s beautiful black sand beaches and visit Pointe de Venus, a place of interesting historical significance and a delightful place to spend the afternoon or sunset! Bring your swimsuit just in case. Mama’s Beachhouse is a great place for lunch and closes at 3:30 pm.

Visit the black sand beaches of Arue, watch kids learn how to surf, try bodysurfing (Plage de Ahonu), then check out some of the waterfalls and natural marvels of this side of the island:

Keep heading east to see the Arahoho Blowhole, which may be temporarily closed. Closing might not be enforced. Worth a shot to see a cool natural phenomenon! After, head to the first of two waterfalls easily accessible from here:

Waterfall #1: Cascade de Faarumai—less than 10 minutes driving, you’ll reach the parking lot where there is often fresh fruit sold, then a short five-minute walk to some beautiful waterfalls! (If you get hungry or thirsty on this stretch, I recommend stopping at Super Marché Mahina grocery store and grabbing something from the “to-go” section, or baguettes and deli meat/cheese for a classic “casse-croute” (baguette sandwich).

Waterfall #2: Cascade de Pape’ana’ana—Park on either side of the road and see the little grotto and mini waterfall featuring carved rocks, with a cute little white-sand beach across the street. If you’re hungry on your way back, stop at one of Vini Vini’s multiple locations in Papeete for fresh sashimi or sushi. It’s quick, fresh, and affordable!

Evening:

Venture out to the westside for dinner at Roulette Te Hiti for traditional Tahitian fare.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, or venture out to Papeete Market—a great place for little souvenirs, jewelry, fresh produce, and general shopping. The outside perimeter is where you’ll find the most variety, and best prices around for pareos (sarongs), and flower crowns.

Cafe Maeva is on the 2nd floor of the market, along with other great stores for jewelry, wooden crafts, and souvenirs, and has another location just across the street. This is a good place for a lighter breakfast, smoothie, or to try coffee with coconut milk. The market closes in the early afternoon.

Walk down and grab a croissant at Reves de Lucie for now or later before packing into the car for a little Tahiti road adventure! This is one of the main shopping areas in Tahiti, and the most gourmet croissants you can find.

Afternoon/early evening:

Take a boat tour out to see Teahupoo’s “mythical wave” for a chance to see world-class—even Olympian—surfers shredding in their natural habitat.

Evening:

Check out Saigonesse or Hei for upscale Asian dining, or Botanica for an Italian-inspired dinner date. Reservations necessary.

Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel.

In the late afternoon, head up to O Belvedere, a cute restaurant with a full bar with a swimming pool up the mountain. Enjoy beautiful views of Tahiti, and walk-up even further up the mountain for a gorgeous hike with truly spectacular views and fascinating flora. This is a great place to spend the afternoon, or sunset. Excellent cocktails, too! The drive up there is narrow with sharp turns—proceed with caution.

Take advantage of your beautiful accommodations before transferring to another island or back home tomorrow. Upgrade your stay with a pool cabana, room service at sunset, or a private breakfast brought to your room by canoe.