Many visitors use Papeete as a jumping-off point to explore other islands in French Polynesia but it's worth noting that spending more time on the island gives insight into the culture and beauty of the whole archipelago.

Visitors can rent a car and easily explore on their own or enjoy one of the many circle island tours that take guests around by bus or van.

The Lighthouse at Pointe Venus on Matavai Bay is where James Cook famously docked to watch the 1769 Transit of Venus and an observatory was established in this spot, a fortified camp called Fort Venus that includes the lighthouse.

A beautiful beach surrounds the fort and there are a number of activities to do while there.

The beautiful black sand beach, Tiarei, on Tahiti is a perfect beach for families with lots of shade, beautiful black sand and fun waves.

This ancient meeting place is home to stone structures and religious monuments as well as a Marae, a rectangle with stones and a raised alter.

This popular roadside attraction allows guests to walk out to a point where huge sprays of water pump through a hole making a geyser-like fountain.

From the Taharaa viewpoint, visitors can get stunning views of Matavai Bay.

In a thick forest resides these beautiful caves and grottoes filled with fresh water. It's the perfect spot for a quick dip or a picnic lunch.

Another great picnic spot, the gardens are home to tropical plants and a beautiful waterfall.

Learn about the medicinal power of Tahiti's plants such as noni, with a stop at the Roberat Keeable House where guests can walk through a garden of healing blooms.

Off the coast of Punaauia, the giant Maraa surf break can be seen from Manava Suite Resort Tahiti.

Visitors can see traditional Polynesian dancing at a variety of hotel cultural shows, but if you stumble upon a practice, it's worth stopping in to say hi.