Discover the most beautiful islands in Tahiti:
Mention Tahiti to most people and they’ll envision life on dreamy, secluded beaches, sharing space on the soft, white sand with palm trees and the odd errant coconut. In reality, they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. French Polynesia (also referred to as the Islands of Tahiti) is a collection of 118 islands and atolls situated halfway between Los Angeles, California, and Sydney, Australia. Only eight hours from Los Angeles, this postcard-perfect destination is a lot more accessible than many people realize and offers so much more than just a place to honeymoon.
Wondering which islands in Tahiti are right for you? Here are eight beautiful islands of Tahiti to put on your must-visit list and what makes them worthy of your travel time.
01. Tahiti
Address
C9RR+56W, Fa’a’ā, French Polynesia
Phone +689 40 86 60 61
No matter which island you’re planning to call home (for a few days, at least), you’ll begin your French Polynesian adventure by flying into Faa’a International Airport on the main island of Tahiti. The name refers either to the main island or the entire destination. However, simply flying in and out would be a mistake since this island has so much to offer.
Home to the vibrant capital city of Papeete, the island is divided into two parts: the larger Tahiti Nui and the smaller Tahiti Iti. Make time to visit the Pearl Museum, the Gauguin Museum, and the neighboring Botanical Garden. Additionally, shop at the 155-year-old public market, snorkel or dive in the picturesque lagoon, and take a guided hike or 4×4 trip into the island’s interior to experience epic waterfalls and lush valleys.
Best for: culture, adventure
02. Huahine
Address
Huahine, Tubuai, French Polynesia
Huahine is known as the Garden Island. Dense tropical jungle covers much of the island along with banana groves, watermelon fields, and coconut plantations. Consequently, there are numerous photo-ops here. Huahine is a 40-minute flight from Tahiti and consists of two islands connected by a small bridge: Huahine Nui to the north and Huahine Iti to the south. The former is home to the main village of Fare, where the bulk of the action takes place, albeit at a charmingly slow pace.
Visitors to Huahine can enjoy white sand beaches, diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, hiking, and exploring one of the largest archaeological sites in French Polynesia near the village of Maeva.
Best for: relaxation, water sports, nature
03. Bora Bora
Address
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
When people think of French Polynesia, it’s often Bora Bora that first comes to mind, bringing dreams of secluded over-water bungalows and hidden beaches perfect for honeymooning couples. However, Bora Bora is more than just a postcard-worthy romantic escape. The island itself is a volcano, set in a stunning lagoon surrounded by gleaming white sand beaches. The lagoon is filled with marine life well worth donning a snorkel mask and fins to explore. Alternatively, spend a day wandering the main town of Viatape, browsing shops and enjoying local bars and cafes. Located just northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora is less than an hour away by plane from Papeete.
Best for: romance, shopping, snorkeling
04. Tikehau
Address
Tikehau, French Polynesia
Tikehau, also known as the Pink Sand Island, is irresistible. The tiny atoll consists of countless white and pink sand islets perfect for getting away from it all. Tikehau, which means “peaceful landing,” is home to a lagoon formed by a ring of coral, filled with marine life just waiting to be explored on a snorkel or dive trip. You can also take a boat into the middle of the lagoon and visit Motu Puarua, a small islet known as Bird Island, a natural aviary for numerous colonies of nesting seabirds including the rare Blue Footed Booby. An afternoon on Bird Island is a bird-watcher’s dream, so remember to bring your camera along with sturdy shoes for traversing the rocky terrain.
Best for: total seclusion, beach-hopping, relaxation
05. Taha’a
Address
Taha’a, French Polynesia
Taha’a is only accessible by a short boat ride from its sister island Raiatea. It’s an island that shouldn’t be missed on any trip to French Polynesia. Known as the Vanilla Island, Taha’a produces nearly 80 percent of all vanilla cultivated in the region. Arrange a trip to Vallee de la Vanille vanilla farm through your accommodations to see how the fragrant spice is grown and harvested. You can even buy some to take home.
In addition to learning about vanilla, Taha’a offers opportunities to snorkel in the calm, marine-rich waters surrounding it. If relaxation is the goal, this is a great place to unwind on a beautiful stretch of sand. You should also visit Champon Pearl Farm to learn about how Tahiti’s famous pearls are cultivated and harvested. Daily tours are available by appointment from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Best for: learning about vanilla and pearls, snorkeling, relaxation
06. Raiatea
Address
Raiatea, French Polynesia
Raiatea, known as the Sacred Island, is the second-largest island in French Polynesia, next to Tahiti. The name Raiatea translates to “faraway heaven,” and it is said to be the first Polynesian island to be populated. Raiatea shares its lagoon with its sister island Taha’a, which simplifies visiting both islands during one trip. If you plan to experience the islands of Tahiti by boat, this island is home to many sailboat and yacht charter companies, including Tahiti Yacht Charter. Raiatea’s large, protected lagoon makes it one of the best islands in French Polynesia for sailing, fishing, and scuba diving. Additionally, you can visit Taputapuātea, a sacred meeting ground recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best for: boating, fishing, scuba diving
07. Moorea
Address
Mo’orea, Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia
Moorea, along with Bora Bora, is one of the top honeymoon destinations in Tahiti. Known as the Island of Artists due to the many artists who live on the island, including painters, carvers, jewelers, and tattooists, Moorea is ideal for various water sports, from paddleboarding to canoeing to kite surfing, thanks to the favorable trade winds from April to October. Diving and snorkeling thrive in Moorea’s marine-rich lagoon. If you need a break from the water, the mountainous side of the island offers fantastic hiking, biking, and even 4WD adventures.
Best for: water sports, romance, art and culture
08. Rangiroa
Address
Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Known as the Endless Sky, Rangiroa is among the largest atolls in the world and the largest in French Polynesia. The atoll’s lagoon is a diver’s paradise and is actually so large that it could swallow the main island of Tahiti in one gulp.
World-class dive sites abound; however, if diving isn’t on your agenda, there’s still plenty to do. The snorkeling around Rangiroa is phenomenal, and with over 200 motu (islets) surrounding the lagoon, many are available for exploration or even a seaside picnic for a secluded afternoon. Interestingly, Rangiroa also hosts its own vineyard and winery. Located in the main village of Avatoru, the Dominique Auroy Winery produces French Polynesia’s only wine label, Vin de Tahiti (the rose is particularly excellent). Be sure to inquire about visiting the winery for a tasting.
Best for: scuba diving, snorkeling, atoll-hopping
