going to tahiti for HM???
LONG but this looks helpful!
Tahiti
Restaurants:
Le Belvedere - fantastic view from the top of the mountain, very bumpy ride up the hill, will send a bus for pickup at your hotel, good food that’s over priced as usual.
Le Lotus - located at the IC Beachcomber Hotel, average food, very expensive.
Le Coco’s - excellent food, down the road from the IC Beachcomber
Dragon D’or – great Chinese food, open Sunday, closed Monday.
Lou Pescadou's – located in PPT city, great pasta and pizzas, nice relaxed atmosphere. In-expensive and credit cards are accepted. Less than two blocks from the Cathedral.
Shopping:
Papeete Down town Market Place (2 levels) - best priced souvenirs in French Polynesia, including Black Pearls; if you can’t find it there it’s not in F.P.
Sabani Pearls - Papeete
Tahiti Pearl Market - Papeete
Tahiti T-Shirts near Magic Pearl, great selection of T-shirts, and some are made in Tahiti.
Moorea
Restaurants:
Aito - good fish house
Le Plantation - very nice, tropical plantation type ambiance.
Te Honu Iti - up scale, expensive, romantic, one of the nicest places on Moorea. Ask for a table by the railing so you can watch and feed the fish.
Alfredo’s - nice ambiance, good food, better than most in service.
Le Bateau (the Floating Boat) – located in front of the Linareva Hotel in Haapiti, nice ambiance, small and quaint, good food, expensive, look out for the killer drinks, two rounds and you’re three sheets into the wind!
Le Nouveau Monde - at Cook’s Bay, new management, rated highly by the locals.
Le Mahogany - nice ambiance, very good French, Tahitian and Chinese food.
Chez Michelle - at Cook’s Bay, next to the bridge, small place, Internet access available, good food with reasonable prices.
Chez Capo - located in Moorea Airport, nice place, very good Polynesian specialty food.
Mayflower – Very good French Food, friendly staff, try the Curry Shrimp
Le Cocotier - excellent French Food.
Le Sud - no details
Le Pecheur - on Cooks Bay, no other details
Les Tipaniers - nice place, good food.
Sheraton Moorea BBQ - excellent food, very nice time.
Tortuga’s – a good Pizza and Itallian seafood place, located n Haapiti between the Hibiscus and Moorea Village hotels.
Le Motu Pizza - across from Club Med, excellent sandwiches and burgers.
Allo’s Pizza - near Club Bali Hai, will deliver to most hotels.
Blue Pineapple (L’ananas bleu) - located at the Club Bali Hai on Cook’s Bay, serves breakfast and lunch, great hamburgers and fresh seafood.
Royal Chicken - roulotte on the road between the Hibiscus and Moorea Village for some of the best rotisserie chicken ever, call for take out/pickup.
Miss Pizza – great hamburgers, as well as pizza, inexpensive, across from ICB
La Licorne d'Or (Gold Unicorn) - Might be the finest on Moorea and certainly the prettiest. A ways south of the Sheraton, but they pick up and deliver (in an ancient Fiat).
Roulotte Chez Mariana - in Maharepa. It's in the magasin parking lot right next to Le Mahogany. She's not there Mondays and Tuesdays. Best Chao men, poisson cru, and boeuf au legumes anywhere on the island.
Roulotte Tavairai - in Maharepa. Look for the christmas lights and it has a semi permanent hut where you eat. Excellent chao men and poisson cru.
Roulotte in Pao Pao - at the mouth of Opunohu bay as you are coming from CBH. It's between the Sheraton and the sailing school. It's also semi permanent, with a very small trailer and a separate cooking area. It has separate toilettes too. It's easiest to find if you look for the two 10x20 portable tents (car type) set up to shelter you as you eat. Excellent food.
Jules and Claudine Roulotte - at the wharf in Pao Pao. This is in walking distance from Club Bali Hai, before the supermarche. It has lots of bright yellow tables and chairs to eat at.
Roulotte Papetoai - near the magasin in the main part of the village.
Pizza Daniel - near marker 34, close to Haapiti, very unique setting and great pizza.
