Summary
The most precious souvenirs you take home from a vacation or honeymoon in Tahiti are likely the memories you’ve created in such a beautiful and romantic location. Furthermore, a variety of souvenirs are available for purchase that can keep these memories alive for years to come and allow you to share them with friends and family back home.
Tahitian Black Pearls
Once you see a Tahitian black pearl, you’re likely to want one – or even several. These luminous orbs are cultivated on pearl farms in the lagoons of Taha’a, Raiatea, Huahine, and the Tuamotu Atolls. Known as “black pearls,” they actually come in a spectrum of colors, including gray-blue, dusky purple, peacock green, and brilliant bronze. These pearls vary in size, quality, and price. For instance, low-quality pearls with uneven shapes or surface flaws are often sold in local markets for $40-$60 each, while high-quality single pearls can cost upwards of $250. A complete strand may range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
Pareus
The Tahitian term for sarong is pareus, which come in a multitude of colors and patterns. They are widely available, from resorts to souvenir shops and art galleries. More commonly, inexpensive cotton and rayon pareus can be found in markets in Papeete (around $25-$40), often mass-produced in Asia. In contrast, pareus crafted in Tahiti, frequently hand-painted by local artists, are typically found in upscale boutiques and galleries and can cost two to three times more.
Tiki Statues
These sometimes amusing but often intimidating totems are prevalent across the Tahitian islands. Carved from wood or stone, they represent mythical figures from Polynesian lore and serve as protectors of the land. Souvenir versions are available in various sizes, ranging from a few inches to several feet tall.
Tifaifai Quilts
Colorful, hand-sewn floral quilts known as Tifaifai are used to wrap a bride and groom at the conclusion of a traditional Polynesian wedding ceremony. They are available in numerous craft boutiques and add a tropical ambiance to any home. Due to their intricate craftsmanship, these quilts typically start at several hundred dollars.
Monoi Oil and Soap
For generations, Tahitian women have used Monoi oil as an ideal skin softener and hair tamer. This rich oil is created by infusing coconut oil with tropical fragrances, most notably the scent of the tiare (Tahitian gardenia), although it can also feature other scents such as vanilla, coconut, banana, or even grapefruit. The oil is also utilized to create a variety of aromatic bath soaps, making them perfect gifts for friends and coworkers.
Carved Mother of Pearl Jewelry
Apart from black pearls, Tahitian jewelry artisans are renowned for their intricate carvings of mother of pearl, the shimmering and multicolored inner lining of oyster shells. Look for round or rectangular pendants, earrings (some featuring inset Tahitian black pearls), and a variety of rings and bracelets.
Hinano Beer T-shirts
While female visitors may wish to leave Tahiti with a stunning black pearl piece, male travelers may be keen to bring home a t-shirt featuring the iconic logo of Tahiti’s national lager, Hinano. The classic logo features a long-haired Tahitian woman in a red-and-white floral pareu set against a blue background with white palm trees. Numerous variations of this design are now available.
Vanilla
Vanilla, whether in bean form or as an extract, is predominantly cultivated on the islands of Raiatea and Taha’a. After a week savoring mahi-mahi with vanilla sauce and indulging in vanilla desserts, you’ll want to bring home some of this exceptional Tahitian vanilla to delight your taste buds.
