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
4 out of 5
BP 2851 Punavai, Punaauia, Tahiti
$230 nightly
The price is $253 total per night from May 27 to May 28
$253 total
May 27 - May 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,129 reviews)
"A very nice place. Sad we only stayed one night as we flew out early the next morning."

Reviewed on May 4, 2025

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Ninamu Pearl  Guest House
Ninamu Pearl Guest House
Lotissement Sage, Punaauia, Tahiti
$132 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from May 12 to May 13
$150 total
May 12 - May 13
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 ...
"Beautiful place and nice staff"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Ninamu Pearl Guest House
Pension de la Plage
Pension de la Plage
3 out of 5
PK 15.4 - BP 381593 Tamanu, Punaauia, Tahiti
$125 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from May 14 to May 15
$137 total
May 14 - May 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star 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! (135 reviews)
"Very helpful in allowing us early entry after an early morning arrival in Papeete. We were able to wait around the pool area, in the shade, until our room was ready, before the normal,11 am check in time. No problem either with a 5am check out."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 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 and air conditioning. Popular attractions Museum of Tahiti and the Islands and Musée de Tahiti et ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"A great place to stay with a nice small pool and amazing views."

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025

House with private pool
Tahiti Luxury Apartment with concierge
Tahiti Luxury Apartment with concierge
Puna'auia
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Punaauia. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Papeete Market and Port ...
"This “luxury apartment” was just as advertised. It is a modern apartment with great accommodations. It has everything advertised. The only issue we had was knowing where to tell the immigration agents exactly where we were staying. We never actually got an address from the host. Having said that ..."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Tahiti Luxury Apartment with concierge
Maruapo Guest House - Ocean View
Maruapo Guest House - Ocean View
Punaauia
Stay at this apartment in Punaauia. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Vai'ava Beach and Plage Toaroto are located ...
Maruapo Guest House - Ocean View
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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