20 things you must do in Tahiti

The country's capital has everything you want for a nice vacation. There's delicious food, kitschy shops, and cheap places to stay, especially if you want to save money instead of splurging on a beachside bungalow. We can't all be rolling like rappers, not in this economy! The city has tons of affordable options for dinner, including its world-famous food trucks. Stop by for dinner and then head over to Moana Bar, where you can watch the sunset over Moorea Island.

You weren't going to visit Tahiti without going to the beach, now were you? That would be like visiting Italy without eating pasta. Since Tahiti boasts some of the finest beaches in the world, it's often the main reason people visit the island. The beaches are white sand on one side and black on the other. But you can't go wrong with either.  Check out La Plague de Maui for a splash of white sand beauty.

More beaches! This one is perfect for snorkeling or lounging on a hot day, which is every day if you visit during the busy season. Make sure to bring an underwater camera if you have one since the reefs in the lagoon are sprawling with fish.

Not all of Tahiti's wonders are at the beach--some of them are deep in the jungle. Fautaua is a giant waterfall that cascades into a 450-foot pool. The hike there is arduous, but you can take an ATV tour if you're up for a different kind of adventure.

Tahiti is full of gardens, but the standout is Pa'ofa'i's well-manicured ponds. Having been a staple of local hangouts, the garden is now more of a tourist activity, but who can blame tourists for showing up to such a lyrical place?

You can't miss Moorea when you visit Tahiti. No, really. You can't miss it. It looms in the background of every white sand beach. Beckoning tourists to its rugged sands, Moorea has more of a Maldives vibe, with wooden huts hovering over its turquoise waters. 

While on the island of Moorea, you're going to want to check out Venus Point. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming from the cliffside above, the vast turquoise waters lulling you into a trance. Bring a mango, and a snorkel, and get ready to spend an entire afternoon in the ocean's embrace.

Sticking to our Moorea getaway, take a car through the mountains for a view of the ocean. Belvedere is one of those lookouts that makes your jaw drop. It boasts panoramic views of the island—with two mountains on either side like an open door to the sea. 

The tropical rainfall of Tahiti causes the hills to weep. Cascading waterfalls rain down from the jungle like tears running down your cheek. Except these aren't sad tears. No need to grab the bucket of ice cream. The waterfalls of Papenoo will bring a smile to your face and remind you why you're in Tahiti.

Surfing has long been part of Tahitian culture. With world-class breaks like Teahopo'o, it's no wonder people come here just to surf. When I was there last, I saw barrels lining down the reef with no one out. But that doesn't mean beginners can't get on board, either. There are plenty of breaks for beginners on the black sand side of the island, which, even if you don't catch anything, is still cool because you're on black sand!

Most people don't think of Tahiti when they think of snorkeling, but honestly, I have yet to snorkel anywhere cooler. The island's reefs are like aquariums without walls—rainbow-colored fish darting through purple-colored coral, yellow-colored fish circling around silver-colored rays, and certain fish who come right up to you and ask, "What are you doing in my home?" It's pure magic. And PK-18 is the place to snorkel.

ATV tours are a great way to see the jungle while learning about the island's history. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a family on vacation, this is a fun way to explore Tahiti's rugged side.

The sand is...black? Thank goodness Tahiti hasn't gentrified its sand yet since there's nothing quite like enjoying a black sand beach. Amidst palm trees, fallen coconuts, and a vast jungle backdrop, Taharuu offers a volcanic beach unlike any other. 

Hikers, rejoice! You can scale a mountain surrounded by verdant wildlife without seeing a single person. The views are stunning, but this is not a trek for beginners. You may want to practice on the Pelaton before scaling this mountain.

Nothing blows about the Arahoho Blowhole—except the hole itself, of course. This natural fountain spews water into the air, misting those watching from the nearby cliffs. 

There's nothing like enjoying a beverage while lounging on a tropical beach, then taking a dip when you're body's overheating. That's what the Tahitian vacation is all about. Relaxing, rejoicing and repeating the same good vibes from the day before. 

We're not going to lie—there's not much to do in Tahiti besides explore. There are no art shows or nightlife spots worth checking out. But if you want a break from the sun, check out the Museum of Tahiti, which is divided into four sections and offers a detailed account of the island's past. 

Is the ocean not cold enough? Pop into one of these caves, which are basically cold springs with volcanic rocks. You'll want to ask a local how to get there, but taking a dip in one of these cold pools is well worth the stop.

This market is similar to one you might find in Europe. It spans multiple stories and is a maze of locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and pastries. I was reminded of a market in Italy, but the Papetee market has many more coconuts.

You can drive around the entire island of Tahiti in a day. It's a great way to see the many landscapes, from white sands to black sands, bustling cities to quaint jungles. There's so much to explore on this tropical island.