Information
Landmark: Tiki VillageCity: Moorea
Country: French Polynesia
Continent: Australia
Tiki Village, Moorea, French Polynesia, Australia
Overview
Tiki Village, a lively cultural hub and tourist draw, sits on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, where you might catch the scent of grilled fish drifting from the open-air kitchens.Visitors flock here to dive into traditional Polynesian culture, taking in the beat of island drums, hands-on workshops, and vibrant performances that bring its heritage to life.At Tiki Village, you can dive into the customs, art, music, dance, and daily life of ancient Polynesians, then step outside to take in the island’s lush green hills and bright turquoise water.One of the best parts of Tiki Village is watching its vibrant Polynesian shows, where drums pound and dancers move in bright, swaying skirts.These shows bring traditional music, dances, and songs to life, with standouts like the Tahiti-style hula, known as ’ori Tahiti, and the thrilling fire dance.Guests can watch bright skirts sway and hear drums pound as stories of love, war, and ancient legend unfold.The fire dance steals the spotlight-performers spin blazing torches overhead, the heat brushing your face as sparks drift into the night.Tiki Village itself feels like stepping into the past, with thatched-roof huts, open-air gathering spaces, and hand-carved Polynesian decorations.The village rests at the foot of Moorea’s green, mist-touched hills, offering a setting that feels both wild and welcoming.Scattered across the grass, small thatched huts display the intricate curves and patterns of traditional Polynesian craftsmanship.At Tiki Village, you can wander past grass-roof huts and carved wooden canoes, spotting artifacts, tools, and handmade treasures that reveal how the Polynesians once lived, then sit with local artisans to try your hand at their traditional arts and crafts.You can watch artisans create tapa cloth, weave intricate patterns, carve wood, or craft jewelry, and some will even hand you the tools so you can try it yourself-feeling the rough fiber or the smooth chisel in your grip.Tiki Village hosts these workshops and more, each one opening a window into the traditions and skills that shape Polynesian culture.You might spend the afternoon stringing shells into a traditional Polynesian necklace or weaving bright flower leis, then wander over to a cooking demo where the scent of fresh fish, coconut, and ripe mango fills the air.One highlight of Tiki Village is the Heiva, an authentic Polynesian feast served at evening gatherings or during a lively dinner show, with platters of poisson cru in tangy lime and coconut milk, roasted meats, earthy taro, and sweet slices of papaya and pineapple.Meals are made the old-fashioned way, often with the ahima’a-an earth oven where food steams for hours beneath hot stones.Dinner unfolds in a lively setting, with drums beating, dancers swaying, and music filling the air.On guided tours, local hosts lead you through the village, sharing stories, history, and the deep traditions that shape Polynesian life.Guides weave tales of ancient Polynesians-their daring voyages across open seas and the traditions they carried-while showing visitors how to weave a palm frond basket, dance to the beat of island drums, or read the meaning in carved symbols.As night falls, Tiki Village bursts into color and music, serving a feast alongside an unforgettable dinner show.At Tiki Village, guests can expect an evening filled with traditional Polynesian music and dance, from the swish of bright skirts in lively local performances to the heat and crackle of a fire dance finale, where performers whirl flaming torches in breathtaking arcs.It’s one of the village’s most sought-after dinner shows, drawing crowds eager for an unforgettable taste of island culture.Woven through it all are the myths and legends of Polynesia, brought to life in vibrant storytelling and performance.In Tiki Village, dancers and singers weave tales of gods, spirits, and heroes, along with glimpses of everyday life in ancient Polynesia.Guests hear the legends that shaped the islands-like the story of Tāne, the god of forests, or Oro, fierce god of war-brought to life in colorful, pounding performances.It’s a place where families of all ages can join in the fun.Kids can join cultural workshops, watch the dancers twirl in bright island skirts, and end the night with a lively dinner show.Tiki Village offers a safe, welcoming space where families can dive into hands-on activities and playful learning.You’ll find it on Moorea’s southern coast, near Temae Beach and just a short drive from the island’s airport.Tucked between Moorea’s sparkling coastline and thick green palms, the village offers a stunning backdrop and sits just a short drive from most hotels, so it’s an easy stop for travelers eager to dive into Polynesian culture.The ideal time to go is in the evening, when the dinner shows light up the night with sizzling dishes, rhythmic drums, and graceful dance.These performances draw the biggest crowds in the dry season, from May to October, when the skies are clear and the air feels warm and soft.You can visit Tiki Village any time of year, but it’s smart to check their schedule-especially if you’re hoping to catch a festival or special show.Step inside, and you’ll find an immersive experience that weaves together the history, traditions, and daily rhythms of Polynesia.Whether you’re drawn to the beat of traditional drums, the glow of hand-carved woodwork, or the aroma of a slow-roasted Polynesian feast, Tiki Village offers a lively doorway into the rich cultural heritage of Moorea and the wider Polynesian islands.
