One Day in Tahiti: Papeete & La Route Monoi

Where to Stay

Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti

Incredibly stylish new design-forward hotel that is walking distance to everything in Papeete and spitting distance from the port. You’ll notice I haven’t provided any alternatives, and that’s because the hotel really is that good.

read about my experience staying here

Key Stops

• Papeete Market
• La Route Monoi
• Les Trois Cascades
• Restaurant La Plage De Maui
• Arahurahu Marae
• Vaipoopoo Roulottes

The Game Plan

7:00 // Arrive & Check-In

As soon as you land in Tahiti and clear immigration, walk just outside the airport and grab your Hello Scoot to head to Hotel Kon Tiki. Although it’s too early to check in yet, they’ll hold your bags and allow you to freshen up a bit with a change of clothes in the dormitory bathrooms. If your scooter battery has anything less than a full charge, swap it out for a new one on the way to the hotel.

9:00 // Grab Breakfast

If you’re anything like me, you’re starving by now and desperately in need of coffee. Luckily, the hotel is just a few blocks away from the market! Head to Le Corner, a local’s spot where you can try poisson cru and fresh squeezed juice while you people watch.

10:00 // Explore The Market

Now that we’re relaxed, refreshed, and caffeinated, it’s time to explore Papeete Market. It’s a total feast for the senses with fragrant fruits, fresh flowers, pearls, and beautifully woven baskets.

11:00 // Begin La Route Monoi

It’s time to explore the island. No matter what stops you decide to take, you’ll want to tour the island clockwise so that you end up on the gorgeous sunset side of the island at the end of the day. Your first stop will be just a few minutes down the road, at Belvedere du Tahara’a where you’ll take a few minutes to admire the view over Papeete before heading up the road to explore the iconic Plage de la Pointe Venus.

11:30 // Dip Your Toes In A Black Sand Beach

Head up the road once again and stop off at Plage de Ahonu, a stunning black sand beach that’s popular with locals for surfing, for a quick stroll.

12:00 // Hike To A Waterfall

Drive down the road to Les Trois Cascades de Tefa’aruma’i, grabbing a refreshing fresh coconut from the family selling them in the parking lot when you arrive. Fa’aruma’i Waterfalls The ‘hike’ is more of an extended walk through the lush jungle, and all three options are otherworldly stunning.

1:00 // Continue Down The Coast

Head onwards for the longest driving strech of the day towards Tahiti Iti, taking in the black sand beaches and swaying palms along the way, until you reach the Isthmus of Taravao. Here, you’ll want to take a quick pit stop at the Hello Scoot station in order to swap out your battery for a new one.

13:00 // Grab Lunch in Tahiti Iti

With your brand new battery ready to go, head into Tahiti Iti for a late lunch at Restaurant La Plage de Maui, an amazing little seafood shack right on the water. Pinch yourself before ordering a seafood platter with an ice cold Hinano on the side.

14:00 // Swim In A Grotto

Alright, we’re halfway done! Continue west along the ring road until you reach Grottes de Mara’a, a stunning natural grotto framed by lush hanging ferns that locals love to come take a swim in. You can also stop to see

14:30 // Explore An Ancient Temple

Just a few minutes up and off the main road is Arahurahu Marae, an extremely sacred site that is Tahiti’s best example of these ancient Polynesian temples.

15:00 // Snorkeling

Head ten minutes up the road to Plage Vaiava, known locally as PK18, and put on your snorkeling gear. This popular little beach is renowned for having the best coral and most abundant marine life in all of Tahiti.

17:00 // Sunset Dinner at Roulottes

Dry off and head ten minutes up the road to catch the sun setting over Moorea at Parc Vaipoopoo, where you’ll be able to grab dinner at any of the little food trucks assembled there. Le Crepuscule has the best view, but you’ll have competition for seats!

19:00 // Get Some Sleep

As the night draws in, head back to your hotel to officially check in. If you still enough energy for a nightcap, I recommend either heading right upstairs to Reeftop or to Les 3 Brasseurs just two blocks away.