13 Best Nightlife in French Polynesia

This island institution, named after the famous character in James A. Michener's Tales of the South Pacific and the musical South Pacific, has been buzzing for almost 30 years. The bar's open late every night of the week except Sunday and there's occasional music. It's ultra-touristy, expensive, and food can vary from great to disappointing.

This newly refurbished lounge bar has wonderful views over the pool and the lagoon, making it perfect for evening cocktails. There's live music most nights.

This lively three-star hotel right on Cook's Bay has a traditional island band on Friday and Saturday nights.

Kiri Kiri Bar in the White Sand Beach Resort services a variety of cocktails. There is also live music and demonstrations, such as pareo tying.

The entertainment at this restaurant in Le Petit Village runs from three-piece jazz combos and soul bands to Elvis impersonators and funky DJs at the parties held several times a month.

If you want to drink and dance late into the night, this is the only nightclub on the island. The party goes well past 3 am and attracts a young, often boisterous crowd of mostly locals who groove to hip-hop, reggae, and funk. It's a pretty raucous place.

Savoring a breathtaking sunset sinking into the lagoon at this lovely little spot on the island's northwest corner is a great end to the day.

New Te Marara, also a seafood restaurant, has the island's best view of the lagoon and the port activities, as well as the killer sunsets. Happy hour (5:30–6:30 pm) brings the price of cocktails down to 500 CFP.

The White Sand Beach Resort offers weekly Polynesian dance performances during the high season. It's best to call ahead, as performances are scheduled based upon the number of guests at the time.

Owner, Syd Pollock, has been running restaurants and bars in French Polynesia for 40 years. Now his elder son, Rudy, is turning on the fun with live music Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights to accompany the good food.

Te Tiare Pearl Resort holds Polynesian dance performances and buffet twice a week. Performances last for 45 minutes.

At the Tianoa Bar in the Tikehau Pearl Resort you can order a mai tai and let the balmy breezes and the music of the trio of Polynesian singers (June–October) lull you into a deep state of relaxation.

At night this replica Tahitian village comes alive with the excitement of hip-shaking and fire twirling as 60 dancers put on a spectacular cultural show.