TAHITI ACTIVITIES CENTER
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Plage Vaiava: Tahiti's Pristine White Sand Paradise
Discover Plage Vaiava, Tahiti's idyllic white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunset views.
Plage Vaiava, also known as Plage de Vaiava or PK 18, is celebrated as one of Tahiti's most beautiful white-sand beaches, located in Puna'auia. With its clear turquoise waters, it's a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and family picnics. The beach offers a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and enjoying stunning sunsets.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Plage Vaiava
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Bus
From Papeete, take the bus towards Puna'auia. Buses depart frequently from the main bus terminal. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Once in Puna'auia, walk about 10-15 minutes to reach Plage Vaiava. Bus fare is approximately $6 XPF.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Papeete or the Faa'a International Airport. A taxi ride from Papeete to Plage Vaiava takes about 20 minutes. Expect to pay between 2,500 to 3,500 XPF. Ensure the driver uses the meter.
Car
From Papeete, take Route 2 west towards Puna'auia. After approximately 20 minutes, look for signs for Plage Vaiava. Turn onto the road leading to the beach. A free parking lot is available near the beach entrance, but it fills up quickly.
Local tips
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Arrive early to secure a parking spot, as the lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
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Bring snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant underwater life just off the shore.
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Stay for the sunset; the views are breathtaking and perfect for photography.
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Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, as dining options are limited nearby.
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Check local tide times for the best swimming conditions.
Discover more about Plage Vaiava
Plage Vaiava, often referred to as PK 18 due to its location 18 kilometers from Papeete, is a stunning white-sand beach on the west coast of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Nestled between the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Marina Taina, its accessible location and natural beauty make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The beach is renowned for its clear, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The calm and shallow waters near the shore provide a safe environment for children to play. Snorkelers can explore the coral reefs and observe colorful tropical fish. If you're lucky, you might even spot turtles, rays, or dolphins.
Plage Vaiava is also an ideal spot for relaxation and picnics. The beach provides picnic areas, showers, and restrooms. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks and drinks from nearby vendors. Watching the sunset at Plage Vaiava is a magical experience, with vibrant colors painting the sky and reflecting on the lagoon.
While offering a serene escape, Plage Vaiava is conveniently located near several attractions. The Tahiti Lagoonarium offers the opportunity to swim with sharks and rays, while hiking trails like the Fautaua Valley Trail lead to stunning waterfalls.
A brief summary to Plage Vaiava
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