Famous for it’s captivating mix of tropical island informality, distinctive Polynesian culture and French savoir faire, Tahiti offers a uniquely sophisticated South Pacific honeymoon experience.
Gateway to French Polynesia and the largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti is the perfect place for honeymoon couples to do everything or nothing at all.
With a reputation as a warm and friendly people, Tahitians are eager to share their island paradise with honeymoon visitors, so expect to be greeted with a smile and a warm Ia orana (hello)… in Tahiti romance is always in the air… you just can’t escape it!
Do as the Tahitian’s do and place a fragrant white tiare, Tahiti's national flower, behind your left ear – that means you're taken!
For a uniquely Tahitian honeymoon experience, sip French wine and dine on French cuisine al fresco style in the capital Papeete, while people-watching exotic-looking Polynesians dressed in brightly coloured pareos (sarongs) strolling past.
Explore the island on foot or by jeep to discover dramatic waterfalls, cool rivers and deep green valleys covered with rainforests, soft ferns and fields of flowers; as well as natural wonders such as the scenic Faatautia Valley, the Arahoho Blowholes and Haamaremareahi Falls.
Wander along stunning beaches of black volcanic sand (or the powder-white sand of Plage de Maui on Tahiti Iti) and snorkel lagoons of shimmering blue water that teem with colourful marine life.
Spend a day on a private reef-top motu (islet) with a champagne lunch, where the only company is the colourful marine life swimming just metres away – the perfect honeymoon experience to share with your sweetheart!
For the active honeymoon couple, Tahiti offers a wide choice of activities including diving, snorkelling, swimming, surfing and kayaking.
You also have the opportunity to play golf and tennis, hike into the jungle-clad interior of the island or bike along the many roads that skirt aquamarine lagoons. Go horseback riding, windsurfing, hook up a deep-sea fishing charter or take a helicopter excursion.
Scuba diving – The best dive sites on Tahiti are located along the west coast of Tahiti Nui, from Papeete to Punaauia, and off the southern coast of Tahiti Nui.
Alternatively, see a variety of colourful reef fish swarming over coral heads at the Aquarium, located near the end of the Faa’a airport runway (also a good spot for snorkeling).
Visibility ranges from 20m in shallow lagoons up to 30m on the outside reefs with year round sea temperature averaging 26°C to 29°C. Numerous certified dive schools on Tahiti offer CMAS and PADI courses. Several live-aboard diving charters are also available.
Surfing – Tahiti is famous for world-class surfing and hosts the annual Billabong Pro championships in May at Teahupoo (pronounced cho-poo) on the south coast of Tahiti Iti, just an hour’s drive from Papeete.
‘Chopes,’ as the break is affectionately known, sits off a 100m drop-off just 50m away from a half-moon-shaped reef and breaks 700m out to sea.
More about about surfing Teahupoo…
Other excellent breaks are found off the southern coast at Papara and Fishermans Point, and along the northern coast at Matavai Point and Point Venus.
Non-experts can avail of half-day surfing and body-boarding courses at several surf schools. It’s also easy to rent boards in Papeete.
Hiking – Tahiti’s main island offers some of the best hiking in French Polynesia, with a range of easy walking trails leading to lush valleys, plunging cascades and a dramatic coastline.
Try the cross-island Papenoo Valley-Lake Vaihiria Trail and the track leading to Te Pari Cliffs.
Or hike to the summit of Mt Aorai (2000 m), a 10km hike with accommodation along the way should you wish to overnight and enjoy a sunset or sunrise from the mountain heights.
Cycling – The relatively flat roads that circle Tahiti make for easy and scenic bike riding. Many hotels and resorts provide bikes for their guests to use; alternatively they are inexpensive to hire.
Kayaking – Paddle the tranquil aquamarine lagoon on a sea kayak, easily available from the many resorts.
Game fishing – Hook up a charter and fish for mahi mahi (available year round), yellow fin tuna (available year round, best from May to September), barracuda and wahoo (best from July to November) and marlin (best from November to February).
Golf – Tee-off at Tahiti’s only course, the 6944-yard, par 72 Oliver Breaud International Golf Course at Atiamono on the south coast of Tahiti Nui.
Horseback riding – Ride trails through lush jungle-clad mountains, perhaps stopping along the way for a picnic lunch overlooking a spectacular cascade.
Choose from a number of world-class riding stables, which generally offer horses to suit all levels of riding ability including lessons for the beginner.
Eco – Take a guided tour to traditional marae (ancient stone temples) located throughout Tahiti (as well as on Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, the Marquesas and Austral islands, where you can discover large wooden statues similar to those on Easter Island.)
