Tahiti and Moorea Travel Guide – Beautiful French Polynesia

The beauty of French Polynesia goes way beyond its beaches. I came expecting to just enjoy the sun and the endless natural beauty that the islands possess, but I left with a deeper appreciation of the Polynesian people and their culture. Tahiti and Moorea captured my heart in ways that I never expected. It is a destination that I will always tell people is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime if the opportunity presents itself. 

My husband and I were blessed to have the opportunity to go to Tahiti not just once but twice! We felt so fortunate and we cherished every moment that we were there. From our visits, we came up with recommendations and suggestions on what you should do in Tahiti and Moorea.

The Polynesian People and the lasting impression they leave

What struck me the most after both of my visits to French Polynesia is just how kind the locals are. And it’s not just a courtesy kind of nice. It was a genuine warm compassion that I have yet to see in a collective group of people anywhere else. We talked about this to one of the taxi drivers there and his response was, “If you think they’re kind here, they are even nicer the further out you go from Tahiti to the other islands”. I believe it stems from their culture and their values. They put a huge emphasis on family and community. It really left an impression on me and made me fall in love with the culture and its people more. 

I’ll give you some examples. If any car sees a pedestrian trying to cross the street, no matter how big and busy of a road it is, they will stop for you to cross. You would not have to wait for cars to clear up nor would you have to wait long at all before all the cars are stopping for you to cross.  

A specific example was when we were driving over to Tahiti iti and at this point we were already away from the capital city of Papeete. The roads get smaller and there is usually only one or two lanes in each direction. A car belonging to a couple of tourists had broken down on the side of the road. As we drove by, we saw that three other cars belonging to locals had stopped to help them. Two were helping the tourists with the broken down car and one man with his little girl was directing traffic around them. It was such a touching scene to see people selflessly offering their time and skills to help complete strangers. 

That same day, my husband and I went to a grocery store about an hour and a half away from Papeete. By then, I couldn’t believe that the kindness of the people could get any better but it sure did. There are less tourists in this part of the island, so we must have stood out amongst the crowd. We were looking at the dessert selections when a kind Tahitian lady came over and asked us if we spoke English. We said we did and she told us to wait for her after we were done shopping so that she could buy us a treat. For no particular reason and without expecting anything in return, she bought us some delicious lemon tarts and some lychees. 

Experiencing the kindness of Polynesian people was my absolute favorite thing about our trips there. People there in general seem to really enjoy life and not sweat the small stuff such as keeping up with the Joneses or getting the next best thing. Their selflessness and joy really shines bright in a world that sometimes feels full of selfishness and anger. 

“Unassuming kindness is the greatest virtue God recommends, so it should be practiced always and by everyone” – St. Francis de Sales

Tahiti

When to Go

Being near the equator, the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much but there is a dry and wet season. The dry season is from May to October, and the wet season is from November to April. However, if you’ve ever been anywhere tropical, you know that a rain shower can come at any time. They come hard and fast but are often over in an instant. 

We went to Tahiti in June and December so we experienced both the wet and rainy season. I didn’t see much of a difference in temperature between the seasons. It rained a little more in December, but we also experienced days with heavy rainfall in June. That said, to ensure you get the most sunny and clear days during your stay, it’s a safer bet to go during the dry season. On the other hand, if you’re trying to save a few dollars, it is cheaper to fly to Papeete during the wet season. 

Regarding crowds, the dry season has more tourists but not overwhelmingly so. The only time when it was noticeably more crowded was when a cruise ship docked there, which happens year-round. 

How to get there & How to get around

We found that most of the direct flights come out of the west coast of the United States as well as Honolulu. If you’re coming from anywhere else in the United States or Europe, chances are you’ll have a layover in either Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle. This international flight takes around 5-6 hours. Coming from Asia, there is a direct flight between Tahiti and Tokyo.

Those who are transiting to different islands in French Polynesia such as Bora Bora will always have to make a stop first on the main island of Tahiti. 

We highly suggest you book a rental car to get around Tahiti unless you plan to only stay around downtown Papeete, which is completely walkable.

