Punaauia 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Punaauia: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Tomb of King Pomare V

Final resting place of the last Tahitian monarch, a simple but evocative stone mausoleum in a patch of grass beside the main road. Concrete benches give you a place to sit and watch the lagoon across

🕐 Open 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Go around 4pm when the tour buses have left. Bring mosquito repellent—they come out suddenly near the brackish water.

Hotels near Tomb of King Pomare V →
Afternoon
Arahoho Blowhole (Punaima-iti)

Sea swell forces water through a lava tube and it spouts a few metres up. Not always active—depends on the swell. Small viewing platform with interpretive signs about the geology.

🕐 Open 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Check the swell forecast for 'Tahiti north coast'—anything above 1.5m works best. Stand back 3 metres; unexpected waves can soak you. Can get slippery.

Hotels near Arahoho Blowhole (Punaima-iti) →
Evening
Where to eat

Snack Resto Paea Manate · ££

Restaurant PK 18 · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Punaauia

Morning
Punaauia Public Market

Covered market with small produce stalls and a separate craft area. Mostly fruit, some fresh tuna, and vanilla. Nothing staged for tourists—this is where locals shop for weekend meals.

🕐 Mon-Sat 5am-12pm

💡 Saturday 6-9am has the best selection. Skip the shell necklaces here; they're 30% cheaper at the roadside stalls on Route de ceinture.

Midday
Plage de Vaiava

Local beach with black volcanic sand and calm lagoon water. No lifeguards, but shallow for a good 50 metres out. There's a shaded picnic area with tables under purau trees.

🕐 Dawn to dusk

💡 Best on weekday mornings before 10am. The weekend crowd brings music and barbecues. Park on the street, not the sandy verge—local gendarmes ticket.

Evening
Dining tonight

TUTTI FRUTTI TAMANU

Concept Grill

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Tahara'a Lookout

Pull-off viewpoint overlooking the Te Pari coast and Moorea across the channel. There's a concrete wall to lean on and a small parking area. No facilities, just

💡 Come at dawn when the light hits Moorea's peaks. The last 20 metres of the path is uneven coral rock—not great in flip-flops.

Final meal

CANTINE PREMIUM RATIONNAIRE

CANTINE PUNARUU RATIONNAIRE

Getting Around Punaauia

Le Truck (actual bus, not truck) From 200 CFP per person (single fare) 45 min

Flag it down with a wave—stops are unmarked. Pay exact change. Ask driver for 'Punaauia, centre.' It's the cheapest way but bags go on your lap.

Uber / Heetch From 2000 CFP (approx £14/€17) 25 min

Heetch is more reliable than Uber here. Pre-book via app from airport—free wifi in arrivals. Cash only, no card in app.

Tahiti Taxi From 2500 CFP (approx £18/€21) 25 min

Fix the price before you get in—drivers don't use meters. For the hotel, say 'Punaauia, near the Moana Nui supermarket'.

Hotel shuttle (private transfer) From 3500 CFP (approx £25/€30) 25 min

Email the hotel direct for this—it's a driver from a local company, not a minibus. Worth it if you have more than two bags or arrive after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Punaauia?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Tomb of King Pomare V and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Punaauia?

See our full best time to visit Punaauia guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include TP.MC, Vaiparaoa Villa, TP.SCI TEHOPITI. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.