Taravao

Travel Guide

The Water Gardens of Vaipahi showing a waterfall
The Water Gardens of Vaipahi featuring a cascade
The Water Gardens of Vaipahi which includes wild flowers
The Water Gardens of Vaipahi featuring tropical scenes
The Water Gardens of Vaipahi featuring a waterfall, a river or creek and forests
Follow in the footsteps of one of the Beatles in the picturesque and peaceful water gardens and explore this quaint town.

Taravao is known for its spectacular water gardens and scenic countryside. The town stands on the Taravao Plateau, which is adorned with countless fields used for the breeding of cows. Enjoy the serene ambiance and excellent views in this lush green setting.

Explore the central hub of the town and chat with locals for a glimpse into the culture. See the hall, the post office and schools among many other structures. The town also has a temple and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary of Taravao, which has an unusual façade with intricate patterns. The town is developing, with a hospital and two banks.

Venture out into the sprawling countryside for the long grasses of green fields with grazing cattle. Capture photos of the views of the valleys of Tahiti Nui, which is the larger section of the island, from the Taravao Plateau. Expect a warm and pleasant climate year-round, with the rainy season taking over from November to April. August is the driest time of the year.

Among the highlights of Taravao’s countryside is the Water Gardens of VaipahiOpens in a new window. Read informational plaques to learn about some of its 75 species of tropical plants. Stroll along the paths to see the ponds and streams of this serene and picturesque 2.5-acre (1-hectare) garden. Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison allegedly spent time here in the 1960s.

Find the town of Taravao in the southeastern corner of the larger Tahiti Nui part of the island. It is a 1-hour drive southeast from the Faa’a International Airport, which is near the capital city of PapeeteOpens in a new window. Visit nearby landmarks and regions, such as the smaller Tahiti Iti eastern peninsula.

Taravao offers an intriguing insight into local culture, with a picturesque backdrop.

Te Mana Lodge
Te Mana Lodge
PK 1.1 côté mer, Taiarapu-Est, Windward Islands
The price is €180 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
€180
includes taxes & fees
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this guesthouse in Taiarapu-Est. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mitirapa Beach and Motu Nono are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Perfect location to see all of Tahiti. We went to see surfing At Teahupo’o and stayed in this town with a grocery store and restaurants. Once the upstairs kitchen is complete it will be a perfect gem."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2024

Te Mana Lodge
An unusual night on a sailboat
An unusual night on a sailboat
taravao
The price is €176 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
€176
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this houseboat in Taiarapu-Est. Popular attractions Mitirapa Beach and Motu Nono are located nearby.
An unusual night on a sailboat
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
4 out of 5
Lafayette Beach PK7, Arue, Tahiti
The price is €215 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
€215
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Arue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (847 reviews)
"Place is beautiful but if you're eating and drinking and staying there it's expensive"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
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.
An unusual night on a sailboat
An unusual night on a sailboat
taravao
Stay at this houseboat in Taiarapu-Est. Popular attractions Mitirapa Beach and Motu Nono are located nearby.
An unusual night on a sailboat
Tahiti beach house, 3 bedrooms with AC, family friendly
Tahiti beach house, 3 bedrooms with AC, family friendly
Arue
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Arue. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Papeete Market and Port de Papeete are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"when we arrived at 12:30 at night, there was NO KEY in the lockbox. My husband climbed over fence and eventually the owner that lived upstairs (NOT NOTED ON THE BOOKING INFO) finally woke up and let us in... apparently her son had taken the key! NOT COOL!! House was great. Great glass beach!"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Tahiti beach house, 3 bedrooms with AC, family friendly
TAHITI - Fare Matavai Piti
TAHITI - Fare Matavai Piti
Taravao
Stay at this vacation home in Taiarapu-Ouest. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Mitirapa Beach and Jardins Botaniques are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"All problems we had at the beginning (unclear directions, bad smell in room, non-working light and hair dryer) were all fixed within 24 hours. If you want/need to stay in the area, it’s a good, quiet accommodation, but otherwise Tahiti-iti doesn’t have a lot to encourage multi day exploration."

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2025

TAHITI - Fare Matavai Piti
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.

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