Going to Tahiti and Mo’orea for a week in early November. Any must see/must do/cultural event reccos I should know about?

Question

Clara · Answer

Hike to Te Pari with Abel Haro: There are a number of Polynesian guides offering hiking tours on Tahiti - I hugely recommend taking one because a.) many exquisitely stunning locations are completely inaccessible otherwise and b.) you can do your part to give your tourism dollars to Polynesians, as opposed to French (colonial) interests that are heavily invested in the islands. I did a trip to Te Pari with Abel back in 2022, and his, his wife’s, and their friend Reva’s incredible kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity were the highlight of the trip. His contact info is listed in the post (in French) linked.

Clara · Answer

Coconut crab at Restaurant Tiahura on Moorea: Make sure to call them in advance to check what days they’ll have coconut crab (a.k.a. kaveu) available - they need to get it from another island so it’s not every day.  I’m a New Englander so very loyal to my lobster so far as shellfish go, but this was outstanding. Waitstaff are so kind, as well. The coconut bread they serve it with is just delicious.

Highly recommend watching the Anthony Bourdain Tahiti episode before you go, btw!

Clara · Answer

Marché de Papeete on Sunday mornings: Get there as early as you can! The local food vendors show up in full force only on Sundays (though other days are fun too). The traditional Polynesian foods available are truly incredible. Amazing fresh fruit and veggies (guava, pineapple, bananas, passionfruit, mango, papaya with lime, avocado, cucumbers…), coconut water, and sugarcane juice, too.

Other amazing food you can get on the islands, often at grocery stores/canteen-style shops: Rashun bacon chips, great-quality French cheeses from Carrefour, poulet roti et frites at roadside stands (often only open weekends), Citronade and Pomelade, grilled tuna with French fries and profiteroles with coconut ice cream from Moorea Maitai outside Hotel Manava, coconut water and snacks from Fare Tutava on Moorea. I heard Snack Mahana was incredible but I didn’t get a chance to eat there.

If you happen to want to rent scooters or bikes on Moorea, try Moorea Island Beach Hotel - their rentals were way better quality and price than elsewhere, in my experience!