Welcome to French Polynesia: Tahiti & Her Islands

The Islands of Tahiti are a breathtaking paradise in the South Pacific, renowned for their pristine beauty and idyllic landscapes. This archipelago is composed of 118 islands, each offering a unique blend of lush greenery, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and warm sandy beaches. Visitors are captivated by the vibrant Polynesian culture, rich history, and the opportunity to indulge in water activities like snorkelling, diving, and surfing. Tahiti’s charm lies in its ability to transport travellers to a serene and enchanting world of tropical splendor.

If the island of Moorea is already on your bucket list, skip to a 7 day itinerary here on TripAdvisor.

Which Islands to Visit?

Choosing which islands to visit is not an easy feat as every island offers its unique blend of paradise. If it is your first time and you have 7-14 days, we recommend staying in the Society archipelago due to easy inter-island flights. See below for a summary!

🏝️ Which Islands to Visit in French Polynesia

🌺 Tahiti – The Gateway Island

• ✅ Pros: Main island with international airport; plenty to see and do.
• ⚠️ Cons: No ‘postcard’ beaches; must also explore other islands.
• 🏨 Where to Stay:
  • Luxury: Intercontinental Tahiti – Lagoon view rooms.
  • Mid-range: Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort – Note it’s far from downtown.
  • Budget: Hotel Tahiti Nui – Walkable to downtown shops.
• 🌟 What to See:
  • Night market for food.
  • Early morning market for shopping.
  • Black sand beaches.
  • If you have time, rent a car and drive the whole island, including a visit to Teahupoo beach on Tahiti-Iti.​Itinerary Inspire

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🌴 Moorea – The Magical Island

• ✅ Pros: Stunning island with 2 bays; easy ferry ride from Tahiti to save money.
• ⚠️ Cons: If you get seasick, the ferry ride can be rough; it’s only about 10 minutes by plane if you prefer.
• 🏨 Where to Stay:
  • Moorea Sunset Beach – Full-service apartments with kitchen, washer/dryer, and beach access.
  • Hotel Hibiscus – Has a pool and restaurant; basic rooms.
• 🌟 What to See:
  • Dine at Hilton Moorea’s creperie over the water; watch sharks at night.
  • Island tour with Francky Frank – visit Rotui juice factory and Belvedere lookout.
  • Rent a kayak or book a boat drop-off to Coco Beach for lunch and relaxation.​Itinerary Inspire

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💎 Bora Bora – The Jewel of the Pacific

• ✅ Pros: Spectacularly beautiful; stunning lagoon and mountain views.
• ⚠️ Cons: Expensive; luxury resorts on outer motus can be $1000+ per night.
• 🏨 Where to Stay:
  • Luxury: Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort – Ideal for honeymoons.
  • Mid-range: Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – Located on the main island.
• 🌟 What to See:
  • Snorkeling trips – a must-do.
  • Rent your own boat to tour the lagoon: La Plage Bora Bora.
  • Some luxury resorts offer day passes ($50–$150) including boat transfer, lunch, and beach access; recommended: Westin or Thalasso.​Itinerary Inspire

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🌿 Huahine – The Garden of Eden

• ✅ Pros: Beautiful lush island; cheaper hotels.
• ⚠️ Cons: Limited automatic car rentals; hilly terrain.
• 🏨 Where to Stay:
  • Motu Lodge House – Private house on a motu facing Huahine; open-air living.
• 🌟 What to See:
  • Chez Tara for authentic Polynesian Sunday brunch.
  • Blue-eyed eels – observe but don’t feed.
  • Snorkeling in amazing reefs.
  • Island drive – if comfortable driving a standard car.
  • Visit La Mahana Hotel for a unique dining experience.​Itinerary Inspire

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🐠 Maupiti – The Hidden Gem

• ✅ Pros: Unique, less-traveled island; known for manta rays visiting the lagoon daily.
• ⚠️ Cons: More isolated; less frequent flight schedules; limited supplies depending on the time of month.
• 🏨 Where to Stay:
  • Pension Le Kuriri – Small, rustic hotel with good reviews; daily trips to see manta rays.
• 🌟 What to See:
  • Manta rays!
  • Rent a bicycle from the main town marina and tour the island in a couple of hours.
  • Enjoy the pristine paradise!​Itinerary Inspire

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🌼 Taha’a – The Vanilla Island

• ✅ Pros: Lovely island famous for vanilla and amazing snorkeling reefs.
• ⚠️ Cons: Less to do compared to other islands.
• 🏨 Where to Stay:
  • Pension Phil du Temps – Family-run pension with communal dinners; located across from a beautiful lagoon.
• 🌟 What to See:
  • Island tour to see vanilla plantations.
  • Snorkeling in the lagoon.
  • Arrange a day trip with spa and lunch at the luxury Le Taha’a Resort across the lagoon.​