You’re in Tahiti for one day and don’t want to waste it in your hotel, this is your guide on how to make the most of your short time on this island.
Tahiti is the main island of French Polynesia and is more built-up compared to the other islands. Many people tend to overlook Tahiti and miss out on its natural side. There are plenty of stunning sights to see and activities to enjoy here.
I recommend spending a day in Tahiti and exploring it around. While one day is not enough to fully experience this big island, you can still get a good overview of Tahiti in 24 hours.
One of the perks you’ll have is that you can plan your trip however you like. You can do the one-day Tahiti itinerary either when you first arrive or at the end of your trip before heading back. You can also do this when you have a long layover in Tahiti.
How to get to Tahiti?
Getting to Tahiti is easy, all you need is a plane ticket, a passport, and possibly a visa depending on where you’re coming from.
When you’re traveling to any of the islands in French Polynesia, whether it’s Tahiti, Bora Bora, or Moorea, Tahiti will be the first island you’ll land on no matter what. And it’ll also be the last place you’ll be at when heading back. It’s because the only international airport is in Tahiti.
So, you won’t need any additional tickets or planning to visit Tahiti. This gives you the flexibility of planning your Tahiti daytrip however you like, I’ve talked about this above.
How to get around Tahiti in a day?
There are many ways and transportation options to get around Tahiti, but since you’re only there for a day, I recommend renting a car. It’s the best option I’ve found for getting around the island, and much more convenient than taking a taxi or bus.
With your rental car in Tahiti, you can take it anywhere (except where a 4×4 is required) and explore the island at your own pace. Plus, you can put your luggage in the trunk and keep it with you if you’re short on time or haven’t booked a hotel.
You can look for car rentals in Papeete city, the airport, and the ferry port. You can also ask your hotel to arrange a car for you if you haven’t already rented one.
In addition to renting a car, renting a scooter is another great way to explore the island. It gives just as freedom a car would, but won’t save you from the rain though.
In case you’re traveling with a group or on a tour, then I’d say skip the car/scooter and just grab a taxi when you need it. It’s a better choice since you won’t be doing the trip on your own.
Where to stay in Tahiti for one day?
If you’re in Tahiti for 24 hours or more, you’ll need a place to stay to rest, get comfortable, and store your luggage. But if you only have a few hours before your flight, you can skip booking a hotel unless you really want to. You can take your luggage with you in your rental car while you explore.
Here are some of the best places for a one-day or one-night stay in Tahiti, and for longer stays as well.
InterContinental Tahiti
If you’re looking for a hotel for an overnight stay, especially one near the airport, InterContinental Tahiti is the perfect choice. It’s located in Faaa commune in the northwest of Tahiti, just about a 10-minute drive from the Faaa International Airport.
It’s a popular 4-star resort that’s perfect for both longer stays and quick stopovers. You can stay in their spacious rooms or at one of their overwater bungalows. The resort has all the amenities to make your stay unforgettable, including an on-site restaurant.
They also offer day passes at a fraction of the price of what you’d pay for a complete stay.
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts is a 4-star resort, situated at the gorgeous black sand beach in the north of Tahiti, about 30 minutes from the airport. It’s a great hotel for anyone looking for a one-night stay or a longer visit.
They also offer a day-use package, which is perfect for those who just want to stay for the day or a few hours without paying for a full stay.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
If you looking for a modern hotel to unwind that’s close to the city and the airport, Hilton Hotel Tahiti is the one to stay at. It’s located in Papeete, just 10 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes from the ferry port.
This place has so much more than just a great location. The rooms are modern and luxurious, the views are amazing, a big pool to relax in, and on-site restaurants. And if you’re looking for something special, their overwater bungalows are perfect for a one-night stay.
Others
If you’re looking other than what I’ve mentioned above, you can also check out Mahana Lodge, Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti, and Fare Suisse. Airbnbs are also a good option for your short stay.
Where to eat if you’re in Tahiti for one day?
During your one-day visit to Tahiti, you wouldn’t want to have a bad experience with food, so below are some of the best places to eat on the island.
L’O à La Bouche
L’O à La Bouche is a fantastic restaurant in downtown Papeete, just a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal and 5 minutes from Papeete Market. They’re open from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 6 pm to 9:30 pm. Be sure to reserve in advance because it’s usually busy here.
Restaurant Hei
If you’re in the mood for fine dining in Tahiti, then Restaurant Hei is a must try. It’s located in Papeete, right across from Paofai Gardens. It’s at a convenient location between the ferry port and the airport and is a 15-minute walk from the Hilton Tahiti.
La Plage De Maui
If you’re on a road trip in Tahiti and on your way to Teahupoo, La Plage de Maui is definitely worth a stop for a delicious lunch. This place is located in the south of the island in Tahiti Iti, it’s right by the lagoon, so you can enjoy your meal while watching the fish and the ocean.
They have mostly Polynesian seafood, but you can also find meat and dessert on the menu. If you want to try a little bit of everything, go for their seafood platter.
