Where to Stay in Tahiti: 4 Top Towns & Hotels (+Map)

A tropical paradise that you’ll never want to leave! Hop on this guide on where to stay in Tahiti and get ready to fall in love!

After thorough research, I’ve made a list with the best areas and the most amazing hotels in Tahiti, which I ordered from most to least expensive so you can find your dream place! 

In short, Papeete, Tahiti Nui is the best place to stay in Tahiti as that’s the main hub of the island where you’ll find many attractions and hotels! But, if you scroll down you’ll find 3 more spots that cater to different interests. 

I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance! Tahiti is a popular destination and everything books out super early!

Let’s dive in.

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book your hotels right now, check out this shortlist of the best ones:

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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This map will help you better visualize all the areas that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Papeete & North Tahiti Nui – where to stay for the first time

If this is your first time visiting Tahiti, then there’s no better place to start your adventures than Papeete (the capital city) and North Tahiti Nui. 

The island is split into 2 sides, Tahiti Nui (Big Tahiti) in the Northwest and Tahiti Iti in the Southeast, which locals mostly populate.

Papeete and North Tahiti Nui are great places for first-time visitors as that’s where you’ll find all the facilities you need: shops, many restaurants, the marina, markets, and lots of tour companies that can take you around the island. 

While you’re in Papeete head to the marina (map) to admire all the yachts and then go to the Market (map) to eat some yummy local food. Near that area, you’ll also find the Pā’ōfa’i Gardens (map) and the Musée de la Perle Robert Wan (map) where you can admire some gorgeous pearls and learn about their history. 

Although you won’t find as many beaches in the city, the other parts of the island area are easily accessible from Papeete!

Many tourists choose to stay here and then continue their holiday by exploring the island, usually by renting a car. Because of that, most hotels in Papeete sell out super fast, so I highly recommend booking in advance to get a good deal!

Now let’s check out the best hotels where to stay in Papeete, Tahiti.

Other accommodation options in Papeete & North Tahiti Nui 

Things to do in Papeete & North Tahiti Nui

• Visit the Robert Wan Pearl Museum
• Buy delicious fruits at Papeete Market
• Go for a walk in Bougainville Park
• Head to the James Norman Hall Museum (map)
• Jump on a boat tour to the other islands 
• Check out the Papeete Catholic Cathedral
• Admire the art at Galerie Winkler

2. Moorea Island – best place to stay for nature lovers

Cataloged as one of the famous islands of Tahiti, Moorea Island is located just a short ferry ride away from Papeete (30 minutes to be more exact), and it’s the perfect vacation spot for those of you who want to spend time exploring tropical forests, sugary beaches and swim in bluest waters.

You can also take a plane to get to Papeete, and it will probably be the shortest flight of your life, just 15 minutes!

While here you can scuba dive all day long or go surfing. You absolute can’t miss a hike in the gorgeous forest of Moorea Island, whose name means “yellow lizard” in the local language.

Some cool sites that you should check out while here are the Jardin de Corail du Motu Ahi Aquarium (map), the Te Fare Natura Museum and the Green Pearl Golf Course (map) where you can head to play some golf!

Besides the numerous beautiful beaches, like the Kvai Sunset Beach (map) or the Pineapple Beach (map) you’ll also find lagoons and gorgeous reefs!

As I mentioned, there are also lots of hiking spots that usually get you to a stunning lookout point like the Three Coconuts (map) and Three Pines Lookout (map).

You’ll probably find that the hotel prices are much higher here, than in other parts of Tahiti, since this is a more secluded sort of location. 

Other accommodation options in Moorea Island

Things to do in Moorea Island

• Chill on the beach and swim all day long
• Admire the views from the Three Coconuts’ viewpoint
• Catch a local show at Tiki Village (map)
• Visit the Moorea Dolphin Center (map)
• Check out the Jardin de Corail du Motu Ahi Aquarium

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3. Tahiti Iti – where to stay for a local experience

Known as Small Tahiti, the Southeast part of the island is mostly inhabited by the locals, making it one of the best areas to stay in Tahiti for an authentic Polynesian experience. 

If this sounds like your type of place, then let’s see what’s there to do here!

Surfing is a big thing in Tahiti Iti, and there’s even a surfing competition that takes place here, in the Teahupoo village, located right at the southern edge of the island. 

The area also has many local restaurants and bars like La Plage de Maui (map), where you can eat some yummy traditional food. 

