A Week in Moorea French Polynesia

Discovering Moorea: A South Pacific Paradise

Moorea, part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands, is a breathtaking South Pacific gem. With its dramatic jagged mountains, pristine sandy beaches, and picturesque bays, this island feels like a dream come to life. Add in the mesmerizing sunsets over the Pacific, and it’s truly an unforgettable destination.

Here are some of my favorite experiences from the trip:

Overnight Stay in Papeete: Fare Suisse

We flew from San Francisco to Papeete, but since it was too late to take the ferry to Moorea, we needed a place to stay for the night. I chose Fare Suisse because they offer airport pickup and a shuttle back to the ferry the next morning. If you want to use this service, be sure to reserve it in advance, as the van could fill up quickly.

The rooms were simple but clean, perfect for a short stay. They also sold beer, other drinks, and bottled water, which was convenient after a long flight. The hotel had a lovely patio where guests could relax, and they even offered a small menu with food options like pizza and fondue. One thing to note, this is a guest house, there was was soap but no shampoo and conditioner.

One of the highlights was the Swiss-style breakfast, which included meats, bread, yogurt, Tahitian juice, and locally made jam. We opted for the breakfast add-on, and it was well worth it.

If you’re looking for a comfortable layover spot before heading to Moorea, I’d definitely recommend Fare Suisse. You can check out their website here.

Taking the Ferry to Moorea

The next morning, we took the Terevau ferry from Papeete to Moorea. There are two different ferry options available, but I chose Terevau for this trip.

To make things easier, I purchased our round-trip tickets online in advance and printed them out. When I called to confirm, they informed me that the tickets were valid for one year, which is great if your plans change.

For more details or to book your tickets, you can visit the Terevau website.

Renting a Car in Moorea

Once we arrived in Moorea, picking up our rental car was quick and easy. Avis Car Rental is conveniently located just across the street from the Vaiare Ferry Terminal, making it a hassle-free option for travelers.

I reserved our car online in advance through Avis Moorea, which I highly recommend to ensure availability. If you’re planning to rent a car, you can check out their website here.

Having a rental car gave us the flexibility to explore Moorea at our own pace, and I’d definitely recommend it for getting around the island.

Staying at the Hilton Moorea

We loved The Hilton Moorea so much that it was hard to leave the resort! From the stunning overwater bungalows to the serene beachfront, everything about this property felt like paradise.

Dining at Toatea Creperie & Bar

One of the top dining spots on the island is Toatea Creperie & Bar, located at the Hilton Moorea. This unique overwater restaurant is only open for dinner and specializes in both sweet and savory crêpes.

The best part? While dining, you can often see sharks swimming below, adding a thrilling touch to the experience. If you’re staying at the Hilton—or even just visiting Moorea—this is a must-visit restaurant.

Dining and Activities at the Hilton Moorea

Rotui Bar & Grill

One of our favorite dining spots at the Hilton Moorea was Rotui Bar & Grill, which offered a fantastic menu with something for everyone. From cheeseburgers and fresh seafood to pasta, salads, and indulgent desserts, every meal was delicious and beautifully presented.

Resort Activities

Beyond the incredible food, we loved the variety of activities available at the Hilton. Some of our favorites included:

Sunset happy hour – The perfect way to unwind with a cocktail while taking in the breathtaking island views.
Snorkeling off our bungalow – The crystal-clear waters made for an unforgettable experience.
Paddleboarding & sea kayaking – A fun way to explore the lagoon.
Koi pond & stunning swimming pool – Beautiful spots to relax and soak in the surroundings.
Spa & activity planning – The resort can arrange incredible excursions and spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.

With so much to do, it was easy to spend most of our time enjoying everything the Hilton Moorea had to offer.

Island Favorites

Island Favorites: Must-See Spots in Moorea

Moorea is filled with incredible sights and experiences, and these were some of our absolute favorites:

Scenic Views & Landmarks

Belvedere Lookout – A breathtaking panoramic view of Moorea’s lush mountains and Opunohu and Cook’s Bays.
Polynesian Ruins – Ancient stone temples hidden in the jungle, offering a glimpse into Polynesian history.
Agricultural College – A great stop to sample fresh fruit, ice cream, and homemade jams while learning about local agriculture.
Magic Mountain – A short but steep hike leading to one of the island’s most spectacular viewpoints.

Food & Drink Experiences

Juice & Rum Factory – A must-visit for tasting locally made fruit juices and rum while learning about the production process.
Pineapple Route – Drive through scenic pineapple fields and enjoy some of the freshest fruit on the island.
Snack Mahana – A legendary local spot for lunch. Arrive early, as there’s always a wait!

Water Adventures

Private Snorkel Trip with Moorea Ocean Adventures – A truly special experience for all ages, exploring Moorea’s vibrant underwater world. Check out their website he re.
Scuba Diving with Nemoz – An unforgettable diving adventure! They even picked us up directly from the Hilton dock, making it super convenient.

Moorea has so much to offer, and every one of these stops made our trip even more memorable.