Others
Here are a few more restaurants you might want to check out: Le Lotus for fine dining, SAN for Thai and Japanese food, Urban Café for breakfast or classic Western dishes. Moreover, Roulottes (food trucks) and roadside eateries are a great way to experience local flavors.
What to do in Tahiti in one day?
Road trip around the island
One of the best ways to spend a day in Tahiti is by driving around the island. There’s one main road that loops around Tahiti Nui (the big island) and partially covers Tahiti Iti. The road follows the island’s coastline, so the drive is anything but boring!
Tahiti is not a small island; it takes around 3 hours to cover its entire distance without any stops. But your trip will probably take longer since you’ll want to stop for sightseeing and enjoy all the beautiful spots you’ll discover along the way.
If you’re wondering which side of the island to explore first, both the east and west sides have their own charm. The west side has more attractions and white sand beaches, while the east side is greener and features stunning waterfalls.
But if you really want to know, I’d recommend starting from Papeete and going from the west side of the island to all the way to Teahupoo, and then coming back along the east side.
Snorkeling / Scuba diving
The waters around Tahiti are teeming with incredible marine life, so it’s definitely worth spending a couple of hours exploring underwater. Many people underestimate snorkeling in Tahiti and save it for other islands, but if you snorkel at right spots, you won’t be disappointed.
The west coast of the island with its white sand beaches is the perfect place for this activity. Try swimming a little further out toward the outer reef for an enhanced experience. You can do this activity on your own or with a tour guide.
For scuba diving, you’ll have to take a boat out into the ocean or book a tour to better enjoy the underwater world. If you’re new to scuba diving, you can take diving lessons. There are many dive centers that offer tours and can help you with training as well. It’s a great way to spend a day on the island.
Papeete walking tour
If you don’t want to go away from Papeete, then exploring Papeete on foot is a great way to make your day in Papeete productive. There’s plenty to see and do here. You’ll come across Tahitian street art, experience the hustle and bustle of downtown, and get a glimpse of everyday life in Papeete.
Hiking
Hiking is such a great way to see the natural side of the Tahiti that many people skip. I know that time is limited here since you’re in Tahiti for a day or less, but you can still squeeze in a short hike and get some views of the island’s beautiful landscapes. If you’re really into hiking, you won’t be disappointed as Tahiti has plenty of trails to explore.
Safari / 4×4
If you’d rather not drive yourself and prefer to be driven, joining a safari tour is a great way to explore Tahiti Island. A 4×4 vehicle can take you places that regular cars can’t reach. Safari trips are usually planned inland where you ride through mountains, enjoy lush scenery, and see stunning waterfalls.
These safari tours are either full day or half day, so you can pick one that fits your your schedule.
You can also do this yourself by renting an ATV or 4×4. But still, I’d suggest going on a tour as it’ll be more fun and you won’t risk getting lost.
Explore black sand beaches
Since you’re on an island, you can’t miss visiting the beaches in Tahiti. One thing you’ll find in Tahiti that you won’t see on other islands in French Polynesia is the black sand beaches. They look stunning during the day and make for some amazing photo opportunities.
Explore waterfalls
Tahiti has tons of beautiful waterfalls, more than anywhere else you’ll see in French Polynesia. If you head into the island’s interior, you’ll find many waterfalls flowing down the mountains, and can even see them from afar.
Some of the popular ones are Faarumai Waterfalls, Fautaua Waterfall, and Vaihai Waterfalls.
Ferry to Moorea
If you’re only in French Polynesia for one day, which is rare for most tourists, you can catch a ferry from Tahiti to Moorea. It’s just about a 30-minute ride.
I’d recommend spending the first half of the day in Moorea and the other half back in Tahiti. That way, you’ll get a good feel for both islands and see how they’re different. So the next time you’re in French Polynesia, you’ll know which one you want to spend more time on.
Visit tourist attractions
During your one-day visit to Tahiti, you can check out the island’s popular tourist spots. Some spots are near Papeete and others are further out. You can map out a tour that works best for you.
Some of the popular attractions are Papeete Market, Point Venus, Water Gardens Vaipahi, Museum of Tahiti, Arahoho Blowhole, Faarumai Waterfalls, Carrefour (local supermarket), etc.
Tahiti One Day Itinerary
In this one day itinerary, we’re skipping the car rental and exploring Tahiti on foot and through guided tours. If you’re renting a car, you can explore on your own and skip the island tours.
Morning
Visit to Papeete Market
If you want to see how Tahitians spend their mornings, wake up early and head to the Papeete Market near the ferry port. The market really comes alive in the morning as you’ll see locals shopping for fresh food to use that day. You’ll find all kinds of fresh fruits, veggies, fish, and more. Plus, you can buy pearls, handicrafts and other exotic items as souvenirs from here.
Breakfast
For breakfast, you can either have it at your hotel/resort or try one of the local spots in Papeete. Since you’re visiting Papeete market, you’ll find food stalls outside the market and restaurants inside, you can also grab something to eat from there. You can tell by the amount of people at stalls which one is popular.