Note that you’ll probably need to rent a car to get around this area as public transportation is not always reliable in Tahiti Iti.

You’ll also find some hiking spots here, like the Randonnée Plateau de Taravao (map) and the Refuge Tautira Fenua Eihere area (map).

Other accommodation options in Tahiti Iti

Things to do in Tahiti Iti

• Try surfing in Teahupoo village
• Enjoy the views at Belvédère de Taravao (map)
• Grab a bite at La Plage de Maui
• Go on a hike around the Cascade One Poto (map) area 

4. West Tahiti Nui – where to stay in Tahiti for families

I’ve found the perfect area for those looking for the best place in Tahiti to stay with family!

The West Coast of the main island, made of the Faa’a, Puna’auia and Paea towns, is fabulous for you and the kids as it’s only 5 miles (7 km) away from downtown Papeete.

The West Coast won’t be as busy as Papeete, which is great, because let’s face it, traveling with the children in an area full of crowds can be super tricky. Plus you’ll be close enough to the airport (just a 6 min car drive) so you won’t have to go through a super long trip to get to your accommodation.

Apart from the beaches and stunning lagoons, you’ll also find plenty of other attractions like the Tahiti Sea Park (map) and the Museum of Tahiti and The Islands.

I think the best way to get a feel of this part of the main island is to rent a car so you can get around easily. Or you can just chill on some of the gorgeous beaches like Plage Vaiava (map) and spend the day swimming, playing with the kids, enjoying the good life!

Now let’s check out the top hotels where to stay in Tahiti with kids:

Other accommodation options in West Tahiti Nui

Things to do on the West Tahiti Nui

• Explore the area around Vallée de Tipaerui
• Take the kids to the Tahiti Sea Park
• Admire the beautiful Fautaua Waterfall (map)
• Go hiking with the family around Mount Aorai 
• Visit the Marae Ta’ata archeological site (map)
• Spend a family day at Parc Vai Poopoo (map)

👑 Luxury price:	US$250
💵 Mid-range:	US$150
🛏️ Budget:	US$100
🏝️ Best island:	Moorea
👪 Best area for families:	West Coast (Faa’s, Punaau, Paea)
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Hilton Tahiti
💵 Best mid-range hotel:	Fare Suisse
👛 Best budget hotel:	Lagon Bleu

BONUS: Best bungalow hotels in Tahiti

When you say Tahiti, the first thing that comes to my mind is the incredible scenery and the overwater bungalows! The bungalow was invented in French Polynesia, and it’s very common on the other islands in French Polynesia, like the Gambier Islands and Tuamotu Islands.

These accommodations are so dreamy, and I’m sure many of you will want to stay in one, so I’ve thought of making a list of the best bungalows, to help you out! All the Tahiti hotels below are luxury and listed from most to least expensive: 

Let’s check them out:

• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort – join a yoga class to enjoy late nights on the beach while drinking a cocktail at this luxurious hotel on Moorea Island! Each bungalow has a private balcony or a terrace, and some even offer plunge pools. The resort will make you feel as if you’re on your private island, and it also offers a spa center and different activities like horse riding.
• Te Moana – located on the West Coast in the village of Punaauia, this fabulous resort is just perfect for your holiday on the island. The rooms are super spacious and feature a kitchenette and garden or bay views. Get a cocktail and head to the infinity pool for a pretty epic sunset!
• Manava Beach Resort & Spa – planning a romantic holiday? Then I recommend this resort. It’s perfect for couples and honeymooners! You’ll have all the privacy you need in your bungalow plus a private plunge pool and sun deck. There’s a spa center on-site, and the accommodation also hosts festive-themed events for their guests.

FAQs about where to stay in Tahiti

Final thoughts on where to stay in Tahiti

Such a magical place! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

I know the post has so many hotel and resort options, and it’s hard to decide in a place like Tahiti so here are my top 2 favorite hotels in Tahiti, both located in Papeete:

• Hilton Hotel Tahiti – a stunning oceanfront hotel that has an infinity pool
• Fare Suisse – this guesthouse comes with a free shuttle bus and a terrace

Just remember that Tahiti is a very iconic destination and hotels are booked out months in advance so make sure to book yours early!

Have an incredible holiday and don’t forget that I’m always around for more questions. All you gotta do is just drop me a comment below!

Enjoy your adventure,

Victoria

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