Highlights of the Day
On our first day in Tahiti, we explored the capital city of Papeete to experience local island life. The morning market was half quiet and half lively, with vendors selling vanilla, black pearls, and fresh produce. Since it was Sunday, most shops in town were closed, giving the city a relaxed, almost sleepy atmosphere. Along the waterfront, however, the scenery was breathtaking — deep blue ocean, distant mountains wrapped in clouds, and palm trees swaying in the breeze.
A Father’s Day lunch by the sea tested our patience with its slow service, but we later found a more enjoyable dining experience with live music at another restaurant. Tahiti’s famous tuna trio — sashimi, tartare, and seared — was a highlight of the day. We also custom-designed a black pearl necklace at a local pearl shop, learning about the island’s unique tax system along the way. Music, slow living, and tropical beauty defined our first day.
Accommodation: Maitai Express Tahiti
Transportation: Walking
Our first day in Tahiti revolved around its capital, Papeete. We decided to start the morning at the local market, hoping to catch a glimpse of everyday island life.
Half of the stalls were covered and closed — even many shops in nearby arcades had their shutters down. The other half, however, were lively and colorful, selling local specialties like vanilla beans, vanilla extract, and black pearls.
After leaving the market, we wandered through the streets, only to find most stores closed. It felt as if the entire town had gone into rest mode. Later, we realized it was Sunday — and locals here clearly take their weekends seriously. One can’t help but admire how well they embrace the art of slowing down.
Outside the market, a fruit stand caught my eye. There were small yellow-green fruits that looked like miniature limes. Curious, I asked the vendor, “Are they sweet?” He nodded. I bought a box to try — only to discover they were so sour they jolted my soul. A quick search later confirmed the truth: they were indeed limes. Lesson learned. 😅
Though the town itself is modest rather than bustling, the coastline is where Papeete truly shines. The deep blue ocean, the distant mountains wrapped in drifting clouds, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze — it felt like a tropical postcard, completely unfiltered.
Since it was Father’s Day, we chose a seaside restaurant with a terrace stretching out toward the water. From our table, the ocean blended seamlessly with the sky, framed by mountains and palm trees — a perfect tropical setting.
We ordered cocktails and waited for our main courses. And waited. After more than 40 minutes with no food in sight, we were told it would be another 15 minutes. In true vacation spirit, we decided not to wait any longer and moved on.
By chance, we found another restaurant, Le Retro. This time, there was live music and food arrived at a normal pace — a much better experience overall.
Tahiti is known for its tuna, and both restaurants featured the same signature appetizer trio:
1️⃣ Tuna sashimi
2️⃣ Tuna tartare
3️⃣ Seared tuna, crispy outside and tender inside
The combination was satisfying, especially the bluefin tuna — rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth. The curry shrimp, by comparison, was less memorable.
After lunch, we visited Tahiti Pearl Market, a pearl shop recommended by ChatGPT. What makes this store unique is that they sell both finished black pearl necklaces and loose pearls for custom designs.
I told the staff my budget and what I was looking for. They brought out a template and a box of loose pearls, patiently arranging and rearranging them on the board. I could pick my favorites as well. When one box didn’t yield the perfect combination, they brought out another. After much selecting and adjusting, we finally assembled a necklace I loved.
They explained that if I needed it the same day, they could only do a simple stringing. But if I waited a day, they would knot each pearl individually — so if the necklace ever broke, only one pearl would fall instead of the entire strand. Since we were heading to Bora Bora next, we decided to return in five days to collect the finished piece.
We also purchased several single black pearls and had them fitted with bails to make pendants as gifts.
Interestingly, their tax system works differently here. The tax is removed at purchase, but if you fail to submit the duty-free form at the airport, they will later charge the tax back to your credit card.
For dinner, we chose a restaurant next to our hotel and were surprised to find French garlic escargot on the menu. But then again, Tahiti is a French overseas territory, so importing snails from mainland France suddenly seemed perfectly logical.
Their Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl was also excellent. Live music played here as well, reinforcing the sense that music and slow living are woven into Tahitian dining culture.
If you appreciate a relaxed, unpolished tropical lifestyle with a hint of French romance, Tahiti may be exactly what you’re looking for.
And this was only Day One — more island adventures await.
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