Many travelers arrive in Papeete and immediately head to Bora Bora or another remote island. Here’s a secret: You might have more fun if you stay put.

Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, offers an abundance of beaches as well as excellent restaurants and cultural attractions. Take a food tour, hike to a waterfall, and see ancient Polynesian art.  It’s also easy to explore by public transportation! Tahiti’s buses travel around the island in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, so you can reach almost any point on the island.

Discover why more visitors are opting to linger on this beautiful island, plus get recommendations for protecting your trip.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for Tahiti

1. French Polynesia is very, very far from the United States. That’s why emergency transportation benefits are a must. “In emergencies, evacuation by air to Papeete may be required,” the U.S. Department of State advises, and air evacuations overseas typically aren’t covered by domestic health insurance plans.¹ Emergency transportation benefits can cover the cost of a medically necessary evacuation for a covered illness or injury plus repatriation home, up to the limits in your plan.
2. A trip to Tahiti is not cheap. If you have to cancel your trip at the last minute, you could lose the money you spent on vacation. Travel insurance with trip cancellation/trip interruption benefits can reimburse your nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason (up to the limit specified in your plan). For extra peace of mind, upgrade to Cancel Anytime.
3. 24-hour assistance is crucial for overseas travel. All Allianz Travel Insurance plans include 24-hour assistance, accessible by phone or with the Allyz® TravelSmart app. Our assistance team can help you solve sticky travel problems and get help fast in an emergency.

3 of the best travel insurance plans for Tahiti

1. OneTrip Prime is our most popular pick for international vacations and family travel: Kids 17 and under are covered for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent. (Free coverage for children is not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents.)
2. OneTrip Premier is designed to protect extraordinary vacations. Get complete peace of mind with up to $75,000 in emergency medical benefits and up to $1 million in emergency transportation benefits.
3. AllTrips Premier is a major money-saver for frequent travelers. It protects every trip you take in 365 days! Choose one of four benefit levels for trip cancellation/interruption.

Find a plan and get your quote

3 of the best things to do in Tahiti

1. See the famous wave at Teahupo’o. Massive. Powerful. Awe-inspiring. The wave at Teahupo’o (pronounced Chop-pu) is legendary in the surfing world and will host the surfing competition in the 2024 Olympic Games. You can take a boat to see it up close, weather permitting.
2. Shop the Marché de Pape'ete. This large market is the place to buy handmade souvenirs, pearl jewelry, traditional Tahitian food, fresh fruit juices and other treats. “The most fun time to visit is early Sunday morning when local residents flock in as early as 4 a.m.,” Lonely Planet says.²
3. Spend a lazy day (or three) on the beach. Tahiti is known for its scenic black-sand beaches. Lafayette Beach, on the east coast, is ideal for snorkeling; Pointe Vénus is a serene spot perfect for a picnic and a visit to the historic lighthouse.

3 of the best hotels and resorts in Tahiti

For sumptuous (but also sustainable) luxury, check into Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts. This gorgeous five-star resort on a private island offers both overwater villas and beachfront villas—you can’t go wrong either way. Nearby are the Coral Gardens, a beautiful reef you can snorkel just by drifting along with the current.

Vanira Lodge is something different: a small boutique hotel with big personality, tucked away on a hillside near the surfing town of Teahupo’o. Rustic but comfortably furnished bungalows are perfect for families, and the onsite restaurant is happy to make vegan and vegetarian meals.  

If you’d prefer not to spend thousands on your lodging, Tahiti is home to many cute and comfortable guesthouses. One favorite is Fare D'hôtes Tutehau, which is in walking distance of central Papeete. Perks include breakfast, free bicycles, and hospitable hosts who welcome you with fresh fruit from their garden.

3 of the best restaurants in Tahiti

O Belvédère is more than a restaurant—it’s an evening you’ll never forget. Perched high on a mountainside above Papeete, this restaurant has sweeping views of the island of Moorea and the lagoon of Tahiti. Have a drink on the terrace and watch the sun set. Take a dip in the pool. Share fondue or a juicy burger, then head home happy.

If you want to avoid tourist crowds, PAĪ Bistro & Vins is a hidden gem that some call the best restaurant in Tahiti. On the second floor of a shopping center, this small French restaurant has an extensive wine list and accommodating staff. Savor the seared scallops, the truffle polenta, and the batfish (paraha peue).

La Plage de Maui is the name of Tahiti’s only white-sand beach and also a beloved beach bar. While it’s a 90-minute drive from Papeete, the journey is worth it. Get a table right on the beach and try the shrimp, steamed fish with ginger, breadfruit and taro.

What do I need to travel to Tahiti?

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