Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Tahiti That you should know
Long before the Maldives became a tropical island nation, the South Pacific islands provided cinematic scenes of turquoise oceans, rustic luxury suites and a unique culture. The most famous name – and the largest island – in the archipelago is Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Shaped like an eighth shape, it includes the Tahiti Nui (bulging, western part) and the Tahiti Iti (the smaller peninsula in the east). We’ve listed must-see attractions in Tahiti- but you’ll definitely have to explore more when you start exploring.
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Overwater bungalows
Tahiti’s first water-based bungalows were built in the 1960s to provide access to the lagoon where sandy beaches were lacking. Fast-forward to 2021 and they are considered the highest level of tropical luxury for the rich and famous, or honeymooners, or both. French Polynesia is famous for idyllic huts on the sea, especially in Moorea and Bora Bora.
Les Trois Cascades
Tahiti is endowed with beautiful waterfalls by nature, but by far the most popular are the Three Waterfalls, known locally as Les Trois Cascades or Faarumai Waterfalls, a series of falls in Tahiti Nui in the regional region. northwest of the island. The first, second and third waterfall are easily accessible after a lush jungle trek. The third is the best – a 40m (131ft) stunner with a refreshing swimming pool at the bottom.
La Plage de Maui
Most of Tahiti’s beaches are volcanic black, but La Plage de Maui, or Maui Beach, is composed of pure white sand – the only stretch of this type on the Tahiti Iti, the bulge in the southeast. of the island. Located on the southern coastal road, this is the destination where you can spend all day basking in the fine sand between dives. There’s a seaside cafe where you can order Polynesian steaks, as well as local produce like sandwiches, as you watch dart fish in the greenest waters.
Huahine Natural Aquarium
As its name suggests, the Huahine Nature Aquarium, just off Mahuti Bay in the south of the island, is where you can mingle with marine life in the shallow regions of a natural lagoon. Stand on a pedestal and watch from above or dive into the water for a closer look at the neon yellow twin saddle butterfly fish and the (harmless) blackhead coral reef shark.
Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands
This pleasant and attractive museum, in the small surf town Puna’auia, is divided into four parts: geography and natural history; pre-European culture; European Era; and outdoor exhibitions. The most amazing element is the tiki collection, which are wooden or stone carvings representing various deities. It’s located in a vast seaside enclave, so then take a stroll outside to see surfers at one of Tahiti’s most popular getaways.
Musée Gauguin
As a testament to the Japanese influence on French post-impressionism, this collection of original Paul Gauguin works and prints is housed in a Japanese building. In the lovely Harrison Smith Botanical Garden, it is dedicated to his life and achievements during his years in Tahiti and at Marquesas. Among the many fascinating exhibits and mementos are sketches, document copies, block prints and copies of many of his most famous paintings.
Teahupo’o
Nicknamed “The End of the Road”, Teahupo Coding is home to the annual Professional Championship of surfing brand Billabong – very meaningful, with waves 6 to 25 feet high. Teahupo’o is respected by major surfers like nowhere else. Widely known for having some of the biggest waves in the world, Tahiti is also celebrated as the birthplace of the sport. There are also spots for inexperienced surfers. And there is a boat tour for those who want to see what the village of Teahupo’o is all about.
James Norman Hall Museum
Located on the outskirts of the capital Papeete, the James Norman Hall House is a tribute to the American author (1887-1951), who spent most of his life in Tahiti after World War I. Best known for the World Famous Bounty Trio (co-authored with Charles Nordhoff), he lives in a low-roofed building that now houses this humble but charming museum. It holds more than 3,000 books, while curious exhibits include the author’s typewriter and the Bounty model. There is also a tea room cum terrace where you can stay and have lunch.
