Originally Posted by
LA_FadeAway
A few questions while planning details of our trip later this month?
2) Has anyone done the Polynesian Night recently? Debating about this. Our anniversary is that night.
4) Are there stores in or really close to the Papeete airport where we could pick up a few mixers, some beer/wine, and snacks or should we wait and go ashore on day 2 to stock up on those things. We'll have about 4 hours to kill in Papeete before our transfer flight. Plan to pick up a few bottles at LAX duty free on our way out.
For the Polynesian Night, please be aware that it may be indoors at the Iriatai restaurant when there is a chance of rain. This happened during our trip and inside the ambience is not comparable to the show on the beach. The drums get very loud inside the building. You may just want to walk by if you happened to be on property that night or have a drink at the bar.
One suggestion I have is to head to St. James for lunch. You can not only take advantage of free Conrad boat during the daytime but also enjoy a very scenic view ! It is a short walk from the Vaitape harbor. I believe St. James offers a transfer as well if you don't want to walk.
You can pick up groceries and drinks at two supermarkets in Vaitape. There is also a nice wine shop next to St. James, it is managed by the same owner as is an excellent bakery. The prices at the Vaitape supermarket are a bit higher compared to Bora Bora.
For alcohol, consider stopping by the duty free shop in Bora Bora on arrival, on the left just before leaving the secure zone in baggage claim. The taxes on alcohol in French Polynesia are very high and this may be the least expensive option to purchase wine or liqueur.