Activities:
Shark and Ray Feeding – Moorea Campground Shark and Ray Feeding Tour (Location on map: PK 27.5, Phone: 56 14 42) which you can book directly. The morning tour runs from 10:00 – 1:00pm, and the afternoon runs from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Visitors are charged 2000 CFP or about $20.00. The Campground is about 50 yards from Moorea Village. Bring your own mask and snorkel, and beer or soft drinks. Great value for the money.
4x4 Island Tour- Albert Tours among others.
The Dolphin Experience - at the IC Beachcomber, three levels of price. Be sure and make a reservation in advance.
Boat rentals – Moorea Loca Boat, no permit required, located at the 'Les Tipaniers' hotel ( http://www.gomoorea.com/sea_activities ). Phone 78 13 39
Whale & Dolphin viewing – Dr. Poole’s Whale & Dolphin Watch
Hard Hat Diving - Aqua Blue excursion. If you don't scuba dive but would like a similar experience this excursion is great. Put on a hard hat helmet and walk on the lagoon floor, lots of fun, easy, and no risk.
Shopping:
Black Pearls - Black Pearl Gem Co (free beer), Sibani Pearls, Herman’s Pearls, Pai Moana, and Eva’s (nice lady, well educated) to name a few. Most of these shops will pick you up from your hotel.
Belevedere Lookout - general store within walking distance.
Pineapple Distillery - watch your drinking, particularly in the afternoon as they have sobriety stops around the Island.
Le Petit Village - near IC Beachcomber, small shopping center with a Grocery Store, Souvenir Shops, Bank and Internet access.
Magasin Vaiterua Market - take a right out of the Sheraton and walk about 15 mins., small store with breads, juices and beer. Also another store about 15 mins. walk to the right out of the Sheraton, good meat and cheese selection.
Socredo Shopping Center - located in Maharepa, many shops, restaurants, etc.
Raehau Shopping Center - located in Maharepa as well.
Mereat' Art - Little roadside boutique at PK 13.9, to the left about 200m when exiting the Sheraton grounds
Rent a car and take a cruise around the Island, many shops and places to stop, great views around every corner. Also, lots of beaches to stop at and take a snorkel or a dip.
Bora Bora
Restaurants:
Top Dive - most up scale/fancy restaurant on the island, very romantic ambiance, excellent food, very expensive.
Bloody Mary’s - great ambiance, Ok food and service, very touristy, and expensive.
La Bounty - casual outdoor dining, rated very well on most forums.
Bamboo House - nice relaxed ambiance, mixed reviews.
Fare Manuia – 5 min. walk from the IC Beachcomber, nice place, intimate, top rate food with reasonable prices.
Hotel Bora Bora BBQ - dynamite food, great show, and killer ambiance.
Snack Matira - sandwiches, burgers, fries, etc.
Ben’s Pizza - pizza, burgers, fries, etc. Open until 5:00 pm.
Restaurant Patoti - snacks, burgers, fries, and also serves a variety of fish, steak, duck, and desserts.
Villa Mahana - fairly new - arguably the best food on the Island. The ambiance is beautiful and romantic. There are five tables on the main level, and two tables up a few stairs that get reserved early. If you can, try to get the table at the very top, but if you can't, don't worry, there isn't a bad table there. http://www.villamahana.com
Kaina Hut : http://www.kainahut.com/menu.html
The Snack Matira Beach - Close to the Hotel Matira. Can be accessed from the road or from the beach. Good breakfasts for reasonable prices. Decent Ham and Cheese omelets for less than 1000cfp. They also serve lunch and dinner. Cheeseburger and fries is 1300cfp.
Pirate Bar – on the water, occasional Manta Ray viewing, nice atmosphere, reasonable prices.
L'Appetisserie: In the back of a strip mall; cheap little sandwich shop; also has other snacks, croissants, ice cream, and a few computers to check your E-Mail.
Snack Bora Burgers - Next to post office; small fast food place; has good burgers and fries as well as croque monsieur
Activities:
Shark and Ray Feeding - Tevia Tours, Taremoana Tours, and Patrick’s among others, any hotel or travel agent can book them.
4x4 Island Tour- Patrick’s among others.
