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Windward Islands
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Explore the Windward Islands of French Polynesia for Tahiti’s culture, Moorea’s mountain scenery, coral lagoons and Polynesian heritage.

The Windward Islands form the eastern part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands, centred on Tahiti and its smaller neighbouring islands. Tahiti is the largest and most developed island, rising sharply from a narrow coastal plain into the forested peaks of Tahiti Nui and the more rugged Tahiti Iti. Moorea, across the Sea of Moorea, is known for its serrated volcanic mountains, sheltered bays and fertile valleys. Farther offshore, Maiao, Mehetia and the Tetiaroa atoll offer a quieter, more remote dimension to the archipelago.
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Papeete, on Tahiti’s north-west coast, is French Polynesia’s administrative capital and the region’s main gateway. Its waterfront, market, museums and food stalls provide an introduction to contemporary Polynesian life, while the urban area extends through neighbouring coastal districts rather than forming a compact historic centre. Away from Papeete, Tahiti’s ring road links marae, botanical gardens, waterfalls, surf beaches and viewpoints, although mountainous interiors remain largely wild and accessible only on foot or with specialist guides.
Moorea has a more rural rhythm. The island’s coastal road passes through small settlements, plantations and beaches, with Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay opening towards striking volcanic ridges. Belvedere Lookout gives a broad view over the two bays and the central valleys, while lagoon excursions reveal coral gardens, motu islets and marine life. Tahiti is better suited to combining urban facilities, cultural sites and varied excursions; Moorea is particularly rewarding for lagoon activities, hiking and a slower coastal itinerary.
The islands’ cultural identity is Polynesian, but their history also reflects sustained French influence. Traditional dance, carving, tattooing, ocean voyaging and marae heritage remain important cultural reference points, while French is widely used in public life alongside Tahitian and other Polynesian languages. Food combines reef fish, tuna, coconut, taro, breadfruit and tropical fruit with French culinary techniques. Visitors should also recognise that much of the interior and surrounding ocean is environmentally sensitive: respectful access, reef-safe behaviour and attention to local guidance are essential to experiencing the Windward Islands responsibly.

When is the best time to visit Windward Islands?

Best: July–September · 27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January29250
February29200
March30200
April30150
May29100
June28100
July (best)27100
August (best)27100
September (best)27100
October28200
November28200
December29250

Getting to and around Windward Islands

How to get there

Most international visitors arrive at Faa’a International Airport on Tahiti, the principal international airport of French Polynesia and the region’s main gateway. Papeete’s port receives domestic maritime services and some cruise calls, while ferries provide the usual connection between Tahiti and Moorea. Air services may connect Tahiti with the more remote Windward Islands, but routes and schedules can change and should be checked before departure. Tetiaroa, Maiao and Mehetia are not straightforward independent-travel destinations and require advance arrangements.

Transportation

Tahiti is easiest to explore by hire car, taxi or organised excursion, particularly if visiting sites around the island rather than remaining in Papeete. Local buses serve parts of Tahiti but are less convenient for a tightly timed sightseeing itinerary. Moorea has a coastal road and can be explored by hire car, scooter where legally permitted, bicycle or guided tour, although steep interior routes require appropriate fitness and equipment. Ferries link Tahiti and Moorea, but departures and sea conditions are subject to change. Walking is practical within individual settlements and for designated trails, not as a way to cover the islands.

Top city travel guides in Windward Islands

The cities of Windward Islands, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Windward Islands

The Windward Islands offer a compact but varied range of attractions. On Tahiti, Papeete’s market and waterfront introduce local produce, crafts and everyday urban life, while museums and cultural centres explain Polynesian heritage, colonial history and the islands’ changing relationship with France. Around the island, visitors can combine botanical gardens, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, archaeological sites and viewpoints with excursions into valleys and the mountainous interior. Tahiti Iti, the island’s southern peninsula, has a more remote character and is known for dramatic coastal scenery and surf culture, including the area around Teahupo’o. Moorea centres on its lagoon, coral gardens, boat excursions and small offshore motu, with hiking and viewpoints leading into volcanic valleys above Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. The Tetiaroa atoll provides an important contrast through its low coral islands, birdlife and conservation concerns, although access is controlled and not comparable with a conventional day trip. Maiao and Mehetia are much less developed and should be approached as remote islands rather than standard sightseeing stops. Across the region, marine activities depend on weather, tides and responsible interaction with reef ecosystems.

