Tahiti är inte överfullt av historiska monument, vilket gör att Papaeari sticker ut ännu mer. Det är öns äldsta by, bosatt någonstans mellan 400 och 500 e.Kr. Det är också känt av konstälskare för sin förening med Paul Gauguin, som bodde i området. Det närliggande museet tillägnad hans liv är en av områdets största dragningar.
Men det här är också ett bra ställe att koppla av och njuta av öns liv - titta på fiskare som tar in den dagliga fångsten som mycket väl kan hamna på din tallrik. Vandra i inlandet, promenera svarta sandstränder eller resa västerut längs sydkusten för att nå Atimaono, där du hittar Tahitis enda golfbana.
Watch fishermen bring in the daily catch, which may end up on your plate, during a visit to Papaeari. Hike in the hinterlands, stroll black sand beaches, or travel west along the south coast to reach Atimaono, home to Tahiti’s only golf course. Vaipahi Falls (also known as the Water Gardens of Vaipahi), waterfalls found among the nearby jungle, are a popular attraction where visitors can relax and swim. Some guided tours of the island include a stop here.
Papaeari is on Tahiti’s south coast, on the opposite side as Papeete. It is close to the isthmus that connects Tahiti Nui (the main island) with Tahiti Iti. You can reach Vaipahi Falls by driving south from downtown Papeete for a little over 1 hour, or joining a guided tour.
Overall, the best time to visit Tahiti is from May through October, when it is the least humid; the months of June through August tend to be the busiest. From November through April, it’s hot and rainy, but the islands usually aren’t affected by tropical storms, and hotel rates remain high year round.
Located about 15 minutes by car from Papaeari, Taharuu Beach is a picturesque locale on Tahiti’s southern coast that features volcanic black sand and plenty of room to kick back and watch the surfers. It also offers ideal conditions for swimming, making it a popular spot for families. There's no charge to access this beach.