Where to Stay

Hilton Hotel Tahiti

We stayed both times at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti and loved it there. It was beautiful with great open spaces and a nice big pool. It’s conveniently located being close to both the airport and downtown Papeete. There is a wonderful pedestrian bridge that connects the hotel to the mall across the main road, which makes it very convenient to pick up anything you will need for your trip from the huge grocery store Carrefour to the French pharmacy. 

The rooms are very comfortable and modern with a touch of Polynesian flair. Each room is very spacious with high ceilings and a nice layout. Both times we stayed there we got a nice balcony overlooking the pool and the ocean. It was a great place to watch the sunset and the mountains of Moorea island beckoning in the distance. The hotel also boasts some great amenities such as a spa and a gym. Their restaurants are also amazing, which I’ll touch on some more in the food recommendations.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort

The other major luxury hotel in Papeete is the Intercontinental. We personally didn’t stay in their rooms but did get to enjoy their amenities since one of the conferences was held there. The Intercontinental is also a great spot to get cocktails. Both of the ones we got were so unique and delicious. They focus on using their local flavors and ingredients and it just works so well together. If you plan to stay at this hotel, you can stay in a room within their resort or you can also to book an overwater bungalow.

My favorite thing at this hotel are their amazing pools and protected lagoon. They have three different options you can choose from if you want to go swimming. There is a huge freshwater infinity pool with a fun waterfall you can sit under. There is also a sand-bottom pool with a swim-up-bar that is very fun to relax in. It also has a great view of the ocean with Moorea in the background. 

The best part of the Intercontinental has to be their Lagoonarium. It’s a little lagoon connected to the hotel that is built at the edge of the ocean. You’re able to swim in it and it is full of so many fish and sea creatures. There are fish of all sizes, they must be used to humans because they do not act scared and will swim right by you as if you are a big fish. It was a wonderful experience and felt like swimming in an aquarium.

Adjacent to the lagoonarium is the hotel’s sea turtle sanctuary where they rehabilitate injured sea turtles. Those that are healed are then released back into the ocean, whereas those that are severely injured can live out the rest of their lives there. It’s very cute when the staff put t-shirts on the ones that have buoyancy issues around noon to protect them from the sun. While we were there, they had just brought in a huge sea turtle that was injured from a shark attack. It’s truly fascinating to observe the care they give to the turtles. 

Boutique Hotel  Kon Tiki Tahiti

For a more budget-friendly option, Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti is an excellent choice, located right across the street from the Papeete Ferry Terminal and in the heart of downtown Papeete, so everything is within walking distance.

The hotel offers three types of room options. The first, called the “Polynesian Cabins,” is ideal for solo travelers or backpackers. These compact cabins, inspired by boat cabins, feature a queen-size bed, desk space, free Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerator, and individual air conditioning. Bathrooms are shared but are spacious and private, and they are cleaned regularly for comfort. There is also a communal patio with a kitchen/bar area.

The second option for more privacy is the “Tahitian Rooms,” which offer either a king-size bed or twin beds. These 3-star rooms come with a private bathroom featuring an Italian shower, an in-room espresso machine, kettle, and refrigerator. Each room also has a balcony that overlooks either the Papeete harbor or the hotel’s interior patio. The third option, called “Tahitian Homes,” offers a more spacious and comfortable stay, with studios equipped with a king-size bed and a sofa bed, accommodating up to three adults or two adults and two children. They also include a balcony with seating, a fully equipped kitchen (with a refrigerator, microwave, and stove), an in-room espresso machine, kettle, and a dining area. These studios are perfect for longer stays or travelers who seek a homely environment. The hotel also has a hip bar on the top floor, adding to its trendy and welcoming atmosphere.

What to Eat

Tahitian cuisine is a reflection of the island’s rich history, blending French and Polynesian influences to create a unique culinary experience. As a tropical island, seafood is a big part of the cuisine, with our absolute favorite dish being the national dish, poisson cru. This flavorful delight is simply raw fish marinated in lime juice and soaked in creamy coconut milk. We couldn’t resist ordering it from multiple restaurants, and it never failed to impress. Alongside local specialties, we also enjoyed classic French specialties such as crêpes, steak frites, and magret de canard. The influence of Chinese immigrants is also evident, with many eateries offering Chinese dishes like chow mein and fried rice. 

