Tahiti Islands and Regions

The gateway island is considerably developed, with a lively port town, Papeete, that resembles a tropical Marseilles. Most people arrive, stay overnight, and then head to Bora Bora or Moorea in the morning.

Unspeakably beautiful, with the most famous lagoon in the world, this squiggle-shaped island is partly surrounded by skinny, sandy islets called motus —resorts are located both on the main island and on the motus. See our Bora Bora Travel Guide

As stunning as its more glamorous sister Bora Bora, mountainous Moorea can be reached by either a short flight or a pleasant half-hour catamaran ride, both from Papeete.

With less of a tourist infrastructure, figure-eight-shaped Huahine draws visitors who like to go off the beaten path. A stroll around Fare, the port village, is worthwhile.

Despite its bustling port town of Uturoa, Raiatea has been overshadowed by Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti – yet it provides the only gateway to Tahaa, which is best known for the Relais & Chateaux resort, Le Tahaa Private Island & Spa.

This low-lying island chain, which includes Rangiroa, Manihi, and Tikehau, is distinct from the mountainous Society Islands (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, etc.) and boasts resorts set on atolls that barely break the water's surface.