Punaauia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Museum of Tahiti featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and swimming
Museum of Tahiti featuring indigenous culture and interior views
Punaauia
Museum of Tahiti showing interior views
Museum of Tahiti featuring a garden

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

3 out of 5
BP 2851 Punavai, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is AU$520 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$520
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-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! (1,182 reviews)
"Te Moana is a pleasant hotel. Cleanliness is seen throughout the hotel. Staff is very attentive with Polynesian hospitality. As others have mentioned the hotel could use a bit of renovations and the rooms do in fact have a "unpleasant smell". The pool area also needs renovations. All in all it's ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Ninamu Pearl  Guest House

Ninamu Pearl Guest House

Lotissement Sage, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is AU$258 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
AU$258
23 Aug - 24 Aug
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (29 reviews)
"Lovely view! Road to property was aweful; dirt and potholes. Room was nice, but needed some maintenance attention. The pool area was very nice, and views overlooked Moorea Island. Food in restaurant was indifferent, and our meal, pizza, was over cooked. A nice place to stay as easy access to the ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Ninamu Pearl Guest House
Tahiti Lagoon Resort

Tahiti Lagoon Resort

4 out of 5
PK15 Cote Mer, Punaauia, Tahiti
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Punaauia. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Plage Toaroto and Museum of Tahiti and the ...
Tahiti Lagoon Resort
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, quiet air-conditioned tropical villa, marvelous lagoon and mountain view

Tahiti, quiet air-conditioned tropical villa, marvelous lagoon and mountain view

Punauuauia
Stay at this vacation home in Punaauia. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Papeete Market and Port de Papeete are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
Heaven on Earth!
"Incredible views & lovely, peaceful setting! We would love to stay here again on our next trip to French Polynesia!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Tahiti, quiet air-conditioned tropical villa, marvelous lagoon and mountain view
CHARMING BUNGALOW in Punaauia, with a dream view of Moorea

CHARMING BUNGALOW in Punaauia, with a dream view of Moorea

Punaauia
Stay at this vacation home in Punaauia. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Papeete Market and Port de Papeete are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"This was of great value that we booked two nights to have the convenience of having a safe place for our luggage and a place to shower before our flight out very late at night. The check out process made it easy to do that."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

CHARMING BUNGALOW in Punaauia, with a dream view of Moorea
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
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.

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