Discover the Beauty of Tahiti and the Society Islands

Tahiti and the Society Islands provide endless opportunities to connect with nature and experience the island life of the South Pacific. While Tahiti is the most well-known of the Society Islands, there are so many more to discover. Each of the nine islands has its own landscape, cultural significance and activities to partake in. Let’s dive in…

• Tahiti
• Moorea
• Tetiaroa
• Raiatea
• Huahine
• Bora Bora
• Maupiti
• Tupai
• Taha’a

Tahiti is the largest of the Society Islands, full of stunning landscapes, culture and the epic city center of Papeete. From hiking to basking on the beach, there are so many things to do. A 4x4 safari is the perfect way to indulge in the spirit of the island. Spend a day in the heart of Tahiti’s crater and participate in a guided journey to a hidden gem, Vaihiria Lake, with your expert local guide.

If something more laid-back is your style, a sunset cruise on the lagoon of Tahiti may be a perfect fit. Or choose to spend a day soaking up the sunshine on Lafayette Beach, a stunning and secluded black-sand beach located just 20 minutes outside of Papeete. Spend the rest of your day shopping for souvenirs and dinner ingredients at the lively and colourful Papeete market. 

Join a private cultural workshop and immerse yourself in the history of Tapa and its myths by participating in celestial ancestral practices. See the culture at your own pace by attending a performance of ‘ori Tahiti (an exotic traditional dance), visiting an exhibition of contemporary art, or by discovering local music or theatre in Papeete.

If you’re passionate about watersports or exciting excursions, Moorea is the perfect place to explore. With two large bays — Cook and Opunohu — and the stunning Mount Rotui, the landscape is ideal for the more adventurous traveller.

There are many opportunities to go diving, kayaking and paddleboarding, or you can give back to the environment on an excursion to plant coral reef through The Coral Gardeners Association. If hiking is more your speed, chase some waterfalls on a half-day guided hike to Afareaitu Waterfalls. Looking for an even bigger adrenaline rush? Head out on a quest for thrills in the treetop adventure park.

Moorea is also famous for its pineapple plantations. Visit the pineapple trail on a 4x4 excursion and take in magnificent scenery including the Opuhonu viewpoint. Another popular day-trip option is a visit to the marae (temples) of Opunohu, a collection of almost 500 different structures, including homes and archery platforms. Travel the Ancestors' Trail, which takes you through the forest and stops at many of the cultural sites. This ethnological and archeological trail provides a fascinating insight into the people who once lived in the valley.

Tetiaroa is a sanctuary for birds, as well as sea turtles and other marine life. The atoll is just over 7.5km², composed of 13 islets and is just a short plane ride from Papeete via Air Tetiaroa. If you visit by catamaran, however, you’ll probably encounter some humpback whales during their reproductive season (August to November).

Tetiaroa is home to a well-known ornithological reserve where you can learn more about the flora and fauna of the coral island and get up close to thousands of seabirds. Snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving, as well as visiting a freshwater lake and natural bathing pool, are just some of the many activities you can partake in while exploring this atoll.

Connect with the Polynesian culture in Raiatea. The sacred island is considered the birthplace of the gods and is home to many archeological sites that tell the story of the unique people and culture. The second largest island in the Society Islands, Raiatea is home to stunning landscapes and world heritage sites. If learning about culture and history is your passion, visiting the marae of Taputapuatea is a must. Journey through forested valleys, a portion of a lagoon and coral reef surrounding the temple complex.

For more active adventurers, Raiatea offers guided hiking tours to the summit of Mount Temehani, where you can see the unique and endangered Tiare ‘apetahi flower. For the underwater explorer, the island also offers epic diving opportunities where you can connect with marine life and swim through the Nordby shipwreck. If you prefer to be on the waves, the lagoon is perfect for water sports like surfing, boating, paddleboarding and more.

Huahine is a laid-back choice for relaxing and exploring authentic Polynesian culture. Fewer tourists visit this dual island (comprised of both Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti), making it ideal for those who want to seek out rich cultural heritage and lush landscapes. This island was once home to Tahitian royalty and hosts the largest concentration of sacred sites to immerse yourself in its history and ancestry.

White-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters are staples of Huahine. Avea Beach, located on the Huahine Iti near Parea, offers several kilometers of sheltered beach area perfect for swimming and relaxing. Just outside of the main town of Fare, there is a beautiful lagoon and waterfront area where you can relax on the beach during the day and then head into town for an authentic Tahitian meal.

Bora Bora is often touted as one of the most beautiful islands in the world and rightfully so. From the unforgettable overwater bungalows to stunning mountain vistas, this Society Island offers so much for everyone.

There are many day trips and activities you can participate in during your stay in Bora Bora. Spend a day discovering the flora and fauna on a six-and-a-half-hour outrigger canoe excursion, swim with stingrays and sharks, explore the seabed with a mask and snorkel, and enjoy lunch on a private islet.

Or put your hiking skills to the test on a steep trail that takes you to the majestic Mount Otemanu or Mount Pahia. Epic views of the island and lagoon await from this vantage point. After all that hiking, get pampered with a traditional Polynesian spa experience or make a bold move and commemorate the experience and essence of Bora Bora with a Polynesian stick-and-poke tatou.

Just 40 kilometers from Bora Bora is Maupiti, a tiny community that embodies the Tahitian culture and features many trails and opportunities to participate in water sports. This island hosts many Tahitian Guesthouses for you to truly become a part of the island and interact directly with local families.

For a bit of adventure, you can hike up to the summit of Mount Teurafaatiu for panoramic views of the island and its lagoon. The hike is relatively short but rewarding with breathtaking scenery. After your hike up the mountain, take a three-minute drive and check out the petroglyphs or travel a bit further up the road to see the coral palace — a home made entirely of shells. On the other side of the island, Tereia Beach is a little slice of paradise on earth. At low tide, you can walk across the lagoon to Motu Auira and capture gorgeous views of the mountains.

Tupai is literally romance personified. The atoll is not only shaped like a heart but is an idyllic spot to spend a day with your loved ones. The atoll is completely uninhabited and is the perfect place to observe scenic views and natural environments. Get on a boat from Bora Bora to Tupai and take in the clear waters, coral reefs and endemic wildlife species.

The island is full of coconut palms and beaches that are a home for sea turtles. Travellers can frequently catch a glimpse of baby turtles hatching and making their way to the sea. Birds such as the Atoll Fruit Dove and the Polynesian Falcon are also easy to spot in the island’s vegetation. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a romantic day on Tupai.

Taha'a is a wonderful destination for those looking to explore a quieter, less touristy part of the Society Islands and is famous for its vanilla plantations. Travellers can tour vanilla farms to learn about the cultivation and curing process. There are also two rum distilleries on the island where you can learn about rum production in the area and sample some of their delicious spirits.

For a truly enchanting experience, take a tour to the Coral Garden. You can float in a current that carries you from the reef to the lagoon through a beautiful garden of vibrant coral full of tropical fish, rays and other marine life.

The Society Islands truly offer something for everyone. From natural beauty and warm hospitality, the Islands of Tahiti are the perfect place for your next vacation. You can experience all the islands or focus on a few — the choice is yours! Whether you’re interested in exploring vibrant local markets, spiritual temples or relaxing on dreamy beaches, you’ll make lifelong memories here.

Check out our vacation packages to get you to French Polynesia, or plan your epic Tahitian adventure with our Travel Experts today.

This sponsored story was written by Flight Centre on behalf of Tahiti Tourisme.