Private Picnic - Etienne’s Tour, Patrick’s, or Keishi Tour will arrange these outings. I highly recommend Keishi (ask for Pierrot, Phone 79 26 56). He sets up a table in the lagoon water next to a private Motu. Lunch features Lobster, Crab, Steak, Chicken, Fruit and Champagne. Snorkeling around the Island, Shark and Ray Feeding, Manta Ray viewing and whatever else your heart desires. These run around $500.00 for two, plus $100.00 for each additional person. The operator will usually pick you up at your hotel around 9:30am and drop you off at 3:00pm.
Patrick’s tour is also very nice. He serves a traditional Tahitian feast of foods cooked in an ahima'a (underground oven). Meals consist of roast pig, breadfruit, plantains, taro leaves, and the ever present poisson cru. Patrick is from Bora Bora and is a gracious host.
Horse Back Riding - Ranch Reva Reva, on private Motu for Beach and interior ride.
Bora Bora Lagoonarium - across from Le Meridian, swim with the sharks and many other sea creatures, can also purchase a movie of you swimming with the Sharks.
Sunset Cocktail Cruise - aboard the “Taravana” with Captain Richard, sails from many of the hotels, can be booked through your hotel or travel agent.
Boat rentals – based at Matira Beach, small boats, no permit required, larger boat requires a license, also a taxi service to and/or from any place on the Island (Phone (689) 67.60.61 ). Ask for Rene or Maguy.
( www.boraboraisland.com/todo/maevas/taxi.html )
Parasailing – Bora Bora Parasailing, offers single and double person rides, no age limit. Contact B.P. 567 - Vaitape, Bora Bora Tel/ Fax: (689) 67 70 34 , GSM: 78 27 10 http://www.tahiticoupons.com/English/dream_idp.php?cat=19&name=Parasailing.
Shopping:
Black Pearls - several places around the Island, rent a Le Car and have fun.
Souvenirs and Shops - the Flea Market Building near the wharf in Vaitape. Tiare Market, turn left out of the Sofitel Marara, it’s about a five-minute walk. China Lee Market in Viatape. O.P.E.C., on the road from Viatape to Matira Point. Boutique Fareani north of the ICB, it sells ice cream bars and nick knacks.
Huahine
Restaurants:
Poetaina – Located in Fare. They serve fresh fish with terrific sauces. Very friendly and affordable.
Te Marara – Located at the edge of the main street. The Vanilla Mahi Mahi is a must.
La Bousole – Located next to the Te Tiare transfer base.
Chez Guynette - Nice place for lunch or an inexpensive breakfast, small menu but good food and people watching.
Te Tiare Hotel - has an excellent restaurant.
Pension Mauarii – Lunch and dinner.
Relais Mahana Hotel - Nice for lunch and dinner. Great seafood and good prices.
Patisserie Fare – Located across the street from the post office, about a 5-10 min walk towards the airport.
Temarara - A true South Pacific Bar, and be sure to try a maitai.
Chez Tara's – Just up the beach from Pension Mauarii. Large portions of great food and very reasonable prices.
Activities:
Maraamu kite surfing - They also have Hobie Cats, Wind Suring, and many other activities/rentals. Website: http://www.tahitikite.com/2004/kitesurfA.htm
Huahine Natique - They provide Shark Feeding, Picnic, and Jet Skiing tours.
Website: http://www.huahine-nautique.com/accueilpicnicA.htm
Island Eco Tours - run by Mr. Paul Atallah, his morning tour is highly recommended. Telephone Paul at (689) 68.79.67 or book through your hotel.
Huahine Explorer – 4x4 trips and Island tours. Website: http://www.iaorana-huahine.com/en/explorer.html
Eurocar – Located in Fare, rental cars and bikes.
Boat Rentals - Downtown, small gas powered boats can be rented to tour the lagoon.
Shopping:
Magasin – A very small market located about 2 km south of the Relais Mahana hotel - around the point and just past Flosse's estate on the left side of the road.
Huahine Pearl Farm - Owned by an American and his Tahitian wife. They also feature pottery and very nice carved coral sculptures.
Melanie Dupres art work, her store is located right after the bridge on the road to the Sofitel. Has posters, lithographs, oil paintings, etc.
Super Fare Nui-the grocery store downtown has notices on what is going on in Huahine; but bring a French dictionary to read the notices.
Downtown Fare – has several road side vendors, markets, roulettes, and small shops as well.
