Punaauia

Travel Guide

Museum of Tahiti featuring general coastal views, swimming and tropical scenes
Museum of Tahiti showing indigenous culture and interior views
Museum of Tahiti and the Islands featuring farmland and food
Museum of Tahiti which includes interior views
Museum of Tahiti which includes a park

Scuba dive next to tropical islands, visit a fascinating museum to learn about the region’s history and watch dolphins and whales breaching.

Puna’auia is a tropical wonderland with a pristine beach and idyllic ocean water. Elevated huts decorate the water, while a museum informs visitors about the region’s nature and history. Chat with locals in this populous area for a glimpse into Tahitian culture.

Learn about the history of the region at the Museum of TahitiOpens in a new window. Browse the costumes, tools and handicrafts that belonged to early French Polynesian settlers. See engravings in the journal of explorer James Cook. In the northern part of the commune are the French Polynesia University and the Marina Taina, a lively port with many restaurants.

Take advantage of the year-round warm weather at one of the area’s picturesque beaches. August is the driest month, while the region can be fairly wet from November to April. Sunbathe or have a picnic on Puna’auia’s white-sand beach. Watch the hues of the dramatic sky darken over the island of Moorea.

Head south to Vai’ava Beach to watch surfers. Bring your kids to the calm water of the swimming area. Nearby is Mahana Park, a tranquil and scenic grassy area near the beach.

For the best views of subaquatic creatures and the coral reef, go scuba diving with Eleuthera Plongée Tahiti. Watch for dolphins and whales, especially common between the end of July and the end of October. Embark on a sunset cruise, go snorkeling and scuba dive at different islands.

Note that this commune was the home of famous French painter Paul Gauguin in the late 19th century. Here, he created his acclaimed Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? painting.

The commune stretches along a small section of land on Tahiti’s western coast. Its northern border is just south of the Faa’a International Airport, while its southern end is near Pā’eaOpens in a new window. Visit other towns in the region, such as PapeeteOpens in a new window, ĀrueOpens in a new window and MāhinaOpens in a new window.

Explore Puna’auia, a beautiful spot for tropical relaxation, with impressive beaches and cultural institutions.

Te Moana Tahiti Resort

Te Moana Tahiti Resort

BP 2851 Punavai, Punaauia, Tahiti
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$256 nightly
The price is $305 total per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
$305 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Punaauia. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,174 reviews)
"I usually love this property - but I was in unit 3202 & the stairs were so loud it was a great inconvenience."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Ninamu Pearl  Guest House

Ninamu Pearl Guest House

Lotissement Sage, Punaauia, Tahiti
$146 nightly
The price is $167 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$167 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Punaauia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Museum of Tahiti and the Islands and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (23 reviews)
"Staff were exceptional. Views from the deck we amazing"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Ninamu Pearl Guest House
Pension de la Plage

Pension de la Plage

PK 15.4 - BP 381593 Tamanu, Punaauia, Tahiti
$117 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$140 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach pension in Punaauia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (140 reviews)
"Staff manager was very friendly and made us feel comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Pension de la Plage
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.
House with private pool

House with private pool

Puna'auia
Stay at this vacation home in Punaauia. Enjoy private pools, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Museum of Tahiti and the Islands and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Amazing View
"We stayed for over 3 weeks and never tired of the view. The drive up the mountain was long and bumpy but worth it. The house is clean and comfortable. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

House with private pool
Villa Teanaiva

Villa Teanaiva

Puna'auia
Stay at this villa in Punaauia. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Papeete Market and Marina Taina are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Wonderful hosts and great accommodations
"We stayed for a week in Tahiti at Teanaiva, which was well appointed and a wonderful property. Maire and Tekura went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed. The stay was a highlight of our vacation. On arrival at 6am we found out that they had been checking flights for arrival times since the ..."

Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025

Villa Teanaiva
Beachfront Home Puna'auia Tahiti

Beachfront Home Puna'auia Tahiti

Punaauia
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Punaauia. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Plage Toaroto and Museum of Tahiti and ...
Beachfront Home Puna'auia Tahiti
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 Punaauia

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
27
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
31
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 4%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

The only bad experience was the Day trip to Tetiaora. The persons in charge when we got at shore started walking without making sure the whole group was together listening to the instructions, and we got lost. It was a very unpleasant experience.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Manava restaurants service needs improvement

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

Stay away

5/5 - Excellent

Tom

We stayed at the Tahiti LA Ora Beach Resort before and after our Wind Star cruise. Very glad we chose this place. Would definitely return.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I stayed at this property after a cruise and before departure. If you are on a diet or don't mind stratospheric food prices, which are common in Tahiti for the limited choices of venues all offering "a vaulted cuisine" with commensurate prices.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Tahiti is an amazing place just wish they focus more on making you feel welcome.

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