Tahiti :

Two volcanoes emerging from an emerald sea gave birth to the myth of paradise known today as the largest of the Polynesian islands with an area of 1,042 sq km (651 sq mi): steep cloud-draped mountains, deep verdant valleys, luxuriant ferns, swift, invigorating rivers and black sand beaches await you on this “island of love”. Tahiti Island is larger than all of its neighbouring Society Islands put together and takes about 6 hours to circumnavigate by car, Tahiti offers lovely coastal scenery, high mountains with tropical rain forests, and some of the best hiking and surfing in the South Pacific.

PAPEETE : More than just an international point of arrival for the other fabulous nearby islands, Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, offers visitors numerous treasures: the colorful market, art and history museums, botanical and flower gardens, animated nightlife and cultural exhibitions such as the traditional “Heiva” (in July each year) which provides a lively change of scenery full of folklore, dancing, singing, colors and fragrances. The town has a distinct French flavour, there are exciting nightclubs, lovely cafes and the delightful nightly les roulettes takes over the waterfront car park overlooking the harbour where all types are food are cooked and served at make shift plastic tables.
The huge traditional market, which is the main tourist interest, is located donwtown papeete and has a good selection of handicrafts from around the islands, perfumes, oils, flowers, island style clothes as well a few small restaurants upstairs serving fresh raw tuna.
On the mountain side, the Fare Rau Hape road brings the visitor to the Belvédère restaurant, over 600m (1,700 ft) high in altitude, where the panoramic view of Papeete and its surroundings is breath-taking, with the island of Moorea in the background. This is the starting point for hikers to climb Mt. Aorai, a sport oriented excursion to over 2000 m (6,500 ft) in altitude, to truly discover the heart of the island.

The NORTH/EAST COAST : The north coast of Tahiti has the islands' best mountain scenery and a few noteworthy scenic attractions. Here too are several picturesque black sand beaches with excellent surfing, for example Papenoo’s waves, dear to surfers, mingle with the cold Papenoo river waters and the black sand of the beach. All along the road, you can stop to admire the boldness and dexterity of the local young surfers.
The closest beach on the North Coast to Papeete is Point Venus, a stunning lookout over tranquil Matavai Bay which has excellent swimming (black sand beach) - you can sometimes spot dolphins in the water.
At Arahoho Blowhole a road leads a few km inland to the three waterfalls of Faarumai. It takes only a five-minte walk to go admire the first of these waterfalls. Nevertheless, it takes a good half hour and hiking boots to reach the other two waterfalls located at the bottom of the valley. But the detour is worth the view: an impressive hike amid luscious and wild nature. The trail is well maintained and the walk can be done without any difficulties.
Twenty kilometres before reaching Papeete, the inland road from Papenoo offers lovely mountain scenery and is the venue for several 4WD day tours, walking tours and horse back excursions. Not far from the heart of Tahiti, in the middle of the mountains, the Relais de la Maroto invites you to take a leisurely break. You can even spend the night there, as the lodge has 20 rooms, and do not miss its incredible wine cellar, known all over Polynesia.
If you follow the road you'll reach the East side of Tahiti, this part of the island have little tourism interests, except for the preserved authenticity and a charm that is not deprived of nostalgia. At the end of this picturesque road (and also at the South East end of the island) we'll find the village of Tautira which remains an authentic village, unlike those driven through all along the circle island road. The black sand beach at the entrance of the village is one of the most beautiful in Tahiti. You can swim there without danger, even though there is no reef in that spot.

The WEST/SOUTH COAST : Staring from Papeete, you'll find almost next to it the international Airport of Tahiti Faa'a, and you'll have to drive few kilometers after to reach the most accessible beach on Tahiti which is along the south west coast at Punaauia where the fine white sand makes a picturesque setting looking down the coast and over to Moorea Island. At the northern end of the beach is the grand Le Meridien Hotel. Next to it you'll discover the beautiful land of Pointe des Pêcheurs, at PK 14.6, where you find the Museum of Tahiti and her Islands, essentially dedicated to Polynesian history and culture.
Heading South, you'll arrive to the Maraa Grottos before reaching PAEA village. It is at PK 28.7, behind a well planned parking lot, bordered with well maintained gardens, that the Paroa underwater grotto, the largest grotto opens. It is said that there are half a dozen adjacent underwater grottos and many legends enchant the place. The gardens show an abundance of local plants pleasantly aligned in the alleys. Across the road, the lagoon, large et rich in fishes, offers a splendid panorama to its admirers.
Going South again and you'll reach, just beyond the bustle of Paea Village, a beautifully reconstructed marae at Arahurahu, a must see, which makes for the spectacular setting for several cultural performances.
Slightly after the marae we'll find the golf course of Tahiti and just after it the town of Papara, and his large white sand beach, popular surfing spot, which is one of the privileged meeting place for the city youth. Be aware that swimming is possible, but relatively dangerous because of unexpected currents and stones moved around by the surf, which may cause some painful and durable bruises!
Next Village will be Papeari, home of the Gauguin Museum and the Botanical Garden. The museum includes several rooms dedicated to the life of the famous painter. Only a very few of Paul Gauguin's original pieces are seen here, but the visitor will get acquainted with his life in Polynesia, the Polynesia he loved above everything else and helped him to sublimate his art. The Botanical Garden was create early in the 20th century by Harrison Smith, an American adventurer and an ecologist before its time. An impressive collection of tropical specimens are offered to the visitors, under the eyes of two Galapagos tortoises. A mandatory stop, rendered even more enticing by the nearby presence of one of the best gastronomic restaurant, the Gauguin Museum Restaurant.
You'll then reach the peninsula's West Coast, where white sand beaches and magnificent scenery await you there. Even the islanders will seem different from those in the rest of the island. The local people "go down" to Papeete only once a year... Needless to say, nobody here has been contaminated by the "progress" virus. The circle island road comes to an end in Teahupoo, in the middle of flowery gardens. Off shore, for experienced surfing afficionados, the reef offers one of the best spots in the world with gigantic waves in some seasons. The road comes to an end here. Further, is the famous Pari coast, in the heart of the Fenua Aihere untouched and wonderful, only accessible by sea.

Terrestrial and underwater treasures: evocative lagoon, intact barrier reef, enchanting tropical gardens and spectacular surfing spots like Teahupoo.

A broad range of activities: hiking and horseback excursions; safaris to the heart of the island; waterfall and canyon adventures, trips out on the lagoon, underwater explorations, guided tours of cultural sites, museums and marae to discover the secrets of the old gods and the traditions of the Ma’ohi people.

Health: 2 hospitals, 2 private clinics, 12 dispensaries, 1 infirmary.

Banks: “Banque de Polynésie” (18 branches), “Banque Socredo” (13 branches), “Banque de Tahiti” (11 branches)