Tahiti
Restaurants:
Le Belvedere - fantastic view from the top of the mountain, very bumpy ride up the hill, will send a bus for pickup at your hotel, good food that’s over priced as usual.
Le Lotus - located at the IC Beachcomber Hotel, average food, very expensive.
Le Coco’s - excellent food, down the road from the IC Beachcomber
Dragon D’or – great Chinese food, open Sunday, closed Monday.
Lou Pescadou's – located in PPT city, great pasta and pizzas, nice relaxed atmosphere. In-expensive and credit cards are accepted. Less than two blocks from the Cathedral.
Shopping:
Papeete Down town Market Place (2 levels) - best priced souvenirs in French Polynesia, including Black Pearls; if you can’t find it there it’s not in F.P.
Sabani Pearls - Papeete
Tahiti Pearl Market - Papeete
Tahiti T-Shirts near Magic Pearl, great selection of T-shirts, and some are made in Tahiti.
Moorea
Restaurants:
Aito - good fish house
Le Plantation - very nice, tropical plantation type ambiance.
Te Honu Iti - up scale, expensive, romantic, one of the nicest places on Moorea. Ask for a table by the railing so you can watch and feed the fish.
Alfredo’s - nice ambiance, good food, better than most in service.
Le Bateau (the Floating Boat) – located in front of the Linareva Hotel in Haapiti, nice ambiance, small and quaint, good food, expensive, look out for the killer drinks, two rounds and you’re three sheets into the wind!
Le Nouveau Monde - at Cook’s Bay, new management, rated highly by the locals.
Le Mahogany - nice ambiance, very good French, Tahitian and Chinese food.
Chez Michelle - at Cook’s Bay, next to the bridge, small place, Internet access available, good food with reasonable prices.
Chez Capo - located in Moorea Airport, nice place, very good Polynesian specialty food.
Mayflower – Very good French Food, friendly staff, try the Curry Shrimp
Le Cocotier - excellent French Food.
Le Sud - no details
Le Pecheur - on Cooks Bay, no other details
Les Tipaniers - nice place, good food.
Sheraton Moorea BBQ - excellent food, very nice time.
Tortuga’s – a good Pizza and Itallian seafood place, located n Haapiti between the Hibiscus and Moorea Village hotels.
Le Motu Pizza - across from Club Med, excellent sandwiches and burgers.
Allo’s Pizza - near Club Bali Hai, will deliver to most hotels.
Blue Pineapple (L’ananas bleu) - located at the Club Bali Hai on Cook’s Bay, serves breakfast and lunch, great hamburgers and fresh seafood.
Royal Chicken - roulotte on the road between the Hibiscus and Moorea Village for some of the best rotisserie chicken ever, call for take out/pickup.
Miss Pizza – great hamburgers, as well as pizza, inexpensive, across from ICB
La Licorne d'Or (Gold Unicorn) - Might be the finest on Moorea and certainly the prettiest. A ways south of the Sheraton, but they pick up and deliver (in an ancient Fiat).
Roulotte Chez Mariana - in Maharepa. It's in the magasin parking lot right next to Le Mahogany. She's not there Mondays and Tuesdays. Best Chao men, poisson cru, and boeuf au legumes anywhere on the island.
Roulotte Tavairai - in Maharepa. Look for the christmas lights and it has a semi permanent hut where you eat. Excellent chao men and poisson cru.
Roulotte in Pao Pao - at the mouth of Opunohu bay as you are coming from CBH. It's between the Sheraton and the sailing school. It's also semi permanent, with a very small trailer and a separate cooking area. It has separate toilettes too. It's easiest to find if you look for the two 10x20 portable tents (car type) set up to shelter you as you eat. Excellent food.
Jules and Claudine Roulotte - at the wharf in Pao Pao. This is in walking distance from Club Bali Hai, before the supermarche. It has lots of bright yellow tables and chairs to eat at.
Roulotte Papetoai - near the magasin in the main part of the village.
Pizza Daniel - near marker 34, close to Haapiti, very unique setting and great pizza.
