Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the most important 'urban centre'. It is the main transport hub of the islands and the best place to start exploring the archipelago. Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesian islands and home to its capital city of Papeete. Papeete Tahiti. Discover all that Papeete travel has to offer, including alluring hotels, black pearl markets, beaches, and great cuisine.