Hi y’all!

My trip to French Polynesia was filled with stunning lagoons and lush landscapes, but one day stood out for its unique blend of delicious local flavors and a visit to a truly legendary spot: Teahupo’o, the official Olympic Surfing Site. It was an incredible experience, made even more special by a memorable lunch along the way.

A Delicious Stop at La Place de Maui

On our drive to the famous surfing spot, we made sure to stop for lunch at the renowned La Place de Maui. This charming, open-air restaurant is perfectly situated right on the ocean, offering excellent views through its wide windows as you dine. It’s exactly the kind of authentic, laid-back spot you hope to find in French Polynesia.

The meal itself was fantastic. I had the local shrimp, perfectly sautéed with coarse sea salt from Guerande, served alongside crispy fries and fluffy rice. Adding to the delightful ambiance, there was even a colorful mural of Maui and the female character from the beloved movie Moana, bringing a fun, cultural touch to the dining experience.

Teahupo’o: Where Legends Are Made

After our wonderful lunch, our next stop was the highly anticipated Olympic Surfing Site at Teahupo’o. I was there in December 2024, just a few months after the world’s eyes had been fixed on this very spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. You could still feel the incredible energy and buzz in the air from the recent competition.

You might wonder why an Olympic event for Paris would be held thousands of miles away, but it actually makes perfect sense. First, French Polynesia is a territory of France, so it’s technically still in the host country! More importantly, Teahupo’o is legendary. It’s celebrated globally for having some of the most powerful and spectacular waves on Earth. Paris chose Teahupo’o to ensure the very best conditions for an unforgettable Olympic surfing competition.

Walking around the site, it was amazing to think that just a few months prior, the world’s best surfers were right here competing for gold. I have some great pictures of the iconic Olympic Rings, the statue commemorating the surfing culture, and of course, the famous “Teahupo’o” photo op spot. The raw beauty of the ocean from this vantage point was captivating.

The legendary surf town of Teahupo’o — home of the Olympic Surfing Site and some of the most powerful waves in the world.

My Tailored Travel Tips for Visiting Teahupo’o

• Plan Your Visit: Teahupo’o is on the southwestern coast of Tahiti, so plan your drive accordingly. It’s an easy day trip if you’re staying in the Papeete area.

• Enjoy Local Flavors: Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at local gems like La Place de Maui on your way. It’s part of the authentic Tahitian experience.

• Embrace the Journey: The drive itself offers beautiful coastal scenery. Enjoy the ride and the anticipation of arriving at such an iconic location.

• Let Me Guide Your Polynesian Adventure: From securing the best dining reservations to planning your route to legendary surf spots, Tailored Travel can curate every detail of your French Polynesian dream vacation.

Visiting Teahupo’o and experiencing a taste of local Tahitian life made for an unforgettable day. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity and beauty that French Polynesia offers.

A Little About Me

Hi y’all, I’m Tara! There’s nothing I love more than traveling the world with my husband, Mike, and exploring the beauty of God’s handiwork. As an avid reader, when I’m not off on a real-life adventure, you can usually find me reading about one! I poured that passion into my business, Tailored Travel, a full-service travel agency where my team and I would be tickled to help you cross off the next destination on your list- including this beautiful place.

Let’s Start Designing Your Dream Trip!

Email: tara@tailoredtravel.vacations
Phone: (423) 641-1070