Restaurant Recommendations:

• Moevai – Hilton Tahiti Hotel: Delicious breakfast buffet
• La Strada – Hilton Tahiti Hotel: Great French cuisine and Polynesian dishes. We ate here many times and this restaurant never disappointed.
• Te Tiare – Intercontinental Hotel Tahiti: Breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch and dinner restaurant with wonderful Polynesian food. The service is also very nice here.
• Les 3 Brasseurs – Downtown Papeete: Popular outdoor restaurant with tons of options such as burgers, salads, flatbreads, and many more. Many people come here for their beer, which can be served in a huge keg.
• Rêves de Lucie – Downtown Papeete: Beautiful cafe and bakery with French pastries and coffee. 
• Blue Banana – Punaauia, Tahiti: Great place for dinner to eat authentic French or Polynesian dishes
• Les Roulottes Place Vaiete – Downtown Papeete: A great dinner option to please everyone in the group because there are many food trucks with different options from Tahitian to French to Chinese. Portion sizes are very generous.
• Carrefour – This French grocery store has great options of hot foods and prepared foods to go. It’s a quick and cheap alternative for when you’ve eaten out enough for all the other meals.

For Catholics – Where to Go to Mass

For Catholics, our Sunday obligations do not end just because we’re on vacation. But fear not, there are many Mass options to choose from with one being offered at the Papeete Catholic Cathedral, which is right in the middle of downtown Papeete. Mass times are available at here.

Masses are offered in French but what’s unique is that the locals sing joyful songs in their local languages and in French before and throughout Mass. I love Polynesian singing, no doubt its unique beauty will touch you deeply. The many songs used for Mass are known and spontaneously taken up by the entire church. Everyone gives their best, resulting in a special intensity and depth to the celebrations and prayers. Due to the year-round hot temperatures, many people wear Hawaiian shirts and shorts to Mass.

There is one Mass in the Extraordinary Form on the island typically offered once a month (sometimes more often) at the Military Chapel St Louis d’Arue. It’s technically on the military base just outside Papeete, but anyone can access it. For Mass times the best information is available at this link.

While on our drive around the island, we stumbled upon this Catholic church that had a beautiful grotto dedicated to Our Lady in their yard right at the edge of the water. The name of the church is St. Jean-Baptiste. The beautiful grotto with the blue ocean behind it caught our eye as we drove by on the highway. We couldn’t help but stop to take a look. The people working there greeted us when they saw us snooping around. They kindly invited us in and gave us a tour of the church. The kindness of the Tahitian people really is unmatched and I was so grateful for their hospitality. From them, we learned that we had actually stumbled into the oldest Catholic Church on the island. It was really an amazing surprise. 

What to do in Tahiti

For the Best Snorkeling – Plage Vaiava & Intercontinental Lagoonarium

One of my favorite things to do in Tahiti was snorkeling, I went almost every day. Being underwater never gets old and feels as though you’ve been taken to another world. 

Our favorite beach to snorkel at was the beautiful Plage Vaiava. We went there three different times and each time, the waters were completely different so you really should go there on a clear sunny day with little swells. The first day we went there was right after a rainstorm. We had all our gear ready and we were about to head in when a kind local came over and told us that today was not a good day for snorkeling due to the poor underwater visibility. 

The next time we went to the beach, the conditions were ideal for snorkeling. A little overcast but the water was crystal clear and the swells were not too strong. That day we were able to snorkel for over an hour following the underwater snorkel trail guiding us to the beautiful spots throughout the reef. That was the first time I’ve ever seen an underwater snorkel trail! There were up to 9 markers in the water that you swim to, and below each marker was an informational sign that gave us fun facts about the coral reefs and sea creatures. The reef was bursting with life from sea cucumbers of all kinds, to schools of fish everywhere, to what looked like rolling hills of corals. My favorite thing to see were the black clown fishes as well as schools of fish that surrounded a coral together. Just beware of the reef triggerfish, they can get territorial and aren’t afraid to charge at you to drive you away. 

