Exploring Tahiti: A Closer Look at Its Hidden Gems

While Tahiti is renowned for iconic destinations like Bora Bora and Moorea for honeymooning travellers , its 118 islands hold countless hidden treasures. These lesser-known gems are just as captivating as Tahiti’s famed spots, offering unique experiences and waiting to be explored by those seeking something off the beaten track.

If you’re spending your next holiday in Tahiti, consider exploring some of its hidden gems. We’ve listed these must-visit destinations below.

Tahiti

The landscape of Tahiti

Let’s begin with an island many travellers tend to overlook during their journeys through French Polynesia: Tahiti. Often seen as a gateway to its five main archipelagos, Tahiti itself is brimming with incredible experiences waiting to be discovered.

For shopping, the Marché de Pape’ete Municipal Market is a must-visit, offering some of the best prices on black pearls, artisan-crafted bags and vibrant dresses. After browsing the stalls, treat yourself to the local delicacy, poisson cru (raw fish) and other tantalising dishes. Don’t forget to visit the cathedral nearby for a touch of history. For nature lovers, a tour of Tahiti’s lush valleys is a highlight, revealing hidden waterfalls, historic villages and an array of coastal activities set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

Maupiti

Maupiti’s buildings and waters seen from a cliff

This next lesser-known island on our list is Maupiti, an island that truly embodies love at first sight. With its tranquil pace of life, pristine beaches and warm, welcoming locals, Maupiti is the perfect escape for those seeking serenity.

Among the must-do activities here is a leisurely walk around the island’s six-mile circumference, offering stunning coastal views at every turn. For those who love a challenge, hiking Mount Teurafaatiu rewards you with breathtaking panoramas. After exploring on land, dive into the island’s crystal-clear lagoon for unforgettable snorkelling or diving experiences alongside graceful manta rays.

Huahine

A dock in Huahine showcasing its turquoise sea and blue sky

The so-called ‘secret island’ among the Society Islands combines relaxation with a direct journey into nature.

A turquoise lagoon encircles Huahine, letting you dive or snorkel within its multi-coloured coral gardens. You also get remarkable beaches to sunbathe and relax in. Underwater, the island houses interesting marine life: tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks and dolphins. Beyond these incredible sights, however, Huahine entices visitors with its rich culture and history embedded in its entire landscape.

As one of the most authentic islands in French Polynesia, Huahine preserves its rich culture through local traditions. Furthermore, it has marae, archaeological sites and other pieces of history. The island’s professional guides will gladly explain what makes these places intriguing and how their builders spent their time every day.

Tikehau

A gorgeous sunset in Tikehau

In Tikehau, you’re allowed to just relax under the sun. Its name translates to “peaceful landing,” further showing how perfect it is for a private island holiday.

Bright pink sand beaches swathed with coconut trees make Tikehau stand out from other Tahitian islands. Tiny foraminifera gave the sand its unique colour, an astonishingly stunning sight beside the bright blue lagoon.

Additionally, many aquatic creatures call Tikehau’s clear turquoise waters home. A plunge into the lagoon will bring you closer to the island’s thriving marine life. Other excellent activities include fishing, snorkelling and birdwatching after a swim. You’ll spot several species of exotic birds while you relax, including the blue noddy, brown noddy, red-footed booby and lesser frigatebird.

Raiatea

Raiatea has a pier stretching into its waters.

Polynesian culture started in Raiatea, the sacred island located in the Society Islands. It’s said that the gods were born on this island, where numerous archaeological treasures stand today.

Raiatea’s temples, petroglyphs, and other ancient artefacts chronicle Polynesian history and culture. Here, you’ll see the most magnificent and significant marae in the Polynesian Triangle called Taputapuatea. It served as Polynesia’s centre of religious and political power, with natives from Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island and the Cook Islands visiting the temple for important activities.