Shopping – For the best buys in Tahiti, browse for gorgeous black Tahitian pearls, local handicrafts and colourful patchwork blankets called tifaifai.
Famous for it’s captivating mix of tropical island informality, distinctive Polynesian culture and French savoir faire, Tahiti offers a choice of must-see attractions for newlyweds.
Sip French wine in Papeete, explore on foot, bike or 4WD the scenic and unspoiled Faatautia Valley, watch the Arahoho blowholes spout geysers and admire picturesque waterfalls in the spectacular Fautaua Valley as well as those at Vaimahuta and Haamaremare Iti.
Discover a charming mix of tropical island informality and French savoir faire in the vibrant port capital of Tahiti.
Browse for black pearls, wood-carvings, pareos, mother-of-pearl shells and French perfume at Papeete’s lively central market, Le Marche de Papeete.
Sip French wine or a café au lait at an outdoor café while people-watching fashion-conscious locals along the bustling Pomare Boulevard, which curves around Papeete's busy waterfront.
Later, enjoy local traditions at a display of Polynesian music and dance featuring ‘warriors’ twirling flaming torches.
Explore the only fully restored marae (ancient temple) in Polynesia, located 22km west of Papeete. Maintained like a museum, this is arguably Tahiti's best example of an ancient Polynesian temple.
Check out stone pens once used to house pigs that were to be sacrificed to the gods and don’t miss a re-enactment of old Polynesian ceremonies at Arahurahu, held during the annual Heiva Nui celebrations in July.
At the surf-pounding headland of Arahoho, watch this geyser-like phenomenon as waves pound rocks beneath the overhanging rock shelf, blasting sea water skywards through the eroded holes.
(Faarumai Waterfall) Easy walking trails lead to some of Tahiti’s best waterfalls, such as the Cascades de Faarumai, which plunge 200m into a large pool.
Elsewhere, Haamaremare Iti and Haamaremarerahi Falls are easily reached after a 45-minute climb up a rugged track.
Along the way, pass humble wood dwellings surrounded by gardens of breadfruit and banana plants that provide a small insight into how ordinary Tahitians live in rural Tahiti.
Escape bustling Papeete's on a scenic drive along the 114km-long circle island route and discover the pleasures of rural Tahiti: see wave-pounded cliffs, waterfalls, ancient temples, peaceful beaches and brightly coloured churches.
Don’t miss the village of Papaeari – Tahiti's oldest village, settled some time between 400 and 500 AD – or the Musée Paul Gauguin, located near where the artist lived from 1891 until 1893.
Walk in the footsteps of early explorers, such as Captain Cook and Captain William Bligh, on this historic landing site located at the tip of a peninsula fringed by volcanic black-sand beaches.
This is the spot where Cook observed the transit of the planet Venus in 1769.
Discover a showcase of memorabilia including sketches, block prints and reproductions of many of the artist’s most famous paintings at this homage to Paul Gauguin, who lived in the Mataiea district from 1891 until 1893.
Three large tikis (carved sculptures of ancestors) from Raivavae feature prominently in the pretty garden – one of them stands 2.7m high and weighs 2110kg.
Get an insight into Polynesian history, religion and culture as it was before the arrival of western explorers and missionaries at this fascinating showcase of paintings, sculptures, ancient canoes and rare, historical artifacts.
In probably the only museum in the world devoted entirely to pearls, learn about the history and practice of cultivating pearls in Tahiti as well as their unique role in art, history and mythology.
Stroll through the true heart of Papeete in this 153-year-old public marketplace. Browse hundreds of stalls packed with Tahitian-made handicrafts, oils, vanilla, fruits and flowers.
The best time to visit is early on Sunday mornings when the lively market is at its most colourful.
Author James Norman Hall is one of Tahiti's most famous residents – best known for Mutiny on the Bounty, which was co-authored with Charles Nordhoff. Stroll through the private rooms of his residence maintained as it was when he lived here from 1920 to 1951.
The island of Tahiti is fringed mainly with volcanic black-sand beaches, although there are some white-sand beaches located along the west coast south of Papeete.
The most popular public beaches in Tahiti lie between Puna'auia and Mahana Park, Paea on Tahiti Nui.
Typically, many 5-star hotels provide a lagoon-style swimming pool fringed by imported white sand as well as private, manicured white-sand beaches that are well maintained.
The best beaches on Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti, include…
(Tahiti Iti) – This narrow stretch of white-coral sand is located near the town of Vairoa on the southern shore of Tahiti Iti.
