Things to Do at Paofai Gardens

Paofai Gardens sits right along Papeete's waterfront, offering one of those surprisingly peaceful escapes you don't expect to find in the middle of French Polynesia's busiest city. The park stretches along the lagoon with views that'll make you forget you're in an urban center - you can actually see Moorea floating on the horizon on clear days. It's the kind of place where locals come to jog at sunrise and families gather for weekend picnics under the shade of massive banyan trees. What makes Paofai Gardens particularly appealing is how it manages to feel both tropical and refined. The landscaping strikes a nice balance between manicured French garden sensibilities and the lush, almost wild vegetation that Tahiti does so well. You'll find yourself wandering past carefully tended flower beds one moment and dense groves of coconut palms the next, all while the lagoon laps quietly just a few steps away.

Paofai Gardens runs along Boulevard Pomare's waterfront-you can't miss it walking from downtown Papeete. Most central hotels put you within a 5-10 minute walk of the gardens. Le Truck stops nearby. Street parking fills fast during peak times. The park connects Papeete's city center directly to the lagoon, so you'll likely pass through it while exploring the area. Makes navigation simple.