Each year, The Islands of Tahiti are home to dynamic annual events where a multitude of islands celebrate life, tradition and culture, bringing travelers from across the world. The following are upcoming events taking place in 2018.
Major events in 2018:
- The International Moorea Marathon – March 31st, 2018 – Having made its name worldwide, it is the most important international sporting event on the island of Moorea. Since 1988, the event welcomes athletes from all walks of life coming to run an off the beaten track competition. Close to 1,500 participants join in all the races. Indeed, the run course is one of the most exotic in the world with its natural stunning sceneries, its lush vegetation and its idyllic arrival on the white sandy beach of Temae making it a dream for many.
- Tahiti Pearl Regatta (TPR) – May 7 to 12, 2018 – Celebrate the 15th annual TPR, the largest sailing competition in the South Pacific, which is open to all types of sailing boats: (single hulled, catamaran, trimaran, sailing canoe, private sailboat, charter sailboat, boats stopping over during a transpacific voyage, race followers and racers), with no size restrictions.
- Tahiti Fashion Week – June 13th to June 15th, 2018 – The 3-day Tahiti Fashion Week is an event involving fashion and Polynesian culture during which the cultural wealth of The Islands of Tahiti, local artists and designers’ know-how are in the limelight. It is a one of a kind encounter where Polynesian beauty meets the world of international fashion. After London, Paris, New York, Milan and Sydney, the Tahiti Fashion Week offers the audience with an unmatched event during a model contest as well as a few events displaying Polynesian fashion.
- Va’a World Sprint Championships Tahiti – July 16th to July 26th, 2018 – The International Va’a Federation is organizing the very 1st world edition of Va’a sprint race in Tahiti in 2018. This new event, held in Taanoe Bay in Pirae, features a competition of Polynesian outrigger canoe races where participating countries will compete every couple of years to become the International Federation world champions of short distance va’a racing.
- Heiva i Tahiti – July 5th to July 21st, 2018 – Heiva i Tahiti, one of the most important cultural events in The Islands of Tahiti has been a yearly highlight for more than 125 years. Usually taking place in July, visitors will enjoy a vibrant display of cultural shows, dances as well as view one of the most contested competitions in the world.
- Billabong Pro Tahiti – August 10th to August 21st, 2018 – Billabong Pro Tahiti has now become the 7th stage of the qualifying world series in Teahupoo. It is one of the most sought-after stages of the championship, with powerful and dangerous waves that break on the shallow reef below sea level. The world’s best surfers favor Teahupoo for its natural unique wave.Taxi boats are available for rental for those interested in following the event.
- Hawaiki Nui Va’a – October 31st to November 2nd, 2018 – Hawaiki Nui Va’a is an international contest of Polynesian outrigger canoes (called va’a) where over a hundred canoes gather in November each year starting in Huahine in the Leeward Islands.
- Hura Tapairu – November 21st to December 1st, 2018 – Hura Tapairu is a traditional dance contest taking place at the end of each year on the island of Tahiti. However, the contest sets different rules to allow smaller groups to participate. The latter are allowed a wider number of options to prepare for their choreography, themes and songs chosen. The contest has become one of the greatest events in French Polynesia but also a beacon in the world of traditional dance.
- IronMana 2018 – This one of a kind concept combines several sporting events aimed at promoting The Islands of Tahiti and their Mana through a multi-disciplinary water contest bringing a mix of challenges, self-achievement and humility.
- Waterman Tahiti Tour 2018 – The event involves three disciplines: stand up paddle, open water swimming, prone paddleboard, which can be performed separately or combined to highlight the “Waterman”, the main category. The competition attracts multi-disciplinary athletes who are passionate about water activities in relation with swimming and gliding sports. Stamina and self-achievement prevail in the most beautiful lagoons featuring the perfect playground.
- Watermana Huahine 2018 – The yearly Watermana Huahine is the very last stage of the WaterMan Tahiti Tour being hosted at the beginning of December on Huahine island. During the three days, athletes will compete in water related contests such as open water swimming, prone paddle, stand up paddle, kayaking and outrigger canoe races.
- Tahiti Nui Holopuni Channel Crossing – Meant to celebrate the opening of the IronMana Liquid Festival, the Tahiti Nui Holopuni Channel Crossing is above all a sporting event combined with unique and thrilling adventure. The race consists in navigating about 400km onboard a traditional sailing outrigger canoe from Tahiti to Bora Bora through the islands of Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine.
Travelers seeking a full list of 2018 events and to stay informed of news regarding destination, please visit www.tahititourisme.com.
