Pape'ete

Pape’ete is the capital of French Polynesia. Lying on the northwest coast of Tahiti, this island city on the South Pacific Ocean is a major port for cargo ships exporting sugarcane, vanilla, coffee and mother-of-pearl. French and Tahitian are the official languages of the island, but English is spoken in the areas with more tourist points of interest.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Fa’a’ā International Airport is the only international airport in French Polynesia, making Pape’ete the first and last city travelers see when visiting. To get around, many opt to walk around Pape’ete’s roughly seven-square-mile area. Taxis operate at a relatively high rate; rental cars are available at the airport. There are no rideshare options in Tahiti. To visit the other French Polynesian islands, travelers must travel by boat or smaller aircraft.

LODGING

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

This property offers lagoon-view or gardenview bungalows with private pools. Enjoy three dining options as well as a relaxing spa for ocean-front Tahitian massages.

BP 1005 Papetoai 98729, French Polynesia, tel 689 40 55 11 11 hilton.com

Hotel Tahiti Nui

Located in downtown Pape’ete, Hotel Tahiti Nui features an outdoor pool and hot tub boasting views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a martini at the cocktail bar or dine in the restaurant, Le Velvet, serving gourmet French cuisine.

Avenue du Prince Hīnoi, Pape’ete 98713, French Polynesia, tel 689 40 46 38 99

Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts

Just 10 minutes from Pape’ete discover the contemporary Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts. Waterfront views, lush palm trees and local art make the perfect backdrop for a tropical getaway. Grab a drink at the poolside bar and watch the sun set on the horizon.

Lafayette Beach PK7, Arue, French Polynesia, tel 689 40 48 88 00 letahiti.com

In the Swim:

Snorkeling at Mo'orea Island

PHOTO: © SARAYUTH NUTTEEPRATOOM | DREAMSTIME.COM

DINING

Le Carré

Ocean views with elegant décor and a large selection of wines accompany an à la carte fine-dining experience at Le Carré. The international menu has a little of everything for everyone.

Tahiti la Ora Beach Resort Sofitel, Tamanu Puna’auia 98718, French Polynesia, tel 689 40 47 07 07 all.accor.com

Hei Restaurant

French cuisine with island flair defines this fine-dining experience. Open for lunch, dinner and late-night drinks, Hei is a Pape’ete hot spot. Reservations are highly suggested.

Front de Mer, Face Aux Jardins, Pape’ete 98713, French Polynesia, tel 689 40 43 77 14

Villa THAI

Experience authentic, traditional Thai food at Villa THAI. Fresh seafood, noodles, duck, curry and vegetarian dishes make for an eclectic menu.

36 Bis Rue Albert Leboucher, Pape’ete 98713, French Polynesia, tel 689 40 85 60 80 ATTRACTIONS

Explore the Rainforest

Take a four-wheel-drive Jeep into the dense jungle with a knowledgeable tour guide. Visit Mount Marau, swim at a waterfall and learn from archaeological sites along the way.

Robert Wan Pearl Museum

The museum depicts how pearls come from the sea to land to appear in jewelry, art, legend and literature. Discover how these ocean jewels became a coveted status symbol and are associated with many religious ceremonies.

56 Ave. du Commandant Destremau, Pape’ete 98713, French Polynesia, tel 689 40 54 86 40 robertwan.com

Snorkel

Jump aboard a traditional Polynesian canoe and head to Mo'orea to snorkel in the lagoon. The crystal-clear waters offer entrance to a bustling underwater world of marine life just beneath the surface.