Shopping in Tahiti: From Temu to Très Bougie

Of course I went shopping in Tahiti! I’m actually not much of a shopper, but I love finding those not-so-known pieces that are beautiful, interesting, and maybe something I haven’t seen before.

The Marché in Papeete is a good place to start because there is literally a little bit of everything—and a very interesting range from budget to bougie.

Outside and around the Marché, you’ll find the more affordable jewelry—shells, black pearls that might be a little scuffed but are still pretty, and all kinds of little finds. Then you head inside and there are flowers, food, oils, pareu, jewelry, bags, all kine things. Head upstairs and it starts getting a little more expensive.

There are some really beautiful handcrafted pieces, especially if you take your time and look around. Woven bags, shell and mother-of-pearl jewelry, carvings, pareu—things you can tell someone actually sat down and made.

And then there is Temu. 😂

Okay, I cannot confirm it is actually from Temu. But you know what I mean. I would pick something up and think… wait a minute. I have seen you before.

That was probably one of the biggest surprises for me. I thought I was going to find way more locally made things everywhere I went, but there is definitely a mix of handmade, imported, souvenir, inexpensive, and very expensive.

You kind of have to hunt.

I also learned very quickly that Tahiti shop hours are not what I’m used to.

Go early.

Shops close early, some close for lunch, some have hours that I never quite figured out, and Sundays are basically forget it. There were several places I wanted to go back to, only to find them closed. Definitely check store hours online beforehand and don’t assume you can just go back later.

But more importantly, I started paying attention to what the Tahitian vahine actually use and wear versus what is being sold to tourists. That ended up being way more interesting to me.

So my Tahiti shopping advice?

Go early. Wander the Marché. Look upstairs AND downstairs. Don’t assume everything is locally made just because you’re in Tahiti. And if you see something handmade that you love, you probably should just buy it.

But if you’re really looking for handmade—where you can meet the makers, see the craftsmanship, and find things made throughout the islands—that’s a whole different shopping experience.

And that brings me to Heiva Rimaʻi…