Punaauia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

3 out of 5
BP 2851 Punavai, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is ฿8,853 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
฿8,853
฿10,834 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Punaauia. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,181 reviews)
"I liked our stay. I will say that the only thing I did not like about Tahiti was the poor treatment and abandoned animals. I wish that your government would do something about this issue. We loved your complimentary breakfast and coffee machine. The activities dept was very good to us."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Ninamu Pearl  Guest House

Ninamu Pearl Guest House

Lotissement Sage, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is ฿4,875 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿4,875
฿5,547 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Punaauia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Museum of Tahiti and the Islands and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
Serenity with views
"This is a delightful, welcoming and serene guest house located high on the hillside above Puna'auia, just south of Papeete, with a view of Moorea in the distance. My only note of caution would be the challenging, sometimes rough and very steep drive to the property but the way is well marked. The ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, 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 - Fare Vainato Beach

Tahiti - Fare Vainato Beach

Punaauia, Punaauia
Stay at this holiday home in Punaauia. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Vai'ava Beach and Mahana Park are located nearby.
Tahiti - Fare Vainato Beach
Tahiti - Vaiava Beach Cottage

Tahiti - Vaiava Beach Cottage

Punaauia, Punaauia
Stay at this holiday home in Punaauia. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Vai'ava Beach and Mahana Park are located nearby.
Tahiti - Vaiava Beach Cottage
Pension Fare Maheata

Pension Fare Maheata

Pihaena Papetoai Pk 14,3 Côté Mer, 9872, Moorea-Maiao
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free parking, a private beach and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (81 reviews)
"Great Homestay. Rental car available upon request, the snokling at the beach front is devine."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Pension Fare Maheata
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

Cities near Punaauia