Faʻaone Travel Guide

City Settlement in the Windward Islands, French Polynesia

Small south-coast settlement on Tahiti, Faʻaone appeals for its reef-fringed bay, coastal trails into the interior, and local markets selling vanilla and fish; ideal for short snorkels and observing daily island life.

Costs

Higher-cost island destination

Tahiti-level prices: plan for $120-250 daily in the Society Islands.

Safety

Generally very safe

Very safe; petty theft can occur in tourist areas, but violent crime is rare.

Best Time

May-October dry season

May-October is drier and cooler, ideal for outdoor activities and snorkeling.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

3:23 PM

GMT-10

Weather

85°F

Mostly Clear

Population

1,747

Infrastructure & Convenience

Good roads, French signage, tourist services nearby; inter-island ferries or flights required.

Popularity

Popular with beachgoers and island-hoppers; quieter than central Papeʻete hotspots.

Known For

lagoon and coral reefs, snorkeling and diving, Tahitian culture, black-sand beaches nearby, fishing, hiking, local markets, Polynesian crafts, coastal scenery

Why Visit Faʻaone? #

Set along Tahiti’s windward coast, Fa’aone is a beachside village prized for its clear lagoon waters and Polynesian cultural life. Snorkeling over coral gardens and hopping to nearby motus reveal colorful fish, while local restaurants serve poisson cru and coconut-based dishes. Artisans sell tapa cloth and shell jewelry, and traditional dance and music-especially during the annual Heiva festivities-bring community customs to the forefront for visitors seeking island culture and seaside relaxation.

Best Things to Do in Faʻaone

All Attractions ›

Tahiti

Largest Society Island in French Polynesia with lagoons

Island

Mont Orohena

Tahiti's highest volcanic peak and rainforest summit

Mountain

Papeete Cathedral

Catholic cathedral in Papeete with colonial architecture

Church

Faʻaone Bucket List

Don't Miss

Faaone Bay - Walk Faaone Bay's shoreline to enjoy reef glimpses, tide pools, and coconut palms.
Faaone Valley Trails - Hike short valley trails through tropical gardens and small agricultural terraces.
Local Church and Village Square - Visit the village church and square to observe local daily life and occasional markets.

Hidden Gems

Small Reef Snorkel Spots - Snorkel easily accessed reef patches near the bay for colorful fish and corals.
Fruit Stalls Along the Road - Buy freshly cut tropical fruit from roadside stalls offered by local growers.
Traditional Outrigger Launches - Watch traditional outrigger launches and talk with fishermen about local coastal traditions.

Day Trips

Papeete Day Visit - Take a short drive to Papeete for markets, museums, and waterfront dining options.
Teahupo'o Surf Coast - Drive along Tahiti's southern coast to view famous surf breaks and coastal villages.

Best Time to Visit Faʻaone #

Faʻaone (Tahiti area) is best during the May-October dry season for calmer seas, clearer skies, and outdoor activities. The November-April wet season is warmer, more humid, and has frequent showers.

Wet Season

November - April · 24-30°C (75-86°F)

Warmer, wetter months with frequent showers and high humidity - fewer tourists and very green vegetation, but some travel disruptions.

Dry Season

May - October · 22-27°C (72-81°F)

Drier, sunnier weather ideal for beach time, diving, and hiking - the most traveler-friendly months.

Shoulder Season

April - May · 23-29°C (73-84°F)

Transition period: sporadic showers but increasing sunshine - good deals and fewer crowds with still-pleasant weather.

Best Time to Visit Faʻaone #

Climate

Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1737 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit

JulyJuneAugust

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

29°

Warmest Month

22°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (210 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

22° – 29°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

210 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.8

UV Index

Extreme

12.9h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (184 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

22° – 29°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

184 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.8

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

March

March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (147 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

22° – 29°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

147 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 28°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

134 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

11.6h daylight

May

May is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (126 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Mild

24°C

Temperature

21° – 27°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

126 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.2h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 26°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

108 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

11.0h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

19° – 25°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

91 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

High

11.1h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

19° – 26°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

102 mm

Rainfall

4.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.8

UV Index

Very High

11.4h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

19° – 26°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

107 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

11.9h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 27°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

127 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.4h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (187 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Warm

24°C

Temperature

21° – 27°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

187 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.8h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (214 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 28°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

214 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

13.0h daylight

How to Get to Faʻaone

Faaone is on the southeast coast of Tahiti Nui and is reached from Papeete's Faa'a International Airport (PPT) by road. There is no rail transport on Tahiti; buses, taxis and rental cars are the normal ways to get to and around Faaone.

By Air

Faa’a International Airport (PPT): The primary international gateway to Tahiti (Papeete) is Faa’a (PPT). From PPT to Faaone on the southeast coast of Tahiti Nui, travel by car or bus along the coastal road typically takes 25-45 minutes depending on traffic; taxis from PPT to eastern suburbs commonly cost XPF 3,000-5,000 (roughly US$25-45).

Domestic/Inter-island flights: For other Society Islands you may fly or take ferries from Papeete; however Faaone is on Tahiti itself and is reached by road from Papeete rather than by air.

By Train & Bus

Bus: Tahiti has a public bus network centred on Papeete. Local buses (line numbers and schedules vary) run east along the coastal road and can reach stops near Faaone; fares are modest (hundreds of XPF) and travel time from Papeete is around 30-60 minutes depending on route.

Train: There is no passenger rail on Tahiti; road transport (bus, taxi, rental car) is the standard way to travel around the island.

Where to Stay in Faʻaone #

Budget

Pape'ete / Tahiti East - $40-100/night

Faaone is a small coastal community; budget travellers usually stay in Pape'ete or nearby pensions on Tahiti. Expect basic rooms and guesthouses.

InterContinental Tahiti (budget rooms sometimes) - Occasional affordable room rates.
Pape'ete guesthouses and pensions - Inexpensive pensions around Pape'ete.

Mid-Range

Tahiti East / Pape'ete region - $100-200/night

Mid-range options on Tahiti offer comfortable bungalows and small hotels with sea views, within reasonable drive of Faaone's coastline.

Local pensions & mid-range hotels (Tahiti listings) - Comfortable mid-range options across the island.
Tahiti tourism listings (official) - Good place to find mid-range stays.

Luxury

Motu/Pape'ete / Bora Bora for overwater stays - $250+/night

Luxury travellers head to island resorts (InterContinental on Tahiti or overwater Four Seasons on nearby islands). Faaone itself has no large resorts.