For a more controlled snorkeling experience, I highly suggest the Intercontinental’s Lagoonarium. It’s an incredible experience. As the name alludes to, it feels part- lagoon and part-aquarium. The Lagoonarium is protected from the swells so it’s consistently calm and there are many tropical fish that love to swim in there. Just in one spot you can see a huge variety of them calmly swimming with you. If you’re not staying at the Intercontinental, I highly suggest you get a day pass just for this experience.

For the Best Pools – InterContinental Tahiti

Building off of my suggestion above to get a day pass to the Intercontinental Tahiti, their freshwater pools are also completely worth it. Their vast infinity pool is popular with the kids due to the man-made waterfall. Many of them also just enjoyed jumping into the deep end over and over again. The long length of the pool also made it popular for anyone who wanted to swim laps in.

However, the sand-bottom pool was the most unique pool I’ve ever been in. It’s more secluded than the infinity pool and has a more relaxing atmosphere. They created a beach where you lounge on until you’re ready for a dip. Once you head into the pool, it feels as though you are wading into the waters at a real beach except it has a swim-up bar as well as a ledge that you can swim up to. Right past that ledge is the Pacific Ocean. I felt as though I could hold onto that ledge and look at the beautiful view of the ocean and Moorea for hours. It felt unreal.

For the Best Hotel Spa – InterContinental Tahiti

For the best spa experience, I recommend the Intercontinental Tahiti. Compared to the Hilton Tahiti, the spa here seems more advanced in terms of technology and in what services they offer. However, to be fair, when I went to the spa at Hilton Tahiti, I believe I was in a temporary room while they were remodeling the actual spa so I did not get the full experience. Both spas boast using natural and local ingredients. 

Best Place to Shop for Souvenirs – Papeete Market and Carrefour Supermarché

As always, I tend to wait until the end of the trip to start figuring out which souvenirs to buy. From that I was able to look and compare options and prices. Based on both of my visits to the island, I can say that the best places for souvenirs are the Papeete Market for Tahitian goods as well as Carrefour supermarket for Tahitian foods you’d like to bring back.

Some great souvenirs to get are black pearl jewelry, handwoven baskets, or locally made pareos (polynesian wraparound skirts), which are most competitively priced at the Papeete Market. I was able to get a 100% cotton pareo that was made in Tahiti. It was so useful to use throughout my trip as a shawl to shield me from the rain or sun, and it also made a great skirt for going to and from the pool.

One portion of the market sells handmade and local goods. The other half of the bottom floor has vendors selling fresh produce and fish just caught that morning. There is also a small section of the market where restaurants sell food out of tiny stalls. It was quite popular with the locals around lunch time. The second floor of the market has pearl shops and other stores selling Tahitian souvenirs such as magnets, t-shirts, and items made of wood. 

For Tahitian specialties, Carrefour had the best prices for them. I personally bought Tahitian vanilla, salt, and local honey as souvenirs. You can also find great French grocery items not commonly found in the US such as French candies and cookies. I personally recommend Kremas or Haribo not sold in the United States.  

For the Best Black Sand Beaches – Point Venus and Taharuu Beach

A unique beach experience worth seeing are the famous black sand beaches of Tahiti. Formed by the erosion of volcanic rocks, these beaches are such a change from the sand color we commonly see. 

Point Venus or Pointe Vénus in French is a black sand beach not too far from downtown Papeete. This beach houses the Tahiti Nui lighthouse and is famous for where Captain Cook anchored and stepped on the island. The beach itself is quite the sight to see. We went on a weekday so there were mostly locals swimming or lounging out on their beach towels on the black sand. The contrast of the black sand with the tropical blue water is really intriguing. Despite the black sand, you can still see that the water is crystal clear. I was also surprised by how soft and smooth the sand was. It made swimming at the beach really enjoyable since you were not stepping on any rocks. 

