As surprising as it may seem, Tahiti is not the name of a city but the name of an island in the Pacific Ocean. Tahiti is in fact the largest island in French Polynesia. And its surface area exceeds one thousand square kilometers. The size of this island is therefore an advantage for its habitability. And this is what naturally makes it the most populated island of Polynesia but also of all this part of Oceania. Here, as everywhere else, urbanization is the rule. The largest cities of Tahiti are Pape’ete, Pirae, and Faa’a and they are the ones that gather most of the Tahitian population. The island of Tahiti is part of the Society archipelago. This archipelago is one of the five archipelagos that make up the ultra-marine territory of French Polynesia.

What are the most populated cities in Tahiti?

1. Faa’a, the big city, and the airport

This city, which is part of the agglomeration of Papeete, is in fact the largest city in Tahiti but also in all of Polynesia. The population here is estimated at just under 30,000. It must be said that its 34.2 square kilometer territory has allowed for rapid development. It is also the city where the international airport is located.

2. Punaaiua

With more than 28,000 inhabitants, the city of Punaaiua is located on the west coast of the island. Just south of the large city of Faa. It must be said that over time the population has inevitably moved southward. At first, the population moved towards Faaa and then more recently towards the town of Punaaiua.

3. Papeete, the island’s capital

Papeete has a population of just over 26,000. And as surprising as it may seem, Papeete is not the largest city in Tahiti. The city is simply limited by the modest size of its surface. Indeed, the city covers only 19 square kilometers. But the capital of Polynesia and its agglomeration concentrates 80% of the jobs. This is the reason why most of the population is concentrated in the northwest of the island.

4. Pirae, one of the largest cities in Papeete

This Polynesian commune is the third most populated city on the island of Tahiti. Pirae is located to the east of the agglomeration of Papeete. The population is estimated at about 15,000 inhabitants. The area of Pirae is 35 square kilometers.

5. Mahina

This large Tahitian city is located on the north of the island. The population of the city is estimated at 14,700.

What to see in Mahina?

The most remarkable sites in this commune are Matavai Bay and Venus Point. And as Tahiti is a volcanic island, one can admire basaltic organs, especially in the Tuauru valley. Another point of interest is Mount Orohena. Mount Orohena is the highest peak in Tahiti but also in all of French Polynesia. With its 2,241 meters altitude, Mount Orohena is impossible to reach for the general public. Indeed, it is necessary to carry three days of food with you. But it will also be necessary to face complicated climatic conditions. And especially to the very uneven ground which is similar to the mountaineer.

6. Paea

Located in the east of the island of Tahiti, the town of Paea covers more than 65 square kilometers, a territory where a community of about 12,000 inhabitants lives.

7. East-Taiarapu

This Polynesian city is located at the seventh rank of the biggest cities in Tahiti. It is very easy to locate East Tairapu on a map since this town is located at the function of Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti. In other words, this town is strategically located.

8. Papara

Like most of Tahiti’s most populated cities, Papara is located on the west coast of Tahiti. The population of the town is estimated at about 10,700 inhabitants.

9. Arue

This town is located in the north of the island, a stone’s throw from the capital Papeete. Arue is located between the cities of Mahina and Pirae. The population of Arue is estimated at about 9500 inhabitants.

The main economic actors of the city are the Royal Water of Tahiti bottling plant and the Tahiti brewery. The presence of the army via the Marine Infantry Regiment of the Pacific (RIMaPP) inevitably boosts local activity. One of the largest supermarkets on the island is also located in the commune of Arue, which undoubtedly boosts the activity and economic development of the commune.

10. Hitiaa O Te Ra

This Tahitian city is probably the largest. It must be said that with its 218 square kilometers, Hitiaa O Te Ra is a large city. Nevertheless, a large part of the territory of the commune is covered by the mountainous massif of the center of the island. A steep and practically uninhabitable area that is now protected. The population of the city is estimated at just under 8,700 inhabitants.

10 bis. Teva I Uta

Teva I Utza, which is neck and neck with the town of Hitiaa O Te Ra, is comparable in many ways. First of all, this town also extends over a large area which is also covered by mountains. The area of Teva I Uta is 120 square kilometers. And the population of the city is 8,600 inhabitants.

thanks to: Tahiti Tourism and GP communications