Whether shopping for themselves or looking for gifts for friends and family, Tahiti-bound travelers will have plenty of locally made souvenirs to choose from. The markets and specialized stores on each island have a large selection of handicrafts, ranging from wood sculptures to paintings as well as the following Tahitian specialties:
Black Pearls
French Polynesia is the world's largest producer of cultured black pearls. A good place to learn more about them is the Musée de la Perle Robert Wan in Papeete. Here, visitors can learn about the history of pearls, how they are cultured, and the things to look for when shopping. Pearls can be found in jewelry shops around Papeete. Their color ranges from a very light gray to black with shades of green or pink.
Monoi de Tahiti
A natural skincare product, monoi is made by soaking tiare gardenia blossoms in coconut oil. The delicately scented oil is used as a moisturizer for skin and hair and is believed to protect against sun and wind damage. The oils can also used for traditional massages. Monoi oils, soaps and perfumes can be purchased at markets and shops in most islands.
Pareu
These cotton sarongs are everywhere and they’re so colorful, travelers will have no trouble spotting one. For the best deal, head to the Papeete Municipal Market. Hand-dyed, these sarongs can be used as a wrap-around dress or skirt. They can also come in handy to protect shoulders and backs from the sun.
Noni de Tahiti
Possibly Tahiti’s best-kept health secret, noni juice is a traditional remedy that has been used for some 2,000 years. Made of noni fruit, the juice is believed to help with hypertension, fatigue, sore throats, and colds. Bottles can be purchased everywhere in French Polynesia.
Tifaifai
Tahitian women started making these handmade quilts in the 18th century when the first European missionaries brought pieces of fabric. Traditional motifs include hibiscus, breadfruit and gardenia flowers.