Here you can sunbathe, swim and snorkel the clear aquamarine waters of the lagoon then lunch on fresh seafood including shrimp, mahi-mahi and tuna at the excellent snack bar on this public beach. The Maui Cave is a short walk inland.
(Tahiti Iti) – This volcanic black-sand beach is arguably the most popular surfing beach in Tahiti.
Pronounced Cho-Poo, Teahupoo is home to huge left-hander waves – known locally as kumbaia tubes – that break 700m out in Hava'e Pass, a gap in the reef. Catch a 2m-high wave – if you dare!
(Tahiti Nui) Dig your toes into the clean white sand of this kilometre-long public beach, which shelves into a calm, shallow lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkelling among colourful reef fish.
Located in the Puna'auia area on the west coast near the Hotel Meridien, Plage de Toaroto offers a good atmosphere, with beachside facilities including restrooms, showers, a popular beachside restaurant and a designated ‘Le Truck’ bus stop.
(Tahiti Nui) – This white-sand public beach located on the west coast near Paea.
The beach is well-known for its friendly games of beach volleyball and soccer in the park, where everyone is welcome to join.
Swim and snorkel the sheltered waters of the turquoise lagoon, savour a tasty snack at the beachside restaurant or enjoy a picnic in the beachside park.
(Tahiti Nui) – Sunbathe on this picturesque stretch of white-coral sand beach, with good swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing just a short walk from the beachfront Sofitel Resort.
This gorgeous beach is easy to reach on Le Truck from Papeete.
(Tahiti Nui) – Enjoy a day trip to one of the Tahiti’s best public beaches nestled in front of Matavi Bay.
Or stay longer at the beachside Tahiti Radisson Plaza Resort or the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort where you can avail of a range of creature comforts, just a short stroll away from this 800m-long black-sand beach.
(Tahiti Nui) – Walk in the footsteps of Captain James Cook at the very spot where the great ocean explorer first observed the planet Venus in the year 1769.
Sunbathe on this picturesque black-sand beach, swim on the calm waters of the lagoon or stroll up through a pretty park to the large lighthouse. This east coast public beach offers several facilities including restrooms, showers, a snack bar and gift shop.
(Tahiti Nui) – Discover another fine black-sand beach located on the east coast near the Royal Tahitian Hotel, where you can enjoy a range of creature comforts.
(Tahiti Nui) – Join local surfers on this small but popular north coast beach of black-sand. Bring everything you need as there are no beach facilities – except b waves.
(Tahiti Nui) – Dig you toes into this black-sand beach, enjoy a refreshing swim or catch a wave on this popular surf beach, located not far from the Gauguin Museum.
Tahiti offers an excellent selection of accommodation options, including the following luxury resorts…
The Brando
Location: Teti’aroa Private Island, Tahiti
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD3983 per room
Description: The Brando offers a luxurious paradise on the private atoll of Tetiaroa. Guests at this all-inclusive resort can indulge in fine dining, spa treatments, or relax on the soft white sand and be mesmerized by the rare beauty of this Tahitian island. Surrounded by turquoise water, The Brando features a pristine beachside swimming pool, a tennis court and a state of the art fitness centre. Guests can enjoy an array of exhilarating activities including scuba diving, island tours, paddle-boarding, kayaking and cultural activities. Guests will relish in an enticing array of dining options, including Polynesian-inspired and classic French cuisine from Beachcomber Café. Les Mutines offers intimate fine dining, while Bobs Bar offers a relaxed setting for a beachside cocktail. Furnished with hardwood floors, each villa boasts a private swimming pool and a sun terrace. With free WiFi, iPads, and flat-screen TVs, the villas offer guests all the comforts of home. Minibar items are included and are replenished daily. The resort is named after the islands previous owner, renowned Hollywood actor Marlon Brando, who established this Tahitian sanctuary in 1966. The island was also the setting for the historic event and later the acclaimed film ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Location: Pointe Tahiti, Faaa, Tahiti
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD338 per person
Description: Featuring a sandy-bottom infinity pool with swim-up bar, this resort offers luxury accommodation on a private beach. The resort’s overwater bungalows offer sweeping views of the lagoon, reef and ocean. All rooms have a private balcony with lagoon or garden views. Each includes cable TV and a private bathroom with bathtub. The overwater bungalows have a private sun terrace with direct lagoon access. Guests have access to a diving centre, open-air aquarium and tennis courts. Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm features a relaxation area with steam bath, and a fitness room with lagoon views. The hotel's overwater restaurant, Le Lotus is located near the sand-bottomed swimming pool and offers beautiful views of Moorea. The menu boasts gourmet meals and a selection of fine French wines. InterContinental Resort Tahiti is less than 5 minutes’ drive from Faaa International Airport. The museums, shops, galleries, market and nightclubs of Papeete city centre are a 10-minute drive away.
