The market in Papeete consists of two stories worth of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish.  It also includes handmade crafts like necklaces, shells, coconut and vanilla oils and products, straw hats and bags, and the ubiquitous tourist souvenirs. The upper floor that rings around the perimeter of the building is home to jewelry stores full of black pearls and stores selling sarongs and other articles of clothing.  The whole area is a fascinating mixture of basic food provisioning and complete tourist trap.  I loved it.

We actually went here twice.  At the beginning of the trip when Rashell was sick, Jason and I ventured to Papeete to explore and stopped by the market to scout it out.  I bought a red and black sarong that practically everyone but me used to hide from the sun on the boat! Since it was so cool, and presents are easier to purchase while on the way to the airport, we stopped by again on our last day and stocked up.

This was definitely worth visiting!  We even stopped and had a smoothie, an iced coffee, and a honey chai tea.  I should have gotten the honey chai. Just going to have to go back and try again! I’m in the mood for a smoothie now!