Looking for some unique backpacker finds

I'm heading to Tahiti in 2 weeks with another backpacker friend and her grandpa. We've got most of the trip planned (we're going the non-backpacker route and taking a cruise hence the addition of the grandpa) with the exception of a few days in itially in Papeete.

I still want to find some of the not so advertised/typical stuff to do to satisfy my backpacker side. Does anyone have recommendations as to a really awsome restaurant or cafe or show or hike that's not to be missed in Papeete or on Tahiti? All the other islands we're mostly making day stops so won't have much time for out of the way adventuring.

Any input is appreciated!
Thanks.

It depends on how much time you have. You can get the bus and head about halfway around the island. There is a popular inland trail, that eventually reaches a small lake up in the mountains. But even on a day trip it could be interesting. I haven't done it but friends have. Bring insect repellent.

You can locate it on a good map of Tahiti by looking for that little lake.

Or, a better suggestion, get David Stanley's Tahiti Handbook, it has that hike and others listed in it.

For good Chnese food at a bargain, try Cite D'Or (City of Gold) Restaurant, a few blocks east of the Mandarin Hotel, kind of a few blocks from the main market as well.

Not sure if the Piano Bar near the harbor is still doing their cross-dressing shows, but it used to be quite popular and a lot of fun.

You may want to take a jeep tour across the island (not around). There is a hotel up there (nothing else) which is a good spot for day hikes. There are marked hiking trails onTahiti, all of them go up and are up in the volcano.

For food, I would recommend the 'roulottes' at the harbor. They are popular with tourists and locals alike. They open at 6 p.m. For lunch with locals: the McDonalds behind the post office. ;-)

The Te Pari cliffs hike is awesome. Starts and ends in Tahiti-iti, the little bit sticking out the east side of Tahiti. You can walk there from the road at Teahupoo, but careful at high tide, many of the beach accesses are more or less impassable then. There is also a hike that starts as an offshoot of the Te Pari-near Au Bonjouir guest house-and crosses the spine of the island. I didn't take it, but talked with people who did and they loved it and said it was a lot tougher than one expects from Tahiti. this is also true for Te Pari, but there are many waterfalls and streams along the way. Really great hike.

Ed