Things to do in Windward Islands

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Tahiti showing coral, general coastal views and island images


Windward Islands must see attractions

1. Papeete Market

The oldest attraction on the island, Papeete Market, sits in the heart of French Polynesia’s capital city, just a short walk from the bay. It is a colorful and stimulating place with an array of food and keepsakes. Find hats, necklaces, fruit, vegetables and traditional souvenirs with a Tahitian theme lining the shelves of the modern complex that holds the market. Bright, decorative banners and streamers help to create a festive atmosphere among the inexpensive items for sale.
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Papeete Market featuring markets and food

2. Moorea Tropical Garden

Moorea Tropical Garden is a small but productive plantation garden on the western foothills of Mount Rotui. Visit this farming estate to learn about the daily operations of the garden and to sample exquisite farm-to-table produce. Peruse the collections of locally grown tropical fruits and sample a range of sweet treats made using garden-grown ingredients. Wander around the gardens and check out the flowerbeds and fragrant vanilla plantations with your camera at hand.
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Moorea Tropical Garden which includes forests and food

3. Point Venus Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach (Plage de la Pointe Venus) is an extraordinary black beach created by volcanic eruptions. It has a historic lighthouse and is a popular place for sailing. Come to this otherworldly beach with your family and friends to relax and work on your tan.
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Black Sand Beach featuring general coastal views as well as a family

4. Papeete Town Hall

The standout building in French Polynesia’s capital city is the architectural wonder of Papeete Town Hall. This magnificent structure was built as a replica of a former royal palace. Its bright yellow façade, white columns, red roof and scenic gardens perfectly embody the French colonial style that can be seen throughout Tahiti. Notice its red-and-white clock tower, an iconic symbol that hovers over the city.
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Papeete Town Hall which includes an administrative buidling

5. Robert Wan Pearl Museum

The Black Pearl Museum houses the largest Tahitian pearl in the world and is one of the only institutions in the world entirely devoted to pearls. The rare black pearl remains as exceptional today as in the fabled pirate tales and mythology. Enjoy the air of mysticism surrounding this Tahiti museum, where the cultural importance of pearls is explained through storytelling, history exhibits and works of art.
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Black Pearl Museum showing fashion

6. Tiki Village Cultural Centre

The vibrancy of Tahitian culture comes to life at the Tiki Village Cultural Centre. Discover a rich collection of exhibits that display thousands of years of Polynesian traditions through reconstructions of dwellings and live demonstrations. Join a cultural workshop to learn about intricate handicrafts or dine on local cuisine at the cultural center’s restaurant.
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Tiki Village Cultural Centre showing indigenous culture, performance art and night scenes

Discover the most popular places to visit in Windward Islands

Popular day trips from Windward Islands