Don’t Skip Tahiti on Your Tahiti Holiday
The words Tahiti holiday go hand in hand with visions of paradise. If I’m being honest though, it probably wasn’t the island whose photograph you saw on Instagram or your holiday brochure. The word Tahiti is often used broadly to describe the many islands that makeup French Polynesia.
Tahiti Island is home to the international airport and French Polynesia’s capital, Papeete. A lot of people fly into Tahiti and then get on the next domestic flight to either Bora-Bora or Moorea.
They’re skipping Tahiti on their Tahiti holiday!
This is such a shame because although Tahiti doesn’t have Bora Bora’s stunning lagoon, it has tonnes of other amazing features to keep your family entertained and in awe for a few days or longer.
If your family loves waterfalls, mountains, black-sand beaches, markets, hiking, historical sites, great food, and big waves … then a Tahiti holiday is for you.
Things to do on Your Tahiti Holiday the Whole Family Will Enjoy
Circle the Island
You can jump on board a tour bus, but it’s very easy (and less restrictive) to hire a car and do this yourself. Hire car prices can be compared across major brands here. This will allow you to stop wherever you wish and turn down any roads that look interesting. Allow the whole day and expect to find beaches, waterfalls, grottos, blowholes, and historical sites.
Tahiti is actually two circles, one larger than the other, connected by an isthmus. Tahiti Nui (Big Tahiti) is where the population is concentrated and Tahiti Iti (Little Tahiti) has more of a village feel.
This was one of the most enjoyable things we did on our Tahiti holiday!
Go Souvenir Shopping at the Papeete Markets
The Marche de Papeete is a must-see to grab souvenirs and bottles of sweet-smelling coconut oil before you head back home. Load up on local produce, sarongs, shell necklaces and nick-nacks. It’s also a great spot to grab a bite to eat, washed down with an ice-cold coconut.
Visit Teahupoo and Watch the Surfers
We have visited in both big wave and ‘normal’ season and enjoyed both, although it’s fun to watch the pros in action on the big surf. Non-surfing families can still enjoy Teahupoo as the surfing is off-shore and there are plenty of round rocks, water, and black sand to occupy the kids.
No Tahiti holiday is complete without a visit to a surf beach!
Hang Out at the Beach
The best stretches of white sand are on the west coast, with one of the widest beaches at Papara’s Taharuu Beach. Beautiful black sand beaches can be found in Teahupoo and Tautira.
Stroll the Waterfront in Papeete
A great spot to stroll around is Bougainville Park, it’s kind of an oasis in the heart of the city. You can follow the path further along to the harbour and watch the boats come and go while you grab a bite to eat.
Visit Arahoho Blowhole and Faarumai Waterfalls
Hire a car and go in search of Arahoho Blowhole and Faarumai Waterfalls on the east coast of Tahiti Nui. The sound of the air coming through the blowhole sounds like ancient spirits and even when the waves are small (for Tahiti standards), the air coming from the hole blows the hair back off your face.
Faarumai Waterfall is spectacular but you will need insect repellent. If you hire a car and circle the island on your Tahiti holiday you will find these two natural attractions close to each other.
Learn How to Surf
Learn to surf with private instructions on some of the best waves in the world. Families will love Mo’o Surf School as the classes are kept small to ensure safety and personalised instruction.
Children as young as four can join in providing they can swim.
So …
So … in conclusion, make sure to set aside a few days at the beginning or end of your Tahiti holiday for Tahiti.
Tahiti Family Holiday in 60 Sec
Essential information for your French Polynesia family holiday
Best time to visit French Polynesia
The dry period from May to October is a great time to visit due to less rainfall and cooler weather.
Peak season is July and August and Christmas and Easter are also busier. The cost of flights rise considerably over this period.
Getting to French Polynesia
Getting to French Polynesia pretty straightforward. All international flights land in Tahiti. Search for a great deal on flights on Trip.com.
To visit one of the beautiful outlying islands, a flight will need to be booked with Air Tahiti. If you’re planning on visiting a few islands, it’s worth clicking on the Multi-Islands button for a cheaper deal.
Moorea can also be reached by Ferry.
Where to stay in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is not cheap so this will depend on your budget. Luxury accommodation is catered for but cheaper options can be found in family-run guesthouses or pensions. These can be absolutely wonderful!
Search for your accommodation here or check out where we have stayed below:
- TAHITI – We have stayed at Villa BO (our favourite) in Teahupoo and in Papeete at both Hotel Sarah Nui and the Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- MOOREA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- HUAHINE – We have stayed at the Royal Huahine.
- RAIATEA – We have stayed at the Pension Les Trois Cascades.
- BORA BORA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Private Island and the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort.
Getting around the islands
This really depends on what you want to do and the age of your kids!
- We loved hiring a car for a day or two in Tahiti, Huahine, and Raiatea. Search car hire across major brands here.
- In Bora-Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea we loved getting around by pushbike and on foot.
- Taxis, water taxis and private transfers are available and your accommodation can help you out with this.
- There is a public bus on Tahiti which is an enjoyable experience but be warned that it sometimes (especially on the weekend) isn’t reliable. During weekdays and day-time hours should be fine.
Attractions and tours
There is plenty of things to do and see around French Polynesia. I found booking through our accommodation was the best option and we had no problems booking the night before.
WiFi
WiFi is usually available at hotels but the connection can be a bit hit and miss on the lesser-visited islands. Purchasing data is expensive so don’t plan on being able to watch YouTube.
French Polynesia holiday travel guides
Check out the official Tahiti Tourism site here!
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
For more information on visiting French Polynesia, head on over to our French Polynesia page. Alternatively, head back to the home page for other destinations and activities.
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