Papeete Municipal Market

The perfect place to shop for anything and everything from all the islands is the 155-year-old public market called Le Marché. Located two blocks from the waterfront in the heart of Papeete, the market covers two stories. The lower level is filled with hundreds of stands offering Tahitian-made crafts, oils, vanilla, fruits, and flowers. Upstairs is reserved for artisans selling pareos, carvings, Tifaifai wall hangings and quilts, embroidered cushion covers, and other handicrafts. You’ll also find a few good shops for purchasing unique black pearl jewelry at fair prices. An on-site cafeteria serves local dishes. Le Marché is not just a tourist attraction, however—it’s a proper market where locals come to shop for meat, fish, fresh flowers, and produce and to chat with friends over coffee at one of the patisseries.

I’ll admit to being obsessed with Monai oil. Sure you can order online these days, but if you’re at the source, purchase it in bulk. Made from the extracts of coconut and the fragrance of tiare or other flowers, it is sold all over the island in original oil form plus as soap, shampoo and body cream among other variations -- Le Marché, in Papeete, has some of the best prices and variety. Monai is known for its healing and moisturizing properties and works on both dry skin and damaged hair (apply after shampoo and leave in as a conditioner).

When travelling I always try to go to the local markets to see what new edible items I can find. After a few magical days in Bora Bora and Moorea my last day in French Polynesia was Tahiti. I had encountered the “Marche Papeete’ which is Papeete’s local market. My new find were these impressive turquoise colored fish. On a side note you can find vanilla bean sticks, fresh tuna and a great variety of exotic fruit and vegetables.