Most visitors to Tahiti spend the majority of their time in or around Papeete, which has its own page. But the island beyond the capital rewards exploration: the coastal road — 114 km around the entire island — passes waterfalls, a blowhole, ancient temples, black-sand beaches, and several viewpoints before eventually reaching the southeast peninsula and the famous surf break at Teahupo'o.
The north coast east of Papeete has the island's most accessible natural attractions: the Arahoho Blowhole and the Faarumai Waterfalls are both on the Route 5 coastal road and easy half-day stops. Point Venus — the black-sand beach where Cook observed the 1769 Transit of Venus — is historically significant and a good swimming spot.
The island's interior is steep and largely inaccessible without a guide, but the Fautaua Valley waterfall trail (covered on the Papeete page) is the standard introduction to the volcanic heart of the island. Mont Orohena, the highest peak in French Polynesia at 2,241 metres, is a full-day climb for the very fit.
On the west coast, Marae Arahuruhu near Paea is the best-preserved of Tahiti's ancient stone temples. And at the southeastern tip, Teahupo'o needs no introduction to anyone who has seen surfing imagery — the wave here is one of the heaviest on earth.