Beyond pieces of Polynesian history, Raiatea has a deep blue lagoon shared with Taha’a. Numerous motu (islets) and breathtaking white sand beaches lie on this lagoon, a top surfing and diving destination with multi-coloured coral and schools of tropical fish luring enthusiasts. Moreover, it’s a perfect place to do all kinds of watersports.

Taha’a

Palm trees found on the island of Taha’a

Although Taha’a has lagged behind Bora Bora when it comes to visitors, it houses an incredible lagoon and islets you’d want to explore. The so-called “vanilla island” also produces French Polynesia’s sweetest-smelling Tahitian vanilla beans and, surprisingly, black pearls and rum. Try getting some of these items during your visit.

Tetiaroa

Yet another one of Tahiti’s lesser-known islands is as secluded and luxurious as it can get.

If you’re after a fancy holiday, Tetiaroa has an immensely upscale eco-resort with the world’s most affluent personalities as previous guests. It’s believed that former U.S. president Barack Obama and actor Leonardo DiCaprio were fascinated by the accommodation. Coupled with the island’s stunning natural beauty and its past reputation as a top holiday destination for Tahitian royalty, you’ll understand their admiration.

Makatea

Located in the Tuamotu Islands, Makatea offered an abundance of phosphate throughout the 19th century. Its landscape bears the marks of mining, which ended in the 1960s.

Today, Makatea attracts climbers with towering limestone cliffs. They boast over a hundred trails that were traced and adapted to climbing enthusiasts across a 16-kilometre stretch. Every climber can scale most of these cliffs.

Rimatara

French Polynesia’s westernmost island has an elevated landscape in a beautiful lagoon with splendid bays and picturesque beaches. You can walk or bike around this small island, where residents live at a leisurely pace and welcome everyone with open arms. Exploring Rimatara feels like travelling back in time to the heart of Tahitian culture.

Tahuata

Tahuata is considered the most stunning of the Marquesas Islands. A 40-minute boat ride from Hiva Oa takes you to this unexplored island with empty, incredible beaches.

Beyond splendid beaches, Tahuata boasts an elevated landscape and suits hikers well. Souvenirs are also sold here, including fine bone engravings.

Discover Tahiti’s Hidden Gems On Your Next Holiday

Tahiti offers 118 incredible destinations for thrilling adventures and relaxing escapes from hectic schedules. Yet, many of these excellent places are often overlooked.

Whether you’re exploring Tahiti for the first time or spending another holiday there, take time to visit some of its hidden gems. Find unforgettable experiences for your Tahiti holiday and book them with Entire Travel Group today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Tahiti?

The best time to visit Tahiti is between May and October. You can enjoy warm weather all year round, but the humidity decreases during the winter months.

Tahiti’s islands experience summer and winter yearly. While the latter means fewer rains and favourable temperatures, the former can bring fairly scorching, wet and rainy weather.

Do I need a visa to go to Tahiti?

If you’re staying in Tahiti for several days, you don’t need a visa to go there. However, authorities may need proof of the following to grant you visa-free entry:

• Sufficient money for your stay
• Your accommodation
• How you’ll depart or your travel ticket
• Adequate travel or health insurance
• Why you’re visiting Tahiti

How do I get to Tahiti?

You can fly to Tahiti from selected Australian cities.

All international flights land at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport, the main entry point into the island. Moreover, this airport serves flights to Tahiti’s many islands.

How many days do you need in Tahiti?

You’ll need seven to ten days to enjoy Tahiti’s multitude of beaches, water activities and cultural experiences. This lets you explore the main island and its notable and lesser-known destinations.

Conversely, spending five days in Tahiti means visiting just one island and its attractions.

What is unique about Tahiti?

One of Tahiti’s notable features is its impressive geography, with ancient volcanoes surrounded by rainforests. These breathtaking formations tower over a turquoise ocean.

More importantly, locals uphold Tahitian and Polynesian history and culture. Visitors can discover countless cultural experiences in many parts of Tahiti, such as temple tours and traditional dances.