Activities:
Shark and Ray Feeding – Moorea Campground Shark and Ray Feeding Tour (Location on map: PK 27.5, Phone: 56 14 42) which you can book directly. The morning tour runs from 10:00 – 1:00pm, and the afternoon runs from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Visitors are charged 2000 CFP or about $20.00. The Campground is about 50 yards from Moorea Village. Bring your own mask and snorkel, and beer or soft drinks. Great value for the money.
4x4 Island Tour- Albert Tours among others.
The Dolphin Experience - at the IC Beachcomber, three levels of price. Be sure and make a reservation in advance.
Boat rentals – Moorea Loca Boat, no permit required, located at the 'Les Tipaniers' hotel ( http://www.gomoorea.com/sea_activities ). Phone 78 13 39
Whale & Dolphin viewing – Dr. Poole’s Whale & Dolphin Watch
Hard Hat Diving - Aqua Blue excursion. If you don't scuba dive but would like a similar experience this excursion is great. Put on a hard hat helmet and walk on the lagoon floor, lots of fun, easy, and no risk.
Shopping:
Black Pearls - Black Pearl Gem Co (free beer), Sibani Pearls, Herman’s Pearls, Pai Moana, and Eva’s (nice lady, well educated) to name a few. Most of these shops will pick you up from your hotel.
Belevedere Lookout - general store within walking distance.
Pineapple Distillery - watch your drinking, particularly in the afternoon as they have sobriety stops around the Island.
Le Petit Village - near IC Beachcomber, small shopping center with a Grocery Store, Souvenir Shops, Bank and Internet access.
Magasin Vaiterua Market - take a right out of the Sheraton and walk about 15 mins., small store with breads, juices and beer. Also another store about 15 mins. walk to the right out of the Sheraton, good meat and cheese selection.
Socredo Shopping Center - located in Maharepa, many shops, restaurants, etc.
Raehau Shopping Center - located in Maharepa as well.
Mereat' Art - Little roadside boutique at PK 13.9, to the left about 200m when exiting the Sheraton grounds
Rent a car and take a cruise around the Island, many shops and places to stop, great views around every corner. Also, lots of beaches to stop at and take a snorkel or a dip.
Bora Bora
Restaurants:
Top Dive - most up scale/fancy restaurant on the island, very romantic ambiance, excellent food, very expensive.
Bloody Mary’s - great ambiance, Ok food and service, very touristy, and expensive.
La Bounty - casual outdoor dining, rated very well on most forums.
Bamboo House - nice relaxed ambiance, mixed reviews.
Fare Manuia – 5 min. walk from the IC Beachcomber, nice place, intimate, top rate food with reasonable prices.
Hotel Bora Bora BBQ - dynamite food, great show, and killer ambiance.
Snack Matira - sandwiches, burgers, fries, etc.
Ben’s Pizza - pizza, burgers, fries, etc. Open until 5:00 pm.
Restaurant Patoti - snacks, burgers, fries, and also serves a variety of fish, steak, duck, and desserts.
Villa Mahana - fairly new - arguably the best food on the Island. The ambiance is beautiful and romantic. There are five tables on the main level, and two tables up a few stairs that get reserved early. If you can, try to get the table at the very top, but if you can't, don't worry, there isn't a bad table there. http://www.villamahana.com
Kaina Hut : http://www.kainahut.com/menu.html
The Snack Matira Beach - Close to the Hotel Matira. Can be accessed from the road or from the beach. Good breakfasts for reasonable prices. Decent Ham and Cheese omelets for less than 1000cfp. They also serve lunch and dinner. Cheeseburger and fries is 1300cfp.
Pirate Bar – on the water, occasional Manta Ray viewing, nice atmosphere, reasonable prices.
L'Appetisserie: In the back of a strip mall; cheap little sandwich shop; also has other snacks, croissants, ice cream, and a few computers to check your E-Mail.
Snack Bora Burgers - Next to post office; small fast food place; has good burgers and fries as well as croque monsieur
Activities:
Shark and Ray Feeding - Tevia Tours, Taremoana Tours, and Patrick’s among others, any hotel or travel agent can book them.
4x4 Island Tour- Patrick’s among others.
