"Point Venus Captain James Cook set up his observatory at Point Venus, one of the loveliest spots on the island. The transit of Venus, which happens maybe once a century, lets observers here see the planet move across the sun. (That’s the official reason for the name, but there’s no doubt Cook’s crew, after months at sea, had a different Venus in mind when they saw Tahitian women.) Now the point's a windswept corner of the island that feels like there’s nothing between you and another world but the sea. The lighthouse here, Phare de la Pointe Vénus, was built in 1868, 99 years after Cook's visit."

"Hitiaa Lava Tubes On Tahiti's rocky east coast, the volcanic Lava Tubes of Hitiaa are underground channels and eroded sections of rock in caves that have been penetrated by water. Although you can visit solo, it is really best to visit with a guided 4WD tour. Check with Marama Tours, which also does a range of other island tours from encounters with dolphins to 4WD trips across the Papenoo valley that is rich in waterfalls and archeological sites."

"See the Blow Hole The right swell conditions produce a geyser-like fountain of water that looks very impressive coming up from what is known as the trou du souffleur (blowhole). Located by the road just before Tiarei at PK22 -- if you're coming from Papeete, the blowhole is where the road bends around a corner and you'll see a parking area just beyond it. Just past the blowhole there's a beautiful black-sand beach sliver that makes a great place for a picnic. You'll sometimes even find vendors selling fruit here."

"Circle the Island Drive You can drive the 71-mile circular road around Tahiti Nui in a day, either by renting a car for a day or by joining a guided tour (your hotel will have info for either). Either way, the loop road takes you along the wild and rocky east coast, where you will see spectacular black sand beaches, many hosting excellent surf breaks. By contrast, the island's west coast is tamer and features peaceful lagoons for swimming and even a few white sand beaches, like popular Maui Beach. Extend the drive by continuing into Tahiti Iti, the smaller section of the island at the south end, and forming a figure eight loop to return to Papeete."

"Somehow, while Europeans were still afraid of falling off the edge of the earth, the Polynesians explored and settled the Pacific, sailing about in giant double-hulled canoes known as pahi . They also found time to make really cool art. At the Musée de Tahiti et des Îles, you can get a feeling for what Tahiti was like in the centuries before Captain Cook. The excellent collection includes ritual objects and plenty of canoes (though sadly, not one of the great pahi). You’ll also see lots of tattooing equipment: Tahitians were masters of the craft."

"Galerie des Tropiques is where local artists show their stuff. Take a few minutes to learn the difference between high-quality and low-quality items, and then get shopping. You'll find some very nice carvings here, and plenty of pearl and shark-tooth necklaces."

"James Norman Hall’s Home To see how one family worked out their idea of living in paradise, head to the James Norman Hall Museum (La Maison de James Norman Hall). Hall was the coauthor of the book Mutiny on the Bounty , and with the book’s bounty, he bought a swath of Tahitian beach and built his dream house. Captain Bligh had been sent to Tahiti to collect breadfruit to be transplanted in the West Indies where it was hoped it would prosper as a food source for sugar plantation workers, so don’t miss the breadfruit trees planted here. (If you’ve not tried the fruit, it tastes like a cross between a grapefruit and a pineapple. Delicious.)"

"Harrison Smith Botanical Garden At the beginning of the 20th century, a physics professor in Massachusetts inherited a ton of money. He promptly headed for the South Pacific, settling there and founding what’s now the Harrison Smith Botanical Garden. Maybe Smith had a slight Noah complex: He brought in plants from around the world, which means an African flower might sit next to a South American fern. The problem is that he inadvertently killed off the native plants with his imports. Still, the garden is a lovely spot to wander around, a sampler box of world botany."

"Life across Polynesia was once defined by ritual power. In many places, chiefs were too sacred to actually look at, and if you helped bury a chief, you’d not be allowed to utilize your hands for nine months or more. The 'Ārahurahu Marae, a sacred structure of black stone, was built solely for rituals. Nicely restored, the 'Ārahurahu is set at the foot of a cliff, surrounded by jungle. A trail lined with tikis leads to the three-story marae, which is still in use, revived as part of the Polynesian Renaissance. The marae is worth a visit: Soak up the place to get a feel for a time when this was the island’s heartbeat."

