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.

Amazing Waterfront Villa fully equipped w/ infinity pool
Amazing Waterfront Villa fully equipped w/ infinity pool
Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
As advertised!
"Lovely new home, comfortable, well appointed and as photographed. An absolute pleasure to stay here. Quiet and serene and a wonderful way to end a long trip!"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

Amazing Waterfront Villa fully equipped w/ infinity pool
Detached house in a tropical garden with relaxing sea view
Detached house in a tropical garden with relaxing sea view
Moorea
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Amazing host
"We found the property well suited to our needs. Great value for the price. The main bedroom was air conditioned, 2nd bedroom has a ceiling fan. You can jump off the dock to the ocean. Our host, Marie-lou is second to none, willing to share local insights that helped us navigate the ins and outs. ..."

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025

Detached house in a tropical garden with relaxing sea view
Villa Bella Vita by ENJOY VILLAS
Villa Bella Vita by ENJOY VILLAS
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 by ENJOY VILLAS
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.
Amazing Waterfront Villa fully equipped w/ infinity pool
Amazing Waterfront Villa fully equipped w/ infinity pool
Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
As advertised!
"Lovely new home, comfortable, well appointed and as photographed. An absolute pleasure to stay here. Quiet and serene and a wonderful way to end a long trip!"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2025

Amazing Waterfront Villa fully equipped w/ infinity pool
Detached house in a tropical garden with relaxing sea view
Detached house in a tropical garden with relaxing sea view
Moorea
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Magical Mountain and The Sea Turtles ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Amazing host
"We found the property well suited to our needs. Great value for the price. The main bedroom was air conditioned, 2nd bedroom has a ceiling fan. You can jump off the dock to the ocean. Our host, Marie-lou is second to none, willing to share local insights that helped us navigate the ins and outs. ..."

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025

Detached house in a tropical garden with relaxing sea view
Villa Bella Vita by ENJOY VILLAS
Villa Bella Vita by ENJOY VILLAS
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 by ENJOY VILLAS
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