5 Tahiti Travel Tips You Need to Know
Hungry? Find a Food Truck
It’s an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti, and you land pretty late in the evening. As tempting as it is to eat a convenient dinner at a hotel or chain restaurant, don’t. Instead, go into the city of Papeete, near the bay, where you can smell the food being served from food trucks, called “roulettes,” along the streets. Eat fresh fish, rice and vegetables under the stars with local families. Not only are the meals cheaper from the backs of the trucks, but they’re more authentic and simply better.
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Start Early
The stores usually close early in the evening, and they sell delicious fresh bread which often sells out by midmorning the next day. Stocking up is one good reason to get up early. Another good reason is the local scene at Papenoo Beach. It isn’t what you might expect. The shoreline is predominantly pebbly and rocky. Instead of tourists you’ll find local Tahitians surfing, kayaking and swimming shortly after sunrise. Get to know them and you’ll wind up with a board or paddle. Probably a cold Hinano and a sandwich too. Later, go to the food stalls at Papeete Market and eat rice and salmon while standing with new friends.
Always Wear Your Swimsuit
Life in Tahiti is all about the water, so you’d better drive the loop around the main island while wearing your swimsuit and flip-flops. Soak in the views, and stop to swim, and then continue to the airport — Put your bags down and step off your porch into the ocean water you’ve seen in classic Tahiti paintings.
Rent a Boat
Rent a little outboard-powered boat (you can even have your lunch packed for the ride), and putter to the lagoon hidden among barrier islets (called motus). This is where you’ll find the beaches and shallow-water snorkeling worthy of your best camera. The bigger island of Tahaa is known as Vanilla Island because its ground produces more vanilla than any other in Tahiti. Take a jeep through the hills and back roads to find the farms that produce the world-famous beans.
Go Home in Your Swimsuit
Always bring snorkel gear when you’re on the water. You might take a shuttle boat and short flight back to the main island, or you may find that you have time for one more swim before your late flight. Take some of that Tahitian water home with you, even if it’s just in your ears.
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