The marina and the beach pavilion

Standing beside the sand, you can make out the remains of the Marina de Puunui, the reason the Maps category reads 'beach pavilion'. This small harbour was constructed as part of the facilities of a hotel that no longer operates; it lies just south of Pointe Riri at the mouth of the bay. Though largely left out of service, its breakwaters and slipways give the water a glassy, protected quality and make it a snug spot for mooring—and, per local nautical guides, a fine refuge for boats when cyclonic weather rolls in.↗↗

Swimming and what to do

The bay is officially managed as a public swimming site (site de baignade), open on a free-access basis and maintained by the commune, with a broad sandy area laid out for leisure bathing. Because the water here is sheltered rather than surf-pounded, it works well for casual swimming, paddling and floating—calm conditions that are friendlier to non-swimmers than Tahiti's open south coast. Bring your own towels, water and sunscreen; the basics of a beach day come with you.↗↗

Beyond the water, the appeal is the beach picnic itself and the chance to linger on a quieter corner of the peninsula. The sheltered mooring area can tempt fishing from the edges, and the wide sand invites a long walk at either end of the day. Pair a visit with the road south toward Taravao, the gateway between the island's west and east coasts.↗

Getting there and practical notes

Punui sits in Toahotu, in Taiʻarapu-Ouest on the Tahiti peninsula, reached by road from Papeete via the circular route through Taravao. It is a drive-and-arrive beach with street parking near the entrance rather than a structured resort facility. The commune-managed swimming area offers showers and toilets, but the old marina itself provides little in the way of services beyond the water, so do not count on restaurants, loungers or rentals on the sand.↗↗↗

As at many Tahitian swimming beaches, there is no regular lifeguard patrol, so keep an eye on children and respect the conditions of the sea. Mornings before the weekend rush—or a quiet weekday—are the best way to enjoy the bay to yourself; late afternoons bring the light and the crowds together for the liveliest scene.↗