What to See and Do in Tahiti

Many visitors to French Polynesia only use the island of Tahiti as a stepping stone to the other islands.  This is fine if you only have a week or so to spend in French Polynesia, and during that time, most people will visit Bora Bora and Moorea.  However if your plans include a longer stay, say two weeks, why not include two nights in Tahiti so you can see what the island has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

There are many things to see and do in Tahiti.  In addition to all the sunbathing and water sports that are available, there are many other things to do on the island of Tahiti.  Here is a short list:

• Visit the Black Pearl Museum, which is the only museum in the world dedicated to pearls.  
• Explore the Paul Gauguin Museum and learn about the life of the famous French painter who spent his final years in French Polynesia
• Go shopping in the market, Le Marche, in Pape'ete where you will find black pearl jewelry, colorful pareos, handcrafted items, and vanilla
• Go on a whale watching expedition
• Take a helicopter tour of the island
• Explore the lava tubes
• Watch an outrigger canoe race (especially popular during the celebration of Bastille Day)
• See the Tiki statues which are religious statues made of wood and stone

I feel that this island is often overlooked and undervalued, but as you can see, there are plenty of things to see and do if you plan to stay a couple of days.