Additionally, Urban Cafe and Moko Cafe are great spots for breakfast and are a 5-minute walk from Papeete Market.
The Robert Wan Pearl Museum
After breakfast, take a 15-minute walk to the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. There, you’ll see beautiful Tahitian pearls and learn about their history, and if you find one you like, you can even buy it, though they tend to be a bit pricier than other places.
Paofai Gardens
Right across from the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, there’s a park that attracts both locals and tourists. It’s got playgrounds and sculptures to check out. It’s also a nice spot to just sit and relax while watching the ferries and enjoying the ocean views since the park is right by the water near the Papeete harbor.
Snorkeling tour
At 10:30 AM, you can head out for a snorkeling tour to explore the waters of Tahiti. The tour lasts 2 hours, which is enough time to check out the underwater world and have some fun in the water.
The tour’s meeting point is in Punaauia at Marina Taina which is 4.5 miles from the gardens. You can either ask the tour operator to pick you up or you can grab a taxi. Or better if you can take the bus, you’ll just have to find a nearby bus stop and wait for the bus.
Afternoon
Lunch
After the snorkeling tour, After the snorkeling tour, you’ll probably be hungry, so just a 5-minute walk from the marina is Yellowfin restaurant. It has a great vibe and a perfect location right on the water with views of Moorea. Their menu has something for everyone, from seafood and fast food to meat and vegetarian options.
5 hours west and east coast tour
This 5-hour tour will start at around 13:30 and will take you to various top attractions around the island. It’s a small group tour, where you’ll be driven in a van to explore both the west and east coasts of Tahiti.
Highlights of the tour are:
- Arahurahu Marae: It’s an old temple and is a sacred site for Tahitians. There’s some ground to walk around, two tikis (statues) to check out, and signs that give you a bit of the history.
- Mara’a Grotto: These are natural cave formations with water trickling down in the pool. Although swimming is not allowed but people do it anyways, so you can too if you want but beware of cold water. This place is lush and has a relaxing vibe.
- Taharuu Beach: It’s a black sand beach that’s great for surfing and relaxing.
- The Water Gardens of Vaipahi: It’s a botanical garden and a sacred place for Tahitians. Here you’ll see a waterfall and lots of flowers and exotic plants.
- Faarumai Waterfalls: These are the three waterfalls in the beautiful valley of Faarumai.
- Arahoho Blowhole: It’s a blowhole that shoots out air and makes noise caused by ocean tides. It’s a cool hangout spot with amazing ocean views. (Temporarily closed for maintenance).
- Pointe Venus: It’s a peninsula on the northeast of Tahiti. There’s an old lighthouse in the park and a black sand beach that’s great for swimming. Since you’ll be there in the evening, must visit the beach for sunset. Plus, there are a few spots nearby to eat.
Dinner
For dinner, you can choose between a fancy restaurant or a more casual spot, depending on your budget and plans for the night.
I’ve a few options to suggest; Le Lotus is an upscale option with a nice location and amazing food. L’O A La Bouche offers fine dining experience at an affordable price. Brasserie des Remparts is another solid choice with its classic vibe and fantastic food. Le Moana near the harbor with a seafront view is great too.
Tahiti Day Tours
If you don’t want the hassle of planning your day out in Tahiti and doing everything yourself, then consider taking a day tour. Someone will do it all for you, so you can just relax and enjoy.
Unique Tahiti full day tour
In this small group tour with around 8 people, you’ll be driven in a van to visit different sights around the island. Not only will you see the beautiful locations, but you’ll also learn about Tahitian culture and history from your guide.
Crossing Tahiti in a 4×4 safari
If you’re interested in seeing the interior of the island, this safari tour is for you. You’ll ride in the back of a 4×4 as you’re driven through Tahiti’s lush landscapes and mountains. Besides seeing beautiful sights, you’ll also learn about Polynesian traditions and history from your guide who’s a native Tahitian. It’s going to be a bumpy ride but you won’t regret it.
Private full day tour
If you’re with family or want a tour that’s private and tailored for you, consider this full day private tour. You’ll visit different landmarks, beaches, waterfalls and archeological sites across Tahiti, plus you’ll learn about the island’s history and culture.
Why spend a day in Tahiti?
Spending a day in Tahiti will give you a good overview of the island, as you’ll see its top attractions, learn about its culture, and see the way of life here. It’s a perfect opportunity to see if the island’s vibe matches what you’re looking for and to decide if you’d like to spend more time here in future.
How much budget is needed for a day?
Plan for a budget of around $1000 for your one day trip to Tahiti, which includes lodging, visiting places around the island, joining tours, and dining out. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on what you’ve planned and what you’re looking for.
When is the best time to visit Tahiti?
The best time to visit Tahiti is between May and September. That’s the dry season, so you’ll get less rain, lower humidity, more sunshine, and cooler temperatures than the wet season. Keep in mind that this is also peak season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices.
