The Eastern suburb of Papeete is called Pirae. Its shores have beautiful black sand beaches. On the mountain side, the Fare Rau Hape road brings the excursionist to the Belvedere at an altitude of over 600 meters (l,800 feet), offering a unique panoramic view on Papeete and vicinity with the island of Moorea in the background. From there, hiking excursions bring you to the summit of Mount Aorai.

You then reach the town of Arue where the last King of Tahiti, Pomare V, is buried; it is an historical landmark much appreciated by those interested in the history of the colonial era. The town hall is worth a visit : recently renovated, this house was built in a pure colonial style in a splendid tropical garden. The circle island road then goes up near PK (kilometer point) 7.3 to reach the Tahara'a vista point. A breathtaking view on the coast and surrounding mountains, one of the island’s best spot for a souvenir photo.  

Going down to the other side brings you to the town of Mahina. It is there, in Matavai Bay, at the foot of Tahara'a that Cook, Bougainville, Wallis, and the famous Bounty's Captain Bligh landed. It was also on the beach at Point Venus that the first Protestant missionaries landed at the end of the 18th century. Tahiti’s only lighthouse is also located on this historical landmark. A little further, visit the Orofara leper colony : the former patients are no longer contagious and they spend their time in arts and crafts, a must see.

Papenoo is famous for its surfing beaches and for its river which is Tahiti’s longest and leads visitors to the heart of the island. According to best international surfing experts, Papenoo's waves are among the world’s best. At PK 17, the Papenoo River meets the ocean. A road with shallow crossings follows the river up to the center of the island. A 4x4 vehicle is required for this short excursion to discover many hidden valleys with spectacular waterfalls. Not for from the summit, Relais de la Maroto invites you to take  well-deserved break. You can even spend the night there : the place has 25 rooms and a wine cellar renown in all of Polynesia. At the top, a short 400 meters (1/4 mile) tunnel brings you to the island's West Coast through the heights of Lake Vaihiria in the township of Mataiea.

Past the Papenoo River, the circle island road reaches the town of Tiarei. The Blowhole, at PK 22.1 invites you for a short fun stop to discover one of the island's most interesting natural phenomenon : the ocean water reaches under the road to come out under pressure as a powerful and thundering jet at the foot of the steep cliff. One hundred yards further is the fork in the rood leading to the Three Faarumai Waterfalls in the Vaipu Valley. It is only a 5 minute walk to the first waterfall, it will however take you at least half an hour and good walking shoes to reach the two others which are located at the end of the valley, but the view is worth it.

The following towns of Mahaena and Hitiaa offer little scenic interest other than their preserved authenticity and undeniable nostalgic charm. At PK 43 right after the Fa'atautia River, a steep trail goes through the mountain ; it is the start of the hike to the “Lavatubes”, natural grottos carved through volcanic rock by the river. It is necessary to hire a guide to venture on this hike.

Faaone is the last town on the East Coast before reaching the Taravao isthmus. You are now in Tahiti Iti, the small peninsula of the island of Tahiti.