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
The price is ₩366,299 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
₩366,299
₩466,001 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & 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! (1,169 reviews)
"Pretty much the most beautiful location I’ve ever been to. The views were amazing from sunrise to sunset. The people were kind , friendly and helpful. Food at the resort was good but expensive. Many very good options within walking distance including right across the street. I will return one ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Ninamu Pearl  Guest House
Ninamu Pearl Guest House
Lotissement Sage, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is ₩225,234 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
₩225,234
₩256,125 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & 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! (22 reviews)
Ocean view room is amazing!
"Ninamu Pearl was perfect for our family. The ocean view room with plunge pool was such a beautiful and unique start to our trip on Tahiti. You definitely need a car for this accommodation as it’s up a steep road, but completely worth it for the view alone."

Reviewed on May 19, 2025

Ninamu Pearl Guest House
Pension de la Plage
Pension de la Plage
PK 15.4 - BP 381593 Tamanu, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is ₩163,461 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
₩163,461
₩194,505 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & 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.
Tahiti - Fare Vainato Beach
Tahiti - Fare Vainato Beach
Punaauia
Stay at this vacation home in Punaauia. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Vai'ava Beach and Mahana Park are located nearby.
Tahiti - Fare Vainato Beach
Pension Fare Maheata
Pension Fare Maheata
Pihaena Papetoai Pk 14,3 Côté Mer, 9872, Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (80 reviews)
"Wonderful location, super quiet and very nice staff. Direct access to the lagoon with kayaks and Sups available. Breakfast included, on the beach with your feet in the water. That's where I'll go again next time. Mauruuru Roa."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Pension Fare Maheata
GREAT HOUSE BY MANAEVA LODGE
GREAT HOUSE BY MANAEVA LODGE
Lot Tetou Motu Temae, Moorea-Maiao, Îles du Vent
Stay at this vacation home in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Moorea Ferry Terminal and Toatea Lookout ...
"Confusing checking. House is not properly sealed, allowing mosquitoes and other insects inside."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

GREAT HOUSE BY MANAEVA LODGE
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

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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