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Best landmarks in Windward Islands

Mountains are among the Windward Islands’ defining landmarks. Tahiti’s jagged interior, including Mount Orohena, the highest point in French Polynesia, rises dramatically behind the coastal settlements, while Moorea’s Mount Rotui stands between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. These volcanic forms are best understood from the water, coastal roads and established viewpoints rather than approached casually through unmarked terrain. On Tahiti, Point Venus marks the northern coast associated with early European voyages and later historical memory, while Arahurahu Marae preserves an important example of a Polynesian ceremonial landscape. Papeete’s waterfront and market form the region’s principal urban landmarks, reflecting its role as capital and port. Teahupo’o on Tahiti Iti is recognised internationally for its powerful surf break and illustrates the meeting of steep land, reef and open ocean, although sea conditions make it unsuitable for inexperienced swimmers. The Tetiaroa atoll is a natural landmark of low coral islets and lagoon rather than monumental architecture, and its ecological significance requires controlled, low-impact access.

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Explore Windward Islands on the map

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Best restaurants in Windward Islands

Dining in the Windward Islands combines Polynesian ingredients with French and international influences. Fresh tuna and other fish, coconut, taro, breadfruit, bananas and tropical fruit appear in home cooking, market food, beachside snacks and restaurant menus. Poisson cru, usually raw fish prepared with lime and coconut milk, is strongly associated with Tahitian cuisine, although recipes and accompaniments vary. Tahiti has the broadest choice, from Papeete market stalls and casual roulottes, or food trucks, to bakeries, cafés, French-style restaurants and contemporary Polynesian cooking. Moorea offers resort dining, family-run establishments and informal coastal places, with a slower evening rhythm outside the main accommodation areas. Visitors can also find dishes influenced by Chinese, French and wider Pacific traditions, reflecting the islands’ migration and trading history. Fresh produce is easiest to appreciate at markets and roadside stalls, but availability varies by season and island. In smaller or more remote communities, meal choices may be limited and advance planning is sensible.

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Best bars in Windward Islands

Nightlife is concentrated mainly on Tahiti, especially in and around Papeete, where bars, cafés, hotel lounges, restaurants and occasional live-music venues provide the broadest evening choice. The city’s roulottes and late food options can be as important to the local night-time scene as formal clubs. Moorea’s evenings are generally quieter, centred on resort bars, restaurants, small local establishments and occasional cultural or music programmes rather than a large nightclub circuit. Tahiti’s wider coastal districts also offer places for an early drink or dinner, but distances and limited late transport make taxis, organised transfers or a designated driver important. On smaller islands and atolls, evening entertainment is primarily associated with accommodation, community events or the natural setting rather than commercial nightlife. Drinking is not necessary to engage with local culture, and visitors should respect residential areas and local closing arrangements.

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Best nightclubs in Windward Islands

Nightlife is concentrated mainly on Tahiti, especially in and around Papeete, where bars, cafés, hotel lounges, restaurants and occasional live-music venues provide the broadest evening choice. The city’s roulottes and late food options can be as important to the local night-time scene as formal clubs. Moorea’s evenings are generally quieter, centred on resort bars, restaurants, small local establishments and occasional cultural or music programmes rather than a large nightclub circuit. Tahiti’s wider coastal districts also offer places for an early drink or dinner, but distances and limited late transport make taxis, organised transfers or a designated driver important. On smaller islands and atolls, evening entertainment is primarily associated with accommodation, community events or the natural setting rather than commercial nightlife. Drinking is not necessary to engage with local culture, and visitors should respect residential areas and local closing arrangements.

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Best shops in Windward Islands

Papeete is the Windward Islands’ main shopping centre, with the central market offering fruit, prepared food, flowers, woven goods and locally made souvenirs alongside everyday island commerce. Shops in and around the capital sell pearls sourced from French Polynesia, carved objects, monoi products, textiles, artwork and food products, but buyers should ask about provenance and choose reputable sellers. Moorea has smaller concentrations of craft shops, galleries, market stalls and roadside stands, often with locally produced fruit, preserves, vanilla-based goods and handmade items. Shopping outside Tahiti is less extensive, and remote islands have limited retail infrastructure rather than conventional visitor districts. Useful souvenirs include designs connected with Polynesian tattooing and navigation, responsibly sourced craftwork, locally produced cosmetics and packaged food that can legally be taken home. Markets and small businesses may accept cash more readily than cards, while opening arrangements can be limited outside the principal settlements.

