Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti stands on Boulevard de la Reine Pomare IV in central Papeete, rated three stars by the French tourism agency. The location is its selling point: the ferry terminal for Moorea is a two-minute walk away, the port is three minutes, and the Papeete Market and town hall are about seven minutes on foot. The airport at Faa'a is around ten minutes by car. Rooms are Tahitian-style doubles and twins, plus larger Tahitian homes, some with a partial ocean view, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, an in-room safe, a minibar and a smart television. The hotel has two restaurants, SURFHOUSE and REEFTOP, a bar and a coffee shop, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and tour assistance. An elevator and accessible rooms are available. It is a handy, good-value stop for travelers who want to sleep within walking distance of the ferry and the city.
Location and getting around
Staying here makes logistics easy. Walk to the Moorea ferry, walk to the market for breakfast, and take a short taxi to the airport for onward flights to Bora Bora. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum is about an eighteen-minute walk, and the waterfront promenade and shops are on your doorstep. For sights beyond the center, such as the Tahiti Museum or Teahupo'o, hire a car or join a tour. Because Papeete traffic is busy in the morning, give yourself extra time for airport runs.
The rooms and the experience
The Tahitian rooms are simple and comfortable, designed for a night or two rather than a long beach stay. The Tahitian homes are larger, with space for families, and some have a partial ocean view. Expect air conditioning and modern fittings, though as in any city center hotel street noise can reach lower floors. The restaurants cover breakfast and dinner, and the bar is a pleasant place for an evening drink. It suits budget-minded travelers, families passing through and anyone who wants to be near the ferry.
Good to know
Buffet breakfast is available for a fee, around the equivalent of a few thousand Pacific francs for adults, with a lower price for children. Parking is offsite and charged daily, so consider taking taxis rather than hiring a car for your Papeete nights. The hotel is smoke-free and has an elevator. Ask for an upper-floor room for quiet and a view, and confirm your arrival time if you land on a late flight.
Because Papeete is a working port city, the area around the waterfront is lively in the evening, so keep to well-lit streets late at night. Pair a night here with a stay in Moorea or Bora Bora for the full Polynesian trip.
Why stay here
- ✓Two minutes to the Moorea ferry
- ✓Walk to Papeete Market
- ✓Two on-site restaurants
- ✓Bar and coffee shop
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning in every room
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
Good questions
How far is Kon Tiki from the Moorea ferry?+
The ferry terminal is about a two-minute walk away, and the port is around three minutes. The Papeete Market is about seven minutes on foot.
How far is the airport?+
Tahiti Faa'a International Airport is about a ten-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. Taxis are the easiest option.
Is breakfast included?+
A buffet breakfast is available for a fee, so check your rate. The hotel also has two restaurants, a bar and a coffee shop.
