If you go to Tahiti Island and want to stay near Papette but next to the beach on a laid back place, this is the place to stay!
I had a wonderful experience there! The hosts are a friendly and helpful couple. The dorm was clean, very spacious and had a wonderful view of the lagoon and small beach in front of the hostel. The bathroom and outdoor kitchen were always very clean and tidy.

Very nice overall laid back atomosphere... I recommend!

Owners, Surfer-dude Ralph and Diane, are excellent hosts. Facilities are modern, clean, and private in an area of private homes at pk18 north of Papeete. Located adjacent to the calm lagoon, protected by a reef for calm water snorkelling or use of free kayaks. No pool. Outdoor kitchen. Coffee and tea in the room and fruit from the tree. A fresh baquette appeared by magic at 0700 every morning. Located 18 km from the hustle and bustle, noise and traffic of central Papeete, Taaroa has good, cheap, local eateries ("truks"), a restaurant, and a couple of small shops within an easy walk. Bus stop very close for the irregular and confusing local buses to and from Papeete. Ask Ralph for pre-arranged shuttle service from flights (3000 francs standard rate).. An unexpected pre-dawn tsunami warning had Ralph and Diane efficiently evacuate all three guests and secure the premises until it was safe to return. Better experience than stories told by guests in large hotels.

... no, really. It is almost like one other review had mentioned, though I don't have much of a problem with it. You get a small glimpse of what it would be like if you lived here. Other than getting picked up and dropped off at the airport, meals and activities are on your own. Sometimes its hard to get a hold of Ralph, but his family are very kind and helpful. They do give you some advice when asked. Other than that, they leave you be. Which is the way it should be, in my opinion. Just wish it'd be easier to get a hold of the man in charge though. :)

First off, let's get the location right. It is not located in Papeete, but in Punaaiua. In back of PK 18 to be exact and glad of it!

Next, I did feel like I was going to get left at the airport because there was no one there to greet me after we had discussed the flight arrangements and such. The first time around, I suppose it could be a communication error and the second time, the flight was delayed but we landed early. Needless to say, I got there.

Another miscommunication was about the room. I had asked if he had any rooms available and he said yes. The medium priced one, so naturally I thought the cheapest (dormitory style) was full. It wasn't. So I asked if I could move to the dormitory with the other travelers because it was cheaper and he let me.

Breakfast was in fact two sticks of french bread. There was a store not too far down the road where you could purchase some items to cook for yourself or eat at the PK 18 restaurant out in front.

He does have some mosquito nets that you could request for and use, but I would bring some insect repellent as well if you don't like getting eaten alive. I had neither but thats because I'm pretty used to it.

The animals are fun. I especially loved the bunny! :)

Ralph and his family were sweet and a great help all in all. Ralph helped me with a renting a car and taking the kayak out and bring it back in. The beach was sand and rock, and the water was crystal clear! Unless you are going to snorkel, kayak, or walk on the beach, there is nothing to do there. There is however a book collection under the stairs. :P This is a place to RELAX!

Just stayed at Taaroa Lodge for 3 nights after being at Easter Island and en-route to Auckland. Ralph picked us up and dropped us off at the airport and was very organised in checking the flight as we were early and he was there to meet us. The breakfast baguette and refreshments were very much appreciated. We enjoyed using the kayaks and the snorkels and it's a fantastic location to watch the sunrise over Moorea. Lovely and quiet and we enjoyed having the rabbit and the dogs around. The only reason I put sleep quality at 3 was because we were too hot in the room - it is humid but very comforable apart from that.