Written by : Lisa DI SALVIA
Do you also like to bring back more than just a simple travel souvenir? Something that reflects you… but with that little extra tropical touch? Then follow me. I’ll help you find the gems that vahine love: the perfect pareo, the dress that flutters in the wind, the handcrafted piece of jewelry, the elegant swimsuit to shine in the lagoon or on the beach.
Today, we’re going on a shopping spree in Papeete and beyond. Not just any shopping trip: the kind that reveals your inner light. Ready? Let’s go.
1. AIMATA – The vahine pareo, between heritage and creativity
First Stop : Papeete center, a stone’s throw from the market. You arrive at Aimata Tahiti. Here, pareos are not just pieces of fabric. They are living, hand-drawn works inspired by nature, like the sacred patterns of the tīfaifai from our grandmothers.
Each design reflects the gentle strength of Tahitian women, their roots, and their freedom. You choose your sarong: short or long, for strolling on the beach or dancing in the golden light.
💸 Short Pareo : 4 500 F | Long Pareo : 6 000 F
📍 2 rue Titiaivai, Papeete (close to the market)
📞 87 02 40 24
🌐 aimata-tahiti.com
2. EIMEO – Local floral dresses… and the perfect shirt for your sweetheart
We stay in the market district to take a look at Eimeo Clothing. Yes, it’s very close! A short passage through a quiet easement and you arrive in a charming boutique, , run by passionate women
At Eimeo you will find local floral and colorful dresses, which perfectly capture the Polynesian spirit. They are lightweight, comfortable, easy-to-wear yet always stylish pieces – perfect for a stroll by the sea or a sunset aperitif. Their flattering cut and tropical prints turn heads, while remaining natural, simple, and beautiful like the vahine here.
But that’s not all: it’s also the perfect place to find a local shirt for yoursweetheart. Noble materials, island-inspired patterns, and a perfect fit. Perfect for giving her an outfit that matches your chic vahine look.
💸 Since 75 USD (~9 000 F)
📍 21 servitude Graffe – Tahuhuterani, Papeete 98714 (close to the market)
🕘 Monday – Friday : 9am-5pm | Saturday : 9am-1pm
📱 @eimeo.clothing
🌐 eimeoclothing.com
3. THE DRESSING ROOM – The elegant swimsuit that makes you shine
Still in Papeete, head to the Commerce district for a stop at Le Dressing Tahiti. A real gem for finding the perfect swimsuit: chic, comfortable, a touch glamorous… exactly what you need for lounging on the sand or diving into the turquoise waters.
You’ll discover the famous Pain de Sucre brand, as well as Beliza, Pullin, Le Temps des Cerises, and more. The hardest part? Choosing between all the available styles: thongs, boyshorts, one-pieces, and underwired or non-underwired. You can even complete your outfit with a pretty summer dress or jumpsuit.
💸 Swimsuit bottoms: from 8,500 F | One-piece swimsuit: from 18,000 F
📍 8 rue Jean-Gilbert, Papeete – Quartier du Commerce
📞 40 43 99 88
📱 Le Dressing on Facebook
4. HINE MOANA – Handmade jewelry, pearls and leather from the ocean
And to end your trip in style, we’re leaving the city for a final, poetic stop in Papara, at Hine Moana. This place is a jewelry workshop where the sea and the land meet. Tahitian pearls are mounted on leather, shells, or other treasures from the islands.
Each piece is created by hand, with love and patience. Whether you choose a ring, a necklace, or a bracelet, you leave with a little piece of the ocean, charged with mana and femininity.
💸 Ring: from €25 | Bracelet: from €40 | Necklace: from €42
📍 Pape Mato, PK 30.5, Papara
📞 +689 87 30 02 69
🌐 hine-moana.com
And now? It’s your turn to shine like a vahine 🌺
You see, shopping in Tahiti isn’t about filling a bag. It’s about filling your heart with beauty, authenticity, and human warmth. It’s about supporting local designers, celebrating craftsmanship, and above all… feeling good about yourself.
So come, let me help you find these nuggets that the women here adore, and leave with more than just souvenirs: a piece of Polynesia to wear.
And if you’re not there? Good news: you can also order remotely!
Most of these designers offer online or message purchases, so you can showcase Polynesian style wherever you are in the world.
So, ready to shop like a real vahine?