Another popular black sand beach is Taharuu Beach which is further southeast of Papeete. We didn’t get the chance to visit it but will definitely try if the opportunity to go to Tahiti presents itself again.

For a Scenic Waterfall – Fa’aruma’i Waterfalls or 3 Waterfalls

About a 35 minutes drive from downtown Papeete is the Faarumai Waterfalls or the 3 Waterfalls. This stop is easy to spot by following the red sign on the road indicating its location. Once you’ve parked in the lot, it’s a short hike on a well marked path lined by beautiful plants. The path leads you through a lush rainforest right to the waterfalls. Once there, you’re enclosed by a ledge full of tropical greenery with water coming down in three main parts, hence the name 3 Waterfalls. The water forms a small pond at the bottom. When we went we were able to enjoy the view for ourselves, which was very nice and peaceful. Just be sure to bring bug spray because the mosquitoes will surround you as soon as you stop walking to admire the water. 

For the Best View of Tahiti – Plateau de Taravao

If you’re interested in seeing a great view of Tahiti from higher grounds, then make your way up to Plateau de Taravao. It’s a bit out of the way and the road gets narrower (only one car at a time) and bumpier the higher up you get but once you’re up there, the panoramic views are beautiful. Along the way, you’ll pass by farms raising dairy cows and you’ll also spot some interesting looking cows with a hump on their back and long droopy ears. Once you’re at the top, there is a well kept lookout area with picnic tables and a worn out map indicating where notable landmarks are. It feels more like a scenery in Normandy far from a tropical island, but you get a great view of Tahiti’s coastline and the vast blue Pacific Ocean. It’s worth a visit if you have time on your itinerary. 

Free Exhibitions:

There are quite a few great attractions that are free to visit aside from the beaches and waterfalls. 

Water Gardens Vapahi

One popular destination is the Water Gardens Vapahi. It’s a small garden full of tropical plants and flowers you can visit. There is a map with numbers that guides you to the different parts of the garden, which includes a small waterfall. It is also the beginning of a small hike you can take if you’re looking for a nice hike. The garden overall is very serene and peaceful. It is well kept and while we were there, there were several people working on its upkeep. We got to see some colorful and beautiful tropical flowers we have never seen before.

Teahupo’o Wave

A popular place for people to visit is the Teahupo’o Wave. Located in Iti Tahiti, this location recently hosted the 2024 Olympics surfing competition. It is famous for its massive and consistent waves, which makes it perfect for hosting surfing competitions of all kinds. There are even boat tours you can take that will take you further out into the water for a closer look at the waves that reach 7-10 ft and sometimes even up to 23 ft. We looked at the waves from the shore and even from there you can see that it is some of the most impressive and perfect waves. It’s the kind of waves you usually imagine when you think of professional surfing, tall formations that form a spectacular tube in which surfers appear to seamlessly glide through. 

Araholo Blowhole

Close to the 3 Waterfalls is the Arahoho Blowhole. This stop is also indicated by a red sign on the road telling you that it is a notable attraction. The blowhole is worth a quick visit right off the road. Depending on the tides at the time you are there, you can feel and hear the powerful whooshing sound and blast of the ocean rushing through the blowhole. The view from the area is also quite nice. 

Tahiti Pearl Museum Robert Wan

If you’re interested at all about the history and makings of the black pearls of Tahiti, then Musée de la Perle Robert Wan is worth a visit. The museum is free and is ran by a pleasant gentleman who greets you and tells you a bit about the museum. Then you’re free to enjoy the small museum at your own pace. One part of the museum shows you the history and cultivation of the black pearls. The second part shows you significant art and creations made of the pearls. Examples include a Catholic rosary made of pearls, that is a replica of the one gifted to Pope Saint John Paul II. You can also shop for what I believe are some of the best black pearls on the islands. It seemed as though the shop is famous for providing black pearls to prominent individuals. 