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Windward Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the French Polynesian franc, usually written CFP franc and coded XPF. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, larger shops, supermarkets and many established restaurants, especially on Tahiti and Moorea. Carry some cash for small food stalls, rural purchases, local transport, markets and places with unreliable connectivity. French Polynesia uses the same currency throughout its islands, but banking and cash facilities are much more limited away from the main population centres.
Safety
Normal precautions are appropriate in Papeete, at busy waterfronts and around vehicles or unattended belongings. Outdoor risks deserve more attention: intense sun, dehydration, sudden rain, slippery trails, sharp coral, strong currents and changing lagoon conditions can all cause problems. Follow local advice when swimming, snorkelling, hiking or travelling by boat, and do not assume that a calm-looking lagoon is free from currents. On Tahiti and Moorea, roads can be narrow or poorly lit in places; drive slowly, particularly at night and on unfamiliar mountain roads.
Emergency Situations
French Polynesia follows French emergency arrangements: call 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police, 18 for fire and 112 from a mobile phone for general emergencies. The relevant emergency service can coordinate assistance, including maritime help where appropriate. In remote valleys, on outer islands or at sea, response times may be longer and mobile coverage may be limited, so tell someone your route and carry essential water, supplies and communication equipment for independent excursions. Travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation is prudent for activities away from urban areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting churches, marae, museums and villages, and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or private property. Do not touch coral, stand on living reef, feed marine animals or remove shells and stones from natural or cultural sites. In a marae or other sacred place, follow signs and local guidance rather than treating the site as a casual photo backdrop. Queueing, punctuality and polite greetings are valued in public settings, while tipping is not generally compulsory in the way it may be in some countries; a modest gratuity for genuinely good service is discretionary.
Local Tips
Tahiti’s coastal road is useful for linking cultural sites, gardens, beaches and viewpoints, but allow more time than map distances suggest because traffic can build around Papeete and weather can slow mountain routes. Moorea’s bays and interior viewpoints are best appreciated outside the busiest excursion periods. Local markets are particularly useful for fruit, snacks and prepared food, while small shops may close earlier or observe different hours than visitors expect. Learn a few Tahitian greetings and place names, but use French when discussing practical matters if that is more comfortable for both sides.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloIa orana[ee-ah oh-rah-nah]
GoodbyeNana[nah-nah]
YesEee[ay]
NoAita[eye-tah]
Please/You're welcomeE na oe[ay nah oh-eh]
Thank youMauruuru[mow-roo-roo]
Excuse me/SorryTera na[teh-rah nah]
How are you?O vai oe?[oh vai oh-eh]
Fine. And you?Ua maitai. E na oe?[oo-ah my-tie. eh nah oh-eh]
Do you speak English?E parau oe i te reo Pākīpika?[eh pah-rau oh-eh ee teh ray-oh pah-kee-pee-kah]
I don't understandAita au i te maitai[eye-tah ow ee teh my-tie]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTe hinaaro au e riro i te menu, e na oe[teh hee-nah-roh ow eh ree-roh ee teh meh-noo, eh nah oh-eh]
I don't eat meatAita au e 'ai i te mea 'ai[eye-tah ow eh eye ee teh meh-ah eye]
Cheers!Mauruuru![mow-roo-roo]
I would like to pay, pleaseTe hinaaro au e utu, e na oe[teh hee-nah-roh ow eh oo-too, eh nah oh-eh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Araa![ah-rah-ah]
Go away!E haere atu![eh hi-reh ah-too]
Call the Police!A faaitoito i te pūerto![ah fah-ee-toh-ee-toh ee teh poo-er-toh]
Call a doctor!A faaitoito i te taote![ah fah-ee-toh-ee-toh ee teh tah-oh-teh]
I'm lostE haere au i te hia[eh hi-reh ow ee teh hee-ah]
I'm illE ma'i au[eh mah-ee ow]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Te hinaaro au e utu i...[teh hee-nah-roh ow eh oo-too ee...]
I'm just lookingE tei au e tiro[eh tay ow eh tee-roh]
How much is it?E hia te utu?[eh hee-ah teh oo-too]
That's too expensiveE mea rahi te utu[eh meh-ah rah-hee teh oo-too]
Can you lower the price?E nehenehe oe e faaiti i te utu?[eh neh-eh-neh-eh oh-eh eh fah-ee-tee ee teh oo-too]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?E aha te hora?[eh ah-hah teh ho-rah]
It's one o'clockE hora tahi[eh ho-rah tah-hee]
Half past (10)E pāpā i te (10)[eh pah-pah ee teh (10)]
MorningAhi ahi[ah-hee ah-hee]
AfternoonAhi matahiti[ah-hee mah-tah-hee-tee]
EveningAhi pō[ah-hee poh]
YesterdayTēnā[teh-nah]
TodayO vai[oh vai]
TomorrowO te apato[oh teh ah-pah-toh]
1Tahi[tah-hee]
2Piti[pee-tee]
3Torutoru[toh-roo-toh-roo]
4Pā[pah]
5Rima[ree-mah]
6Ono[oh-noh]
7Hitu[hee-too]
8Vaʻa[vah-ah]
9Iva[ee-vah]
10Tahi[tah-hee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?E hea te...?[eh he-ah teh...?]
What's the address?E aha te 'adresse?[eh ah-hah teh ah-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?E nehenehe oe e faataha i (te mapu)?[eh neh-eh-neh-eh oh-eh eh fah-tah-hah ee (teh mah-poo)?]
When's the next (bus)?E aha te pāpā (bus) i te mahana?[eh ah-hah teh pah-pah (bus) ee teh mah-hah-nah?]
A ticket (to ....)Te pāpā (i ....)[teh pah-pah (ee ....)]

