Why go
Understanding the terrain prevents an island drive from becoming an unrealistic mountain or peninsula circuit. Taravao is the key junction between Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti; Papenoo shows the scale of the interior. Seasonal rain adds another reason to distinguish a coastal outing from a valley excursion.
The full story
A short isthmus at Taravao joins Tahiti's two roughly rounded volcanic sections. Tahiti Nui, the larger part, contains Mount Orohena, the island's highest peak at 2,241 metres. Its populated coastal strip contrasts with a largely uninhabited interior of steep mountains, rainforest and streams. The Papenoo River runs through its northern side. Tahiti Iti lies southeast of the isthmus. Its far southeastern reaches, Te Pari, are accessible by boat or on foot rather than by a continuous coastal road. A drive towards the peninsula therefore needs an endpoint, rather than the assumption that every coast connects by road. Around the road-served parts of the island, the main route runs between mountains and sea. The climate stays warm through the year, with a wetter season from November to April. Think about rainfall as well as temperature when choosing between coastal stops and an interior outing.