Private Picnic - Etienne’s Tour, Patrick’s, or Keishi Tour will arrange these outings. I highly recommend Keishi (ask for Pierrot, Phone 79 26 56). He sets up a table in the lagoon water next to a private Motu. Lunch features Lobster, Crab, Steak, Chicken, Fruit and Champagne. Snorkeling around the Island, Shark and Ray Feeding, Manta Ray viewing and whatever else your heart desires. These run around $500.00 for two, plus $100.00 for each additional person. The operator will usually pick you up at your hotel around 9:30am and drop you off at 3:00pm.
Patrick’s tour is also very nice. He serves a traditional Tahitian feast of foods cooked in an ahima'a (underground oven). Meals consist of roast pig, breadfruit, plantains, taro leaves, and the ever present poisson cru. Patrick is from Bora Bora and is a gracious host.
Horse Back Riding - Ranch Reva Reva, on private Motu for Beach and interior ride.
Bora Bora Lagoonarium - across from Le Meridian, swim with the sharks and many other sea creatures, can also purchase a movie of you swimming with the Sharks.
Sunset Cocktail Cruise - aboard the “Taravana” with Captain Richard, sails from many of the hotels, can be booked through your hotel or travel agent.
Boat rentals – based at Matira Beach, small boats, no permit required, larger boat requires a license, also a taxi service to and/or from any place on the Island (Phone (689) 67.60.61 ). Ask for Rene or Maguy.
( www.boraboraisland.com/todo/maevas/taxi.html )
Parasailing – Bora Bora Parasailing, offers single and double person rides, no age limit. Contact B.P. 567 - Vaitape, Bora Bora Tel/ Fax: (689) 67 70 34 , GSM: 78 27 10 http://www.tahiticoupons.com/English/dream_idp.php?cat=19&name=Parasailing.
Shopping:
Black Pearls - several places around the Island, rent a Le Car and have fun.
Souvenirs and Shops - the Flea Market Building near the wharf in Vaitape. Tiare Market, turn left out of the Sofitel Marara, it’s about a five-minute walk. China Lee Market in Viatape. O.P.E.C., on the road from Viatape to Matira Point. Boutique Fareani north of the ICB, it sells ice cream bars and nick knacks.
Huahine
Restaurants:
Poetaina – Located in Fare. They serve fresh fish with terrific sauces. Very friendly and affordable.
Te Marara – Located at the edge of the main street. The Vanilla Mahi Mahi is a must.
La Bousole – Located next to the Te Tiare transfer base.
Chez Guynette - Nice place for lunch or an inexpensive breakfast, small menu but good food and people watching.
Te Tiare Hotel - has an excellent restaurant.
Pension Mauarii – Lunch and dinner.
Relais Mahana Hotel - Nice for lunch and dinner. Great seafood and good prices.
Patisserie Fare – Located across the street from the post office, about a 5-10 min walk towards the airport.
Temarara - A true South Pacific Bar, and be sure to try a maitai.
Chez Tara's – Just up the beach from Pension Mauarii. Large portions of great food and very reasonable prices.
Activities:
Maraamu kite surfing - They also have Hobie Cats, Wind Suring, and many other activities/rentals. Website: http://www.tahitikite.com/2004/kitesurfA.htm
Huahine Natique - They provide Shark Feeding, Picnic, and Jet Skiing tours.
Website: http://www.huahine-nautique.com/accueilpicnicA.htm
Island Eco Tours - run by Mr. Paul Atallah, his morning tour is highly recommended. Telephone Paul at (689) 68.79.67 or book through your hotel.
Huahine Explorer – 4x4 trips and Island tours. Website: http://www.iaorana-huahine.com/en/explorer.html
Eurocar – Located in Fare, rental cars and bikes.
Boat Rentals - Downtown, small gas powered boats can be rented to tour the lagoon.
Shopping:
Magasin – A very small market located about 2 km south of the Relais Mahana hotel - around the point and just past Flosse's estate on the left side of the road.
Huahine Pearl Farm - Owned by an American and his Tahitian wife. They also feature pottery and very nice carved coral sculptures.
Melanie Dupres art work, her store is located right after the bridge on the road to the Sofitel. Has posters, lithographs, oil paintings, etc.
Super Fare Nui-the grocery store downtown has notices on what is going on in Huahine; but bring a French dictionary to read the notices.
Downtown Fare – has several road side vendors, markets, roulettes, and small shops as well.