Moorea

Right across from Tahiti, is the enchanting and wilder island of Moorea. From Tahiti, it seems as though Moorea is always in sight and it is quite a beautiful sight. The weather between the two islands is basically the same with the same wet and dry seasons. Locals always say that if you see Moorea covered in rain clouds, you can expect to soon be hit with rain in Tahiti. 

Moorea was the highlight of my trip to French Polynesia! It had the most turquoise and crystal-clear waters I have ever seen in my entire life. And I believe I’ve seen a lot. The island is completely worth a visit. So much so that I went to Moorea twice and loved it both times. 

How to get to Moorea

You can take a 15 minute plane ride from Tahiti but most people opt to take the more economical option which is the ferry. Moorea is a quick 30 minute ferry ride from Papeete Ferry Terminal. There are multiple ferry companies that go back and forth throughout the day. You can buy individual tickets per person or even book a space for your car to be transported across. That way you can explore the island on your own more easily. If you are not bringing a car, then I highly recommend booking a tour. 

What to do in Moorea

Both times I went I booked a water tour. I highly recommend booking some sort of boat or jet ski tour to be able to enjoy some of the more popular attractions of Moorea. Most of which you can only get to via a boat of some sort. The attractions include snorkeling in the coral garden, swimming with the black tip sharks and rays, as well as a guided tour as you boat around the island. I did both the boat and jet ski tour and if I had to choose one, I’d choose the boat tour. 

The boat tour gives you the chance to really sit back and enjoy the beauty that Moorea has to offer. Jet skiing is fun but I couldn’t really enjoy the beauty as much and Moorea’s natural beauty is surreal. I was just in awe of the sparkling turquoise water as well as the peaks of the lush mountains of the island. The guide was also the best. Funny and entertaining. He recounted many fun facts, was constantly joking, and would randomly break into singing us local songs. The jetski guide that we had was also amazing but because we were all separated, we did not get the chance to learn all about Moorea on that tour. Another fun experience I had on the boat tour was when the instructor told my friend and I to sit on the pontoon. We hopped on thinking it was just for a photo, but then he started the boat and began driving at full speed with us on the pontoon to our next destination. For ten minutes we rode that way with the other boat tour passengers laughing in amazement at us sitting on the pontoon. It felt like we were flying over the crystal clear waters, it is an experience I will never forget.  

Both tours were very well organized and offered to pick us up and drop us off at the Moorea ferry terminal, which made it so convenient. Once you book your tour, you will be told which ferry company to take and at what time. This makes it very easy to know which tickets to book without much guesswork. 

Other tours offered on Moorea are ATVs through the jungle as well as food tours. I’d definitely sign up for those next time if given the chance. During certain months of the year, whale watching tours are offered. Humpback whales come there during the warmer months to give birth and nurse their young until they’re strong enough to begin their journey up to Antarctica. 

In Moorea, the water activities are undoubtedly the highlights of the island. First stop on a pontoon boat or a jet ski, is usually Cook’s Bay where you’re given a quick history of the area as well as a chance to enjoy the views of Moorea’s jagged peaks. Next, you will head to the two snorkeling destinations. Snorkeling in the coral garden was amazing. As the name suggests, it’s a garden of corals full of tropical fish that stretches far and wide. The other snorkeling destination is swimming with the black tip sharks and stingrays on a sandbar. Both creatures are surprisingly friendly and calm as they swim around you. At times they sneak up on you from behind, but just remember to keep calm to not provoke them. As the boat guide continued to reassure us, “Don’t worry, these sharks are vegan”, as he fed them a chunk of fish. Our jetski guide was a favorite of one particular ray. Whenever she got into the water, that ray would just cling to her and stay around her. It was fascinating to see. 

If you plan to drive yourself around Moorea, there are many wonderful beaches you can enjoy. Our friends who chose this option sent beautiful pictures of white-sand beaches that I’d personally love to see one day. 

Summary

All in all, a trip to Tahiti and Moorea will leave a lasting impression on anyone. From the people to its culture to its natural beauty. It is a tropical paradise worth visiting and I hope you get the opportunity to. If you are planning a trip there, I hope this blog helped you one way or another. 

Yours in Christ,
A & D