EAST OF PAPEETE
House of James Norman Hall • Arue, PK 5.5
See the superbly restored home where the American novelist, pilot and adventurer lived for almost 30 years. Hall coauthored Mutiny on the Bounty and other books set in the South Pacific. Enjoy family artifacts, beautiful grounds and views of the bay. Lunch at Mama Lala’s tearoom requires one day’s notice.
www.jamesnormanhallhome.pf • 800 XFP • Tue–Sat 7:30am to 3:30pm. Closed on Sunday, Monday and holidays.
Point Vénus • Mahina, turn left at PK 10
At the end of a peninsula just outside Papeete, this local park contains black sand beaches and Tahiti’s only lighthouse (built in 1867). It is also the landing site of many early explorers including Captain Cook of the HMS Bounty.
Ara-ahoaho Blowhole (trou du souffleur) • near Tiarei, PK 22
The blowhole is right along the coastal road. When the swell is right, the geyser-like effect from water rushing through a cavern and out a hole in the rocks can be quite strong. This site has a viewing area and parking. Nearby is a beautiful black sand beach, perfect for picnicking. Just beyond the blowhole, take the road on the right and travel 1.3 km to parking for the three Fa’auruma’i waterfalls. To reach the first one (Vaimahuta Falls), walk 5 minutes along the path to the right across the bridge. Hike the 30-minute trail to the left to discover the other two falls (Haamaremare Iti and Haamaremare Rahi.)
WEST OF PAPEETE
Tahiti and Her Islands / Te Fare Manaha Museum • Puna’auia, PK 14.7
Considered one of the best museums in the South Pacific, this museum features thousands of years of Polynesian history and culture through rare collections and artifacts, and also contexualizes European arrival.
www.museetahiti.pf • 600 XFP, students and children under 18 free • Tue–Sun 9am to 5pm.
Mahana Park • Paea, PK 18.5
Follow the coastal road 18.5 km west from Papeete to this beautiful white-sand beach. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other watersports—or just enjoy relaxing in this park setting. Nearby is a restaurant with water views from its terrace.
Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens • Papeari, PK 51.2
These beautiful botanical gardens were founded in 1922 by an American physics professor, and cover 340 acres with walking trails and views over the lagoon.
6900 XFP • Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm / Sat-Sun 10am to 5pm
Population: 183,645 (2012)
Language: French, Tahitian
Currency: XPF
Scheduled Docking Location: Quai d’Honneur, Place Vaiete
Banks / ATMs: Papeete Banks and ATMs across the pier area. Several along Boulevard Pomare and Rue du General de Galle. Airport One ATM and two bank branches. Towns Banks and ATMs at the main shopping centers in Arue, Puna’auia, Taravao, and other towns around Tahiti Nui. Banks open (generally) Mon–Fri 7:45am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4pm. Usually closed Sat–Sun. ATMs often accessible 24 hours. All major CC accepted. Cash: Best to have local currency (XPF). US $ accepted but not everywhere. € not accepted.
Internet/Wi-Fi: Internet at Vaima Center, Snack Miri Waterfront, Tiki Net, Le Marché
Post Office: “OPT.” 10 min walk from pier. Mon–Fri 7:30am to 5pm. Sat 7:30am to 11am.
Car rental:
Avis-Pacificar Airport and Papeete, 56 Rue Des Amparts.
Europcar Airport.
Hertz Airport and Papeete, Route de Ceinture Tipaerui.
Taxis: Taxi Station on the pier—outside the gate, and across the street. Rate to the airport is approx $25 + add for luggage (day rate). Cash recommended. Taxis are not metered, confirm price before trip begins.
Local Transportation: RTC Coaches: Traveling east (red and white) and traveling west (green and white) of Papeete. Note there is no service evenings and weekends. Do not attempt to circle island by bus in one day. Cost: 250-450 XPF each way (XPF only accepted).