Teahupoo is world famous among surfing circles for its monster wave. Until the early 2000s, the Teahupoo wave was only known to local surfers. It now ranks as one of the most photographed and powerful waves on the planet – on a par with Pipeline in Hawaii. Teahupoo (pronounced tee-ah-hoo-poh-oh -- please don't say 'poo') is a left that breaks over a very shallow reef, producing a perfect, awe-inspiring barrel.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tahiti attractions

1. Vaipoiri Cave

4.47 MILES

Popular day trip from Teahupoo. Walk into blackness till your eyes adjust then swim to the back through the icy waters.

2. Marae Nuutere

4.69 MILES

A signposted turn-off at PK9.5 leads a short distance inland to the rarely visited remains of Marae Nuutere, restored in 1994. There are three paved yards…

3. Taravao Lookout

5.59 MILES

View over the bucolic plateaus of Taravao to the blue coastlines and towering Tahiti Nui.

4. Maui Beach

5.71 MILES

A picturesque strip of white sand, Maui Beach gets packed and noisy on weekends, but is peaceful during the week. It’s right on the road but has shallow…

5. Queen's Cave

6.43 MILES

Waves move in and out of this hidden cave from the coast. It's like a natural (not hot) hot tub.

6. Marae

6.93 MILES

Ancient site accessible only on foot.

7. Anaihe Cave

6.95 MILES

A gem of a cave accessible only by foot or boat, looking out over a wild stretch of reef-free coast.

8. Petroglyphs

7.66 MILES

You'll need a guide to find Tahiti's best preserved petroglyphs deep on the Te Pari coast and accessible only on foot or by boat.