Papeete, Tahiti: 10 Unique Things to Do & Day Trips

Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, is a common stopover point before jetting off to the dreamy islands of French Polynesia. When travelers land in Tahiti, their expectations are peaked, and they can’t wait to scurry off the big island to their final holiday destination, giving Papeete no more than 24 hours at best.

For us, Papeete was the last stop on our epic Oceania Cruise. We had already visited the postcard-perfect Bora Bora and Moorea, which helped us appreciate Papeete and Tahiti island for what it is. Since it doesn’t get to step into the spotlight often, we took it upon ourselves to find out the best things to do in Tahiti’s Papeete and entice you to stay longer than a day. Trust us, the island will keep you busy!

Is Papeete, Tahiti Worth Visiting?

Papeete is a vibrant capital city that will introduce you to local life and culture. It is also a great base for exploring Tahiti’s natural treasures spread out all over the island. The island is plentiful with lagoons, black sand beaches, and dramatic volcanoes decorated with multiple waterfalls. If you wanted, you could circle the road that wraps around Tahiti’s wild verdant core in about 6 hours. But why rush, right? There are many places to see in Papeete and even more things to do around Tahiti.

10 Interesting Things to Do in Papeete & Day Trips

Marvel at Black Pearls at Musee de la Perle

Tahitian black pearls are found only in the waters around the islands and atolls of Tahiti. They are magical and captivating and come in different hues of dark colors. Make sure to add Musee de la Perle to your list of places to visit in Papeete. It is the world’s only museum dedicated to pearls and the best place to learn about the history and cultural importance of pearl cultivation in Tahiti. The insights are incredibly interesting, and you won’t be able to peel your eyes off of the jewelry displays. 

Browse the Papeete Market

Indulge your senses at Papeete Market, operating in the same location since 1869 and has everything imaginable under one roof. With two floors of local goodies to check out, it is a local must-see, but make an entire morning out of it. Grab freshly baked French pastries and browse through colorful rows of crafts, oils, flower crowns, and vanilla. Pick out black pearl jewelry for your loved ones. Finish your tour of Papeete Market by picking up poisson cru, a traditional dish akin to ceviche, and embark on a self-led fruit-tasting tour for dessert. Look out for cooked ‘bread fruit’, another traditional Tahitian dish worth trying. 

Watch a Tahitian Dance Performance

Traditional Polynesian dance is hypnotizing. Did you know that the impressive hip movement is used for story-telling? Attending a Tahitian dance show is a must during your stay in Papeete. You enjoy a beautiful performance and get insight into the Tahiti culture. Even better if you can pair the experience with your dinner! We recommend speaking to your hotel to organize your Tahitian dance experience.

Visit Point Venus

This spot, situated on the tip of the Tahitian peninsula, gets its name from Captain James Cook’s observation set up to watch Venus transit the sun. The tip is now adorned with a tall white lighthouse that stands out against the palm trees and Tahiti’s famous black sand beaches that surround it. Located only a 20-minute drive from Papeete, Point Venus is one of the most iconic landmarks on Tahiti and is worth the visit. Unfortunately, the Venus transit of the 21st century has passed, but Point Venus is the perfect place to go for a dip, have a picnic, and enjoy a beautiful sunset. 

Get Sprayed at Arahoho Blowhole

If the heat of road-tripping around Tahiti is getting to ya, make sure to stop at Arahoho blow hole 32 minutes away from Papeete. We are not sure if it was created by an ancient lava tube or with the helping hand of man-engineering, but the blow hole huffs and puffs at high tide until it explodes like a geyser. So, park your car, step in front of it, and get refreshed. And if that’s not enough, there is a beach where you can lounge just past the blow hole. 

Cool Off by the Faarumai Waterfalls

Located just after the Arahoho Blow hole, these three waterfalls are a beautiful reward that’s waiting for you at the end of a picturesque hike. The hike is easy and short, which is why Faarumai is considered the most accessible of Tahiti’s waterfalls, despite the few stairs along the trail. Make sure to come prepared with your own snacks and water because the vendors and restaurants are scarce.

Wander around Water Gardens Vaipahi

There are many beautiful gardens in Tahiti, but Vaipahi Gardens look like they’ve been sketched based on someone’s imagination. It’s a verdant paradise with waterfalls and ponds only 57 minutes from Papeete. Just like most good things in life, you need to sweat a little to get there. Various hiking routes are well-marked and conceal lots of natural treasures like wildflowers, thick forests, and archeological sites. It’s easily one of the best free things to do in Tahiti.

Stroll Around Harrison Smith Botanical Garden

Located on the opposite side of the island, an hour's drive away from Papeete, you will find a peaceful oasis of plant species from all over the world. They were gathered here by Harrison Smith, an American who jumped at the opportunity to create a tropical garden on Tahiti’s fertile soil in the 1920s. Harrison Smith Botanical Garden is considered Tahiti’s hidden gem because not many make the effort to see it. That's a great thing since you’ll most likely have the entire park to yourself. It will only take you around 30 minutes to cover the grounds, but the plants and serenity of the garden will leave you in awe.

Eat at Roulottes – Papeete’s Food Trucks

The best place to grab dinner in Papeete is at Papeete Roulottes – a group of food trucks gathered in front of the marina offering everything from local fare to familiar international favorites. The food truck park opens after dark at Place Vaiete. Come early to browse the selection of cuisines before taking your pick and enjoying the food in the outdoor seating.

Visit Moorea by Ferry Boat

During your stay in Papeete, you should visit Moorea on a day trip. You might love it so much that it’s likely you’ll extend your stay. But first, to get there you’ll need to book a ticket with Aremiti Ferry, which takes only 30 minutes to reach Moorea. As you approach Moorea, its paradisiac landscape guarantees to build anticipation for an epic day of exploring. 

Start your day trip in Moorea by checking out the postcard-perfect white sand beaches with pineapple juice, which is in great surplus on the island. Swimming with stingrays and sharks is the number one bucket list activity in French Polynesia and Moorea is the place to do it. The visibility of the transparent turquoise-hued water makes for quality one on one time with these friendly sea residents. To take in the best scenery on the island, head to Belvedere Lookout Point. From there, you get a vast panorama of twin Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay and the rugged mountain peaks that Moorea is famous for. If you have time, take a boat trip to small islands around Moorea called Motus where you can snorkel in pristine waters and soak in stunning views.

Pro Tip: If you don’t get the chance to visit a Motu around Moorea, don’t worry. You can find one a short boat ride from Venus Point Lighthouse in Tahiti. Coincidentally, it’s called Motu Martin!