Papetō'ai

Travel Guide

Tiahura Beach featuring a sandy beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views
Tiahura Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Tiahura Beach which includes marine life and tropical scenes
Tiahura Beach featuring kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views as well as a couple
Tiahura Beach which includes kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Travel a little farther from the main towns of Moorea to enjoy the serene tropical beauty of this island in the South Pacific Ocean.

The lovely town of Papetō'ai is on the northwestern shore of Moorea, the heart-shaped island of French Polynesia. Revel in the beauty of the bordering blue-green ocean, a placid bay and lush green mountains.

Papetō'ai is just west of Opunohu Bay, a long inlet that is an excellent spot for watersports. Rent JetSkis or a motorboat for high-speed activity or try leisurely kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the protected bay. You can even paddle east across the bay to Ta'ahiamanu Beach. Watch for humpback whales during the peak season from mid-August to October.

Heading inland, hike up Magic Mountain, just 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) from the town center. The elevation gain is relatively easy and the view from the peak is spectacular. Gaze out over the South Pacific Ocean. Water near shore is a transparent blue-green over a sandy bottom. Beyond a coral reef the darker blue ocean extends seemingly forever.

Head west of town to visit the Moorea Dolphin Center, which provides education about these fascinating ocean creatures. View the friendly animals in a close-up encounter in shallow or deep water.

A bit farther west, Tiki Village Cultural Center offers opportunities to learn about Tahitian arts and culture and watch traditional dancing. East of town, on the opposite side of the bay, stop at the Tropical Garden to buy delicious jam and ice cream made from local tropical fruits and flowers.

Consider a drive or group tour all around the island. The coastal road is 38 miles (61 kilometers) with plenty of spots to stop to enjoy the beaches, have a meal or cocktail or do some shopping. Expect to spend about 4 to 5 hours with a few leisurely stops along the way.

Fly from Tahiti to Moorea Airport in just 10 minutes or take a ferry in 30 minutes. Drive or take a taxi from the airport to Papetō'ai in about 30 minutes. Although the direct distance is only 7 miles (kilometers), the route takes two long looping curves around Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay. Enjoy the tropical scenery as you travel here.

Villa TEPOE,  accès direct au lagon avec piscine et plage

Villa TEPOE, accès direct au lagon avec piscine et plage

Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this beach villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Living the Soft Life* in Moorea
"*Soft Life - the people in the group will know what I mean!!We came to Moorea 10 years ago and have always wanted to go back so this year we did with a group of friends. Because there were 11 of us, it wasn’t easy to find a house that would accommodate us all but by some fluke of luck we were luck ..."

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Villa TEPOE, accès direct au lagon avec piscine et plage
Villa Bella Vita ENJOY VILLAS / 3 bdrm with AC / 3 bath / pool+lagoon access

Villa Bella Vita ENJOY VILLAS / 3 bdrm with AC / 3 bath / pool+lagoon access

Papetoia
Book a stay at this beach villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
Bella Vita
"Overall a very enjoyable stay. We were disappointed with the ‘beach’ and the water did not seem very clean but the swimming pool was great and compensated for this. Small details needed attention ie unsecured toilet seat in one bathroom, light globe missing. Given the cost of the property we found ..."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

Villa Bella Vita ENJOY VILLAS / 3 bdrm with AC / 3 bath / pool+lagoon access
InterContinental Resort Tahiti by IHG

InterContinental Resort Tahiti by IHG

4 out of 5
Pointe Tata A, Faaa, Tahiti
The price is $405 total per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
$405 total
per night
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Faaa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Staff were nice and very helpful."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025

InterContinental Resort Tahiti by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa TEPOE,  accès direct au lagon avec piscine et plage

Villa TEPOE, accès direct au lagon avec piscine et plage

Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this beach villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Living the Soft Life* in Moorea
"*Soft Life - the people in the group will know what I mean!!We came to Moorea 10 years ago and have always wanted to go back so this year we did with a group of friends. Because there were 11 of us, it wasn’t easy to find a house that would accommodate us all but by some fluke of luck we were luck ..."

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Villa TEPOE, accès direct au lagon avec piscine et plage
Villa Bella Vita ENJOY VILLAS / 3 bdrm with AC / 3 bath / pool+lagoon access

Villa Bella Vita ENJOY VILLAS / 3 bdrm with AC / 3 bath / pool+lagoon access

Papetoia
Book a stay at this beach villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
Bella Vita
"Overall a very enjoyable stay. We were disappointed with the ‘beach’ and the water did not seem very clean but the swimming pool was great and compensated for this. Small details needed attention ie unsecured toilet seat in one bathroom, light globe missing. Given the cost of the property we found ..."

Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024

Villa Bella Vita ENJOY VILLAS / 3 bdrm with AC / 3 bath / pool+lagoon access
Villa Océane by ENJOY VILLAS MOOREA - 8 pax / 4 bedrooms / A.C. front sea

Villa Océane by ENJOY VILLAS MOOREA - 8 pax / 4 bedrooms / A.C. front sea

Moorea-Maiao
Stay at this villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great accommodation
"Fabulous property to stay at, very clean and very responsive and helpful hosts. Right on waterfront with kayaks for use. Beautiful place to stay - we can’t wait to return!"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Villa Océane by ENJOY VILLAS MOOREA - 8 pax / 4 bedrooms / A.C. front sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Papetō'ai

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Is just a regular village.

4/5 - Good

TH

Only tiny markets nearby. Long drive to larger stores

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The island and the beauty is itself is breathtaking!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This area is quiet and not crowded. There are few motu (small island) nearby and one of them has a popular lunch venue called Coco Beach Restaurant. The water is super clear and the sand is white. The beach is peaceful and shallow.

Cities near Papetō'ai