Le Meridien Tahiti
Location: Punaauia, Tahiti
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD314 per room
Description: This beautiful resort, set amongst tropical gardens, offers views across the lagoon to Moorea. Guests can relax in the sandy-bottom lagoon-style swimming pool just metres from the beach front. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Le Meridien Resort Tahiti offers a choice between rooms with garden or lagoon views, or bungalows stretching out into the lagoon and perched directly over the water. Each bungalow has a large outdoor patio. All accommodation is air-conditioned and features a minibar, satellite TV and in-room safe. The bathrooms feature a separate bathtub and walk-in shower. Leisure facilities include a tennis court, beach volleyball, kayaks and table tennis. In-room massage treatments are available. Guests have a choice of 2 restaurants and 2 bars. Tours can be arranged from Le Meridien Tahiti to the Cave of Maraa, the Gauguin Museum and the Seashell Museum. Faa’a International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
Manava Suite Resort Tahiti
Location: Punaauia, Tahiti
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD248 per room
Description: Located right on the beach, Manava Tahiti offers luxurious accommodation 10 minutes’ drive from Faaa Airport. It features a fitness centre and an infinity swimming pool with lagoon views. The air-conditioned rooms at Manava feature traditional Polynesian décor. Each room is equipped with flat-screen cable TV and a DVD player. Most rooms have a kitchenette and garden or bay views. Manea Spa offers a range of traditional ‘Taurumi’ facial and body treatments. The tour desk can assist with activity bookings. Vaitohi Restaurant has an extensive à la carte menu featuring Polynesian and international cuisine, and is open until midnight every day. Guests can enjoy drinks at the Taapuna Pool Bar, or the contemporary Punavai Lounge Bar. Manava Suite Resort Tahiti is located 10 minutes’ drive from the Papeete city centre. The famous Moorea Island is 30 minutes away by boat. Taapuna Surfing is just a 2-minute drive away.
The best time to honeymoon in Tahiti is during the dry season between May and October, when the average annual temperature of 29°C (84°F) is tempered by refreshing sea breezes.
Tahiti enjoys a balmy tropical climate, with hot and humid weather all year round.
July and August are the coolest months of the year due to southeast trade winds called the maraamu with temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F).
The wet season lasts from November to April – the hottest months of the year. Daytime temperatures average a high of 31°C (88°F), with a night-time average low of 24°C (75°F).
Water temperature hovers between 26°C (79°F) and 29°C (84°F) throughout the year, with good conditions for diving, snorkelling, swimming and surfing all year round.
For more climate info: Tahiti Weather Guide
Tahiti sits in the heart of French Polynesia, a vast expanse of 118 islands scattered over 2.5 million sq km of the South Pacific, 6120km northwest of Sydney, Australia and 4000km northwest of Auckland, New Zealand.
The most convenient route to Tahiti is by air to Tahiti International Airport (PPT), also called Fa'aa International Airport, located 5km (3mi) southwest of the capital, Papeete, on the northwest coast of Tahiti.
Read more about getting to Tahiti and around the island.
Tahiti is the largest island of the Windward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. It comprises two parts, Tahiti Nui (the larger, northwestern part) and Tahiti Iti (the smaller, southeastern part).
Hiring a car is the best way of seeing the sights and getting around Tahiti.
Buses, scooters and taxis (very expensive) are available. Some resorts offer bicycles for free or to rent. Traffic drives on the right.
Most islands in the Society group have one road that hugs the coast all the way around. Tahiti, Mo’orea, Bora Bora, Ra’iatea, Taha’a and Huahine have paved and reasonably well-maintained roads, as well as minor roads leading inland that are often rough, and almost always require a 4WD.
Air Tahiti offer daily flights from Tahiti to the neighbouring Society Islands of Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Moorea and Raiatea as well as the remote archipelagos, including Tuamotu East and North with Manihi, Rangiroa, Takapoto and Tikehau; Austral Islands of Rurutu and Tubuai; Marquesas Islands of Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva.
Fast inter-island catamarans and regular ferries exist between Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete and Raiatea. The port of Papeete is the ferry link between the main island of Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia.
More about how to get around Tahiti…
Latest update: honeymoon in Tahiti: 17 August, 2022
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