Papeete is the cosmopolitan port and capital city of Tahiti. This modern, bustling city of 70,000 has a variety of chic boutiques that offers French fashions as well as native handicrafts, shell leis and woven hats, and of course a large open market place for more shopping fun. There are plenty of fine restaurants as well, featuring native, French, and Asian cuisine.
However, the allure and romance of French Polynesia is really found along the coast and the island’s interior. Tahiti-Nui, the larger area, features towering peaks with Mt. Orohena reaching 7339 feet, while Tahiti Iti is a rural area dotted with small coastal villages. A must for visitors is to take a round-the-island tour, along the 73-mile (117km) road encircling the island, passing historic monuments, museums, beaches, ruined temples, waterfalls, gardens and dramatic scenery.
The island’s best white sand beaches are between Punaauia and Papara, but most visitors get more of a thrill out of visiting the famed volcanic black sand beaches on the east coast, particularly renowned Pointe Venus.
Tahiti offers something for everyone including hiking, golf, snorkeling and diving, and of course, relaxing. Many island tour operators offer guided 4×4 excursions. They usually take visitors to Mount Marau for panoramic views, Arahoho Blow Hole, which is a sea water geyser, and the Fa’aurumai Valley with beautiful waterfalls and hutu and mape trees.
The Botanical Gardens and Gauguin Museum houses an exhibit highlighting the famous artist’s last 12 years of his life, which were spent in French Polynesia and includes sculptures, wood carvings and engravings. The Maraa Fern Grotto off the Paea shore line is, according to local legend, the home to evil spirits lurking in its depths.
The Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands in Punaauia features exhibits on Polynesian history, culture, environment and ethnology ranging from tattoos to thatched roofs and fishing. Hikers will enjoy the easy trek through the west coast area of Vaipohe Valley to see the beautiful flowers, birds and lush vegetation that has inspired artists and soothed souls.
Le Marche, the vibrant heart of Papeete, is a fascinating public market. For more than 150 years traders have sold a vast array of exotic goods including locally made arts and crafts, fragrant oils, flowers, fruit, straw hats, seashell jewelry and pareus (sarongs). Cultured pearls, particularly the famed Tahitian Black Pearl, are French Polynesia’s main export and the best buy for visitors to the islands. If planning on purchasing pearls, it is wise to first stop by the Pearl Museum in Papeete where visitors can learn to judge quality.

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