This pair of waterfalls near the village of Afareaitu are each fed by a different stream, the Putoa Stream and the Vaioro Stream. The larger of the two falls plummets more than 100 feet (30 meters) into a rock pool perfect for swimming.
Surrounded by lush green and jagged mountains and littered with sailing vessels and tour boats, narrow Opunohu Bay is where the HMS Bounty moored to search for breadfruit, leading to the famous Mutiny on the Bounty. Today, the tranquil bay is a favorite among locals and travelers looking for a less developed stretch of sand.
Recognizable for its sunny yellow façade, Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame) is one of the oldest and largest churches in Papeete. The Gothic structure was originally built between 1844 and 1875 but has been destroyed and restored several times, most recently in 1987.
Mt. Otemanu is a jagged, green-sided mountain in the center of the island of Bora Bora. The volcanic mountain is visible from across the island. Visitors can admire the mountain from a boat, or explore the base of the mountain on a rigorous guided hike.
Bora Bora’s Lagoonarium is a natural aquarium located on a small motu (or islet) east of the main island. It’s well known as a great snorkeling destination.
Built in the 1960s on the site of Queen Pomare IV of Tahiti's residence, the Territorial Assembly (Place Tarahoi) is home to the Presidential Palace and French Polynesian Assembly. Its also surrounded by manicured gardens dotted with memorial statues.
The Museum of Tahiti and the Islands (Musée de Tahiti et des Îles) represents one of the world’s most important repositories of cultural and natural studies about the Polynesian archipelago. It is divided into sections covering nature and anthropology, habitations and artifacts, social and religious life, and the history of French Polynesia. The permanent exhibition space has reopened after renovations, with a focus on Polynesian culture.
Farepiti Point—also known as Farepiti Quay and Farepiti Wharf—and is the main deep-water dock on the island of Bora Bora, and the docking point for ships to other islands in French Polynesia including Tahiti.
Established by local entrepreneur Robert Wan, Robert Wan Pearl Museum (Musee de la Perle Robert Wan) explores the role of the pearl in art, history, and literature. Exhibits reveal how pearls get from the sea to the display case and how ocean jewels were associated with religious rites and coveted as status symbols.
The Vaima Shopping Centre is the largest and most modern shopping outlet in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. You can shop for Tahitian souvenirs, such as black pearls and maps of the French Polynesian Islands, as well as international and French brands. It’s conveniently located on Tahiti near the Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the island’s top draws.
Separating the beautiful Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, Mt. Rotui is the peak of Mt. Rotui. In a dramatic fashion, jagged sides lush with green meet at the top in an almost perfect pyramid, its rocky spur reaching 2,951 feet (900m). When clouds are behind the mountain, it almost appears as if it is a smoking volcano.
A small community on the east coast of Bora Bora, Anau is known as a dive and snorkel site. Come here to spot majestic manta rays and revel in the quiet pace of life.
To'ata Square (Place To'ata) is the main hub for cultural events, performances, rock concerts, and festivals in Papeete, including the annual Heiva Festival, the largest annual cultural festival in Tahiti. Anchoring the square is a 5,000-seat pavilion with an outdoor stage. Onsite snack bars sell light bites and drinks in the evenings.
Faanui Bay on Bora Bora island draws visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy its unspoiled beauty, beautiful beach and historic church.
This small park with a tranquil stream, benches, lush vegetation, and an enormous banyan tree providing shade to visitors was named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a French explorer who believed he had discovered Tahiti and claimed it for France, unaware that less than a year prior it had been discovered by Samuel Wallis.
Located in downtown Papeete, Vai'ete Square (Place Vai’ete) is a nice place to take a relaxing waterfront stroll during the day. At night, however, the atmosphere becomes much more lively as colorful food wagons (roulottes) offering local cuisine and decadent desserts open to the masses.
Tahiti is not overflowing with historic monuments, which makes Papaeari (or Papeari) stand out even more. It is the island’s oldest village, settled sometime between AD 400 and 500, and is also known by art lovers for its association with Paul Gauguin, who lived in the area. The setting is ideal for relaxing and enjoying island life on the quieter southern coast.
Motu Tapu is a private castaway island off the coast of Bora Bora. Accessible only to guests at the Conrad Bora Bora resort, it’s an unspoiled and beautiful spot.
Stretching from To'Ata Square to Vaiete Square, Paofai Gardens (Waterfront Esplanade) are ideal for scenic strolling. Watch boats sail by as you enjoy snacks from vendors selling fresh juices, popcorn, and French pastries, who enhance the Parisian feel of the park.
