Events
Here in Tahiti, there are always special events going on to appease the natives, and the visitors. These events range from holiday activities to boat races and everything in between, so you are sure to find something that suits your tastes and mood while visiting our beautiful islands. We have compiled a list of some of the larger events to see while in Tahiti, and broken them down by month to help you plan your vacation around some of the special events here in Tahiti.
January Events:
New Year “Kaina” Island Tours – This tour runs a large circle around the beautiful Island of Tahiti on a “Le Truck”, accompanied by a wonderful “Kaina” musical group on board for your musical entertainment. These tours, which run around New Years each year, are a great way to tour the island, see breathtaking wonders here, and meet some of the friendly natives along the way. And you just might have time to do some shopping as well! For more information about the prices of the tours and when they will run for the next New Year's Celebration, please see our “Contact Information” section at the end of this book.
Chinese New Year Grand Ball – After the Chinese New Year Celebration here in Tahiti, there is a Grand Ball that is held each year with food, fun, and, of course, dancing. Along with the traditional Chinese themes and New Year's traditions, we add in our own Tahitian flair to make the event one to remember!
February Events:
The Tahiti Moorea Marathon – Each year, this marathon is held in February and covers over 40 kilometers over the Islands of Tahiti and Moorea. There are several different marathons during this race that cover the following distances: 42 kilometers, 21 kilometers, and 5 kilometers, or 26 miles, 13 miles, and 3 miles. No matter if you are an avid runner or if you just like to watch from the comforts of a road side cafe, you are sure to enjoy this event here in Tahiti.
The Tahiti Nui Marathon – This marathon is held in Moorea and is a brand new event here in Tahiti. The marathon itself consists of a swim of about 2 kilometers, (or a little over a mile), in the beautiful blue waters off of Moorea, a bike ride for 99 kilometers, (or around 62 miles), and is finished by a run of about 21 kilometers, (or 13 miles). While the course itself is not too hard, consisting of mostly flat terrain on well maintained roads, the views associated with this event are nothing to miss! Between the beautiful ocean views and the majestic mountain wonders, photography along this marathon trail is something that participants and spectators alike should enjoy. Ending the marathon at the Sheraton Hotel in Moorea is another great way to enjoy this event, as there is traditional food and dancing that follows the marathon. This event is truly something that no visitor should miss while in Tahiti.
March Events:
The Tahiti Pearl Regatta – This international yacht race begins at Uturoa, Raiatea in mid-March and covers some of the most beautiful ocean waters in the world. No matter if you are an avid yacht enthusiast or just love to see the larger yachts race, this is yet another event here in Tahiti that you shouldn't miss on your stay.
April Events:
The Billabong Pro Tahiti – The Air Tahiti Nui/Von Zipper Surfing Trials are held in April, with the major winners competing again in May, in Tahiti every year. So, if you are an avid surfer or just love to watch the masters at work, this is one outdoor event that you won't want to miss on your visit to Tahiti. The dates vary every year due to weather and swell forecasts, so please see our “Contact Information” at the end of this book for more information about the exact dates and times of these events.
May Events:
Billabong Tahiti Pro Surfing Tournament – This surfing tournament is held on the west coast of Tahiti, in May. Local and professional surfers from around the world will gather here to compete for the title on some of the best and most well known reef waves in the entire world. Due to the massive size of the waves, they have earned the name of the “Jaws of Water” over the years and surfers flock from all over the world just for a chance to ride them in. For more information on when this tournament will be held, please see our “Contact Information” section at the end of this book.
Arearea/Tahiti Games – These inter-island games, which include , are held on the main island of Tahiti each year.
Exotic Raid Adventure – This newer race is held in May of each year and can either be completed by individuals or by teams, and includes kayak, bicycle tours, and a run through the mountains. For those of you who love to compete in these events, you can always sign up and work your way through the adventure, or if just chilling out and watching is more your style, there are many checkpoints and other great places to watch the racing all over the map.
The “Me” Ceremony – This event is held in May of each year by the Evangelical Church to help raise funds for each parish throughout the islands. While the dates differ each year, the events and festivities are always something to enjoy for everyone.
June - July Events:
The International Golf Tournament – For those avid golfers, here is an event that you won't want to miss! Held at the beautiful 18-hole course on Tahiti, some of the best golfers from around the world will come to compete for prizes during this event. The dates vary each year, so be sure to find out ahead of time when the tournament will be held if you plan to attend on your visit, and you can find out more in our “Contact Information” section at the end of this book.
The Tahiti Nui Cup – This sailboat race is one of the most beautiful races around the world and is held in Tahiti each year in June, and is sometimes said to be “The only sailing regatta in the world with more lay days than races”! Enjoyed by all, the Tahiti Nui Cup is a sight to be seen, as it is not just a sailboat race, but also a large festival of food, music, and fun throughout the entire island. The race itself runs along the beautiful islands of Bora Bora, Taha, and Raiatea, in the Leeward Islands of Tahiti.
The Opening of the “Heiva I Tahiti” - This event is sponsored by several of the major dancing schools in Tahiti, where each school performs at the exquisite To'ata Square in Papeete. After the celebration and dancing, the coronation of the King and Queen “Heiva I Tahiti”. There are also all kinds of sporting events, cultural art, shopping, and wonderful Tahitian foods for everyone to enjoy.
The Hiva Vaevae Autonomy Celebration – This event is usually held at the end of June, and is also located in the exquisite To'ata Square in Papeete.
Heiva I Tahiti Festival – This is the largest of all the Tahitian cultural festivals held throughout the islands of Tahiti, and is normally held in July of each year. Not only can one enjoy beautiful folk dancing, but also dancing competitions, sports, foods, art, and even demonstrations on some of Tahiti's most famous cultures.
September Events:
Raid Painapo – This is yet another well known race throughout Moorea that is held in September. This race is a team event through the mountains in the Oponohu Valley and also holds some wonderful scenery for all.
Taapuna Pro Surf Competition – This surf competition is held in Taapuna on the west coast of Papeete and is usually in mid-September each year. While the dates vary due to weather and swell conditions, you can always check ahead of time if you are an avid surfer or would just like to watch the event.
October Events:
Tour du Rotui in Moorea – Every year in October, there is a marathon race on the island of Moorea. So, if you are an avid runnner and cannot plan your vacation around any of the other races in Tahiti, this might just be the one for you!
Hawaiki Nui Va'a – This international canoe race is one that cannot be missed. It is the major sporting event here in Tahiti every year, bringing thousands of people to the islands to watch or participate in the race and the festivities, and is televised and viewed all over the world. Teams of canoes race over three different days, all over the islands and surrounding ocean waters of Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Tahaa; and come from all over the world (including Hawaii, France, Tahiti, and New Caledonia) to compete in this yearly race through the peaceful ocean waters. Along with the race, there are parties, dancing, exotic foods, wonderful artisian shops, and other attractions that make this race something to enjoy by everyone. The winners of the race are crowned with flowers, singing, music, and, of course, a massive party!