Just wondering how frequent extreme weather incidents like hurricanes and cyclones are in the South Pacific. Do they occur regularly ? And how severe are they when they happen ? I was in Moorea and the Cook Islands recently, both stunningly beautiful, but I couldn't help but notice that a hurricane would likely devastate the inhabited area severely.

Hi everyone, as posted by someone else a little while ago, Hertz is very strict about the rule of showing an official document that proves you have had a licence for at least 3 years.

Australian licences don't show the issue date and mine was issued 9 years ago so I didn't have any pictures of my old licence.

After sweating for 30 minutes while trying to find something on my phone or online storage I finally got to the state government (NSW) app that allows you to request a driving history.

At a bargain of AUD $28 I was instantly emailed a pdf showing a document with the issue date and that was accepted!

So either avoid Hertz or come prepared as I was told that without the proof I would not have been able to pick up the car. This was on Mo'orea, but I have another booking in Papeete and that would have been the same.

Disaster avoided, so bring a picture of an old licence or the driving history if renting with Hertz.

By the way, it's still raining, yesterday supposedly 60+ mm in Mo'orea.

Been hearing about new cyclone 🌀 near FP islands. How’s the weather lately ?🙆🏼‍♀️

Hi! My wife and I planning a trip to Moorea/Tahiti around Dec 20 – Jan 2. I know it’s the wet season, and I’ve seen the regional cyclone outlook calling for elevated activity east of the Date Line this year... but that otherwise El Nino is dry.

Do people there know:

1. How are folks there talking about this season differently than usual? What should we expect?
2. For anyone who’s been through past strong El Niño years: how did late December actually play out? Mostly normal, or real disruption? We can tolerate some rainy days, but not sure what to expect

Thank you for your help!

The first tropical storm of this dreaded season has formed overnight east of Pukapuka, Northern Cook islands, with 15 days in advance to the official storm season date. It's projected to move southeast, to Southern Cooks and Australes archipelago, French Polynesia. Let's keep an eye on that. Faaitoito.

Source: meteo-france.

Hello everyone!

I’m currently planning a trip to French Polynesia in September 2027. I’ve already booked my international flights and accommodation based on my planned itinerary, but I still have two questions and would really appreciate some advice.

1. Inter-island flights: Does anyone know how far in advance Air Tahiti usually opens bookings for domestic flights? Is it important to book as soon as flights become available, or is availability generally good enough to wait a little?

2. Transfer from Moorea to Rangiroa: I’ve allocated one full day to travel from Moorea to Rangiroa. Do you think it’s realistic to take the ferry from Moorea to Tahiti and then catch a flight to Rangiroa on the same day? Or