History of Windward Islands

Polynesian Settlement and Ocean Voyaging

The Windward Islands were settled by Polynesian navigators who crossed large stretches of the Pacific in sophisticated ocean-going canoes. Tahiti and Moorea developed societies organised around extended communities, chiefly authority, agriculture and maritime exchange. Taro, breadfruit, bananas and other cultivated plants supported inland and coastal settlements, while the lagoon and open sea supplied fish. Archaeological and cultural landscapes, including marae ceremonial sites, preserve evidence of religious and political life before European contact.

European Contact in the Eighteenth Century

European voyages brought the Society Islands into wider geographic knowledge during the eighteenth century. British navigator Samuel Wallis reached Tahiti in 1767, followed by Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and James Cook, whose voyages gave European audiences influential, though often incomplete, accounts of Polynesian society. Contact introduced new trade goods, weapons, illnesses and political pressures. The passage of European ships marked the beginning of transformations that would affect authority, religion, commerce and landholding throughout the Windward Islands.

The Rise of the Pōmare Dynasty

The Pōmare dynasty consolidated power in Tahiti and extended its influence across much of the Society Islands during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Strategic alliances, warfare and access to European firearms contributed to this political expansion. Pōmare II later converted to Christianity, and the dynasty became closely associated with the development of the Tahitian kingdom under growing missionary and foreign influence. Royal and missionary histories remain visible in churches, cultural institutions and the political memory of Tahiti.

Missionaries, Christianity and Social Change

London Missionary Society representatives established a sustained presence in Tahiti from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and Christianity spread through Tahiti and Moorea. Conversion brought major changes to ceremonial practice, education, law and public morality, while traditional beliefs and social structures were reshaped rather than simply disappearing. Historic churches and marae landscapes reflect different layers of this transition. The period also produced written records that strongly influenced later European understandings of Polynesia.

French Protectorate and Annexation

France established a protectorate over Tahiti in the nineteenth century, followed by the annexation of Tahiti and its dependencies in 1880. The change placed the Windward Islands within the expanding French colonial system and altered the relationship between local rulers, land and administration. French institutions, education and legal structures became increasingly influential, while Tahitian language and cultural practices continued within families and communities. The islands remain part of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of the French Republic.

Pearling, Plantation Agriculture and Port Development

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the islands’ economy combined subsistence and commercial agriculture with maritime trade, fishing and wider colonial commerce. Coconut products, vanilla and other tropical goods became important at different times, while Papeete developed as a port and administrative centre. French commercial and transport networks connected the Windward Islands more closely with the wider Pacific. These changes contributed to the concentration of services around Tahiti, a pattern that still shapes travel, employment and supplies across the region.

Modern French Polynesia and Cultural Renewal

After the Second World War, French Polynesia experienced rapid urbanisation, improved transport and stronger economic links with France and international tourism. Papeete and its surrounding districts expanded, while tourism became particularly important on Tahiti and Moorea. From the late twentieth century, renewed interest in Tahitian language, dance, navigation, tattooing, crafts and marae heritage strengthened public cultural expression. Contemporary identity in the Windward Islands therefore combines Polynesian cultural revival with French citizenship, institutions and global connections.

Windward Islands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Windward Islands

Discover the best of Windward Islands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive, app-based travel guide to the Windward Islands, French Polynesia. This 100% free app offers detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, shops, bars, hotels, tours, and experiences, all in one place.

  • History of Windward Islands and essential travel information.
  • Local advice to enhance your travel experience.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature.
  • Curated local tips to experience the destination like a local.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Planning a trip to the Windward Islands? Look no further than Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app that ensures you make the most of your visit to this tropical paradise. From the moment you land in Tahiti, the heart of the Windward Islands, Evendo will guide you to the most iconic landmarks like the Papeete Market, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and find unique souvenirs. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Moorea Lagoon or hike the rugged trails of Mount Orohena for breathtaking views.

Savor the culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Le Coco's and Snack Mahana, offering everything from traditional Tahitian dishes to exquisite international cuisine. Evendo provides detailed descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, making your planning seamless and stress-free.

The app also features easy booking options for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, so you can plan your entire trip without switching between multiple platforms. Whether you're looking for nightlife hotspots, serene beaches, or adventurous activities, Evendo has curated the best local tips to ensure you experience the Windward Islands like a true local.

Don't miss out on must-visit attractions such as the Faarumai Waterfalls, the historic Marae Arahurahu, and the vibrant Toatea Lookout. With Evendo, navigating the Windward Islands is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly interface and 'Near Me' feature that highlights nearby attractions and activities in real-time. Download Evendo now and unlock the full potential of your journey to the Windward Islands.

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