We spent the first two nights on Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, and took a drive around Tahiti Nui, the larger western section of the island.
An Afternoon Drive Around Tahiti Nui
We arrived in Tahiti with no plans and considered not even leaving our resort, but we thought that as long as we had come all this way, we’d take a look around the island. So I rented a car from Hertz at the airport for about $120 (per day) once all the taxes/fees were added and we set out (again with no concrete plan) to explore the island.
As an aside, renting a car from Hertz was very easy when staying at the InterContinental Tahiti: Hertz sent a shuttle to pick us up and take us back to Fa’a’ā International Airport where we quickly picked up our car (appropriately, a small French auto, though automatic…)
Our first stop was for coffee (more on that tomorrow) then to a grocery store for some picnic supplies…it felt like being in France!*
*because we were in France…just far away from Metropolitan France
Then it was on to the ring road circling Tahiti Nui. Tahiti is made up of Tahiti Nui (the larger western portion of the island) and Tahiti Iti (the Taiarapu Peninsula). We planned to cover both, but heavy rain slowed us down.
First, we stopped at Fa’aruma’i Waterfalls, also known as the three waterfalls in the valley of Fa’aruma’i.
We had it all to ourselves.
Next, we drove to the Arahoho Blowhole, which expels compressed sea air from a perforated lava tube to create a conch-like sound. The weather wasn’t great, but it was a cool natural phenomenon:
Our final stop, the Maraa Grotto, took about an hour to drive to. The largest underwater cave in Tahiti was…cold. We dipped our hands in the freshwater pool, but decided not to jump in.
Finally, it was dinner time. We stopped at a place called Blue Banana, a highly-rated restaurant in Puna’auia (near the Papeete).
Let me warn you that the restaurant serves American-size portions…we ordered a pizza for an appetizer and that was a meal in itself:
Seriously, that was enough but then we had already ordered main courses…a delicious beef bourguignon for me and fish for Heidi. We could not finish it…
We returned to the hotel…it had been a lovely day. If you do spend some time on the island of Tahiti, take some time to drive around it.
Beautiful photos , especially the waterfall jungle .
The paintings in the restaurant are too risque . Restaurant paintings ought to be sedate and calming .
OMG, really? Tahiti is the place Paul Gauguin painted his greatest. most sensual pieces. The art in the restaurant looks like stylized Gauguin prints. Beyond the fact it is Tahiti, it is also French, which means a whole lot less hangups about the beauty of the human form.
Look at that bulge in his pants!
Lawd have mercy.
The prices seem reasonable. The pizzaiolo wearing a Bears t-shirt is quite a contrast.
We did largely the same driving tour you did, though we stayed on Tahiti Iti and were there four days, so we went the entire way around in small sittings. Tahiti Iti has a very different vibe that Tahiti Nui. Very few tourists down there, and a very relaxed setting as a result.
One thing you missed was the black sand beach at Pointe Venus. Make sure to put that on the list for next time.
Many may disagree, but a little rainy vacation can be the best time for a couple to connect. Good food and down time are the stuff of great fun! ; )
I did a similar drive to you, although we also went and saw some of the historic sites to the east of Papeete on captain cook and mutiny on the bounty which was very interesting, as was the centre of Papeete, although at rush hour traffic was horrific which I hadn’t expected.
Interested on your thoughts of the intercontinental, I thought it was quite average (particularly given where we were!)
Er… that looks like a Kia, which is Korean.
You’re totally right. I thought it was Citroën but that must have been the car next to us. Was also a piece of crap though.
A couple of things to help others.
First, Hertz chargers per km. They are the only rental car company on the island doing this. Better rates can be had elsewhere. We lived there for 3 years and used local companies for much better rates.
Secondly, you missed quite a few awesome spots. To name a couple the black sand beach at Venus Point featuring the very old lighthouse and the bay where the HMS Bounty anchored. The tree that grows from the rock – incredible to see and a great picture op. The high lookout with the giant rubber tree offering panoramic views of Papeete below and Moorea in the distance.
Thirdly, when in Taravao, take the road to Teahupo’o, the home of the world-famous surfing spot that will be featured in the next Olympics. This short stretch of road is by far the most beautiful on the island. The trip to Teahupo’o doesn’t add too much time and is beyond beautiful.
Lastly, consider getting a private tour guide. We used a local lady who earned a PhD in Polynesian History. For US$50 each, she drove us in her private car for an all-day venture telling us fabulous tidbits about the island, the communities, the people, and the culture.