"Snorkelling & Diving With shallow waters, oceanic drop-offs, sunken ships, bright coral walls and diverse marine life, Tahiti is perfect for both beginning and advanced divers, and if you've never dived before, but want to experience the underwater world, you can do an entry level dive that includes a pre-dive morning in the swimming pool learning the basics, followed by a dive that doesn't extend deeper than 15 meters. You can also just book a snorkeling trip, which still lets you see the marine life, including sharks. There are a number of different reputable companies including TOPDive, which is at the Intercontinental Resort and Tahiti Plongée, located at Marina Lotus, nine kilometers from Papeete."

"Mesmerizing Dance Tahitian dancers, known the world over for their passion and energy,aremesmerizing to watch whetherthe dance is slow and graceful or fast and rhythmic. Though dancing is a national pastime in Tahiti, the many dance schoolsrarelytake drop-in students. Don't let that stop you. Traditional Polynesian dance performancesare fantastic. Te Tiare Restaurant, at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, offers Tahitian dance performancesduring dinner service on Friday nights. (If you catch the Tahitian dance fever, make plans to come back for the weeklong dance festival Heiva I Tahiti, held every July."

"Surfing Tahiti Iti Tahiti Iti, Tahiti 's smaller sister island that's connected to the main island at the southeast coast, is home toone of the most famous surfing waves in the Pacific, Teahupoo. This powerful reef break most certainly should not be attempted by anyone but the best surfers—a fall means being dragged by the current across the sharp coral right below the surface. That edge of drama makes for atense but enjoyable afternoon of observation (from the beach). The left break is best between April and October. The Billabong Pro competition is held here August."

"Surfing Tahiti Iti Tahiti Iti, Tahiti 's smaller sister island that's connected to the main island at the southeast coast, is home toone of the most famous surfing waves in the Pacific, Teahupoo. This powerful reef break most certainly should not be attempted by anyone but the best surfers—a fall means being dragged by the current across the sharp coral right below the surface. That edge of drama makes for atense but enjoyable afternoon of observation (from the beach). The left break is best between April and October. The Billabong Pro competition is held here August."

"Hiking to Waterfalls Tahiti is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Polynesia. Stops can include spectacular waterfalls and natural pools, panoramic views, grottos, archeological sites and lava tubes. A favorite hike is to the three Faarumai waterfalls. From the car park it is a quick scramble through a forest of chestnut trees to the first waterfall, Vaimahutu. Continue on for another 20 minutes or so to reach the other to falls Haamarere Iti and Haamarere Rahi, which are almost side-by-side. With hundreds of varieties of tropical trees, plants and flowers, Tahiti also has some of the world's most beautiful gardens. Visit the water gardens of Vaipahi to experience the abundant flora and waterfalls that flow directly into Lake Vaihiria."

"Le Marché de Papeete The perfect place to shop for anything and everything from all the islands is the 155-year-old public market called Le Marché. Located two blocks from the waterfront in the heart of Papeete, the market covers two stories. The lower level is filled with hundreds of stands offering Tahitian-made crafts, oils, vanilla, fruits, and flowers. Upstairs is reserved for artisans selling pareos, carvings, Tifaifai wall hangings and quilts, embroidered cushion covers, and other handicrafts. You'll also find a few good shops for purchasing unique black pearl jewelry at fair prices.An on-sitecafeteria serves local dishes. Le Marché isnotjust a tourist attraction, however—it's a proper market where locals come to shop for meat, fish, fresh flowers, and produce and to chat with friends over coffee at one of the patisseries."

"Picnic on a Motu The small “motu” islets surrounding many of the islands are the perfect spots to enjoy an al fresco island feast. These miniature, palm-covered paradises offer a get-away from the big island and you'll get a taste for paradise in the buff. You won't find roads, cars, markets or restaurants, just secluded atmosphere, pristine surroundings and a romantic ambience. Plus you get a unique view perspective of the Pacific Ocean and the lush mountains of mainland Tahiti. Motu Martin (Motu Au’) is the only private island in the North East Coast of Tahiti. The departure is from Venus Point Lighthouse."