5 Days In Tahiti Itinerary
Day 4: Tahiti East Coast Road Trip Or Sail to Tetiaroa
Day four of our five days in Tahiti takes us on a scenic drive along its wild east coast. Alternatively, if you aren’t heading to the Tuamotu Atolls, consider joining a guided sailing adventure to Marlon Brando’s atoll, Tetiaroa.
If you’re looking for something thrilling without hopping on a catamaran, inquire about guided tours to some of Tahiti’s lava tubes. These adventure tours combine hiking with exploring the lava tubes, and you will get wet.
Option 1: Tahiti East Coast Road Trip
This part of the island is wild and less populated. The coastal road is squeezed by the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.
An optional first stop is the James Norman Hall Museum. Located just outside Papeete in the district of Arue, the museum is the actual former home of American novelist James Norman Hall who, best known for publishing the Bounty trilogy together with Charles Nordhoff (open every day except Sunday, Monday, and holidays from 8 am-4 pm).
The first must-stop is at the Belvedere. Come here if you opted out of the Mount Aorai hike on day 2. A narrow road winds its way to the O Belvedere restaurant. The restaurant might be closed at this time of day, but just before the final turn, there’s a clearing in the forest where you can park and admire the views of Tahiti’s interior from this height.
The next stop is at the Tahara’a scenic lookout. From here, you can see sections of Matavai Bay, a historically significant part of Tahiti. It is here that early European explorers chose to anchor upon arrival in Tahiti.
A short drive brings you next to Point Venus, at the very tip of Matavai Bay. The most famous visitor to make landfall in the bay is without doubt Captain James Cook, who first came here in 1769 on a mission to track the movement of Venus across the sky. His experiment failed, but a lighthouse was installed to honor the occasion in 1867.
From the lighthouse, walk along the path that eventually leads to a black sand beach. It’s a popular spot for locals working on their tan and children learning to surf. En route, you’ll pass by memorials to Captain Cook’s mission and the missionaries.
Get back on the road and head east. If you’ve been to California, you might even think you’re on the Pacific Coast Highway. Along the way, you’ll pass by Hitimahana & Papenoo – two beaches that are very popular with experienced surfers. Locals come here after work for a few hours of surfing before dinner. What a life!
Right as you exit a long tunnel, take a left and park the car next to the Arahoho Blowhole and the adjacent black sand beach. If the swell is just right, you’ll be treated to an amazing display of nature’s aquatic powers.
On the opposite side of the highway just a few hundred meters away, you’ll find the turnoff to The Three Waterfalls (Les Trois cascades). After passing the bridge and the tiny village, park the car and walk to Vaimahuta, the first waterfall. If you want to keep chasing waterfalls, it’s another 10 minutes to hike to Haa Maremare Iti and 15 minutes to Haa Maremare Rahi.
Continue from the Three Waterfalls to Tahiti Iti via Taravao. If you didn’t have the chance to visit on day 3, head to the Belvedere de Taravao for panoramic views of Tahiti Nui’s impressive skyline. Next up, head towards Tautira on Tahiti Iti’s east coast. This part of Tahiti is extremely scenic, especially on the mountainside where you’ll see the openings of massive valleys as you drive. Stop in Tautira’s famous black sand beach for one of the finest views in Tahiti. If there’s time for a hike, a trail heads inland along the bank of the river. Ask locals for directions but be sure to keep your bearings.
From Tautira, you can drive to the end of the paved road. This part of Tahiti really feels like the end of the line. Several tiny villages and surfing beaches can be found here. Just park the car on the side of the road and enjoy watching life in the slow lane.
Option 2: Sail to Tetiaroa Atoll
Tetiaroa is a small atoll about 60 kilometers north of Tahiti. When filming The Bounty, Marlon Brando fell in love with the place and bought it with the hopes of someday turning it into an eco-friendly hotel. His wish came true with the recent opening of The Brando, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to come here for the day. Two to three times per week (usually Wed/Fri/Sat), day trips depart Tahiti very early in the morning and sail to Tetiaroa, where they spend a few hours anchored offshore. Guests are transported to the atoll for some swimming, snorkeling, and bird watching – something that Tetiaroa is famous for.
Logistics: inquire with either Poe Charter or L’escapade and book in advance. Food is included in the price, and they’ll have you back in Tahiti for dinner. Keep in mind that sailing can be rough and prone to last-minute cancellations due to rough sea or wind conditions. If you really have your heart set on visiting Tetiaroa, plan an extra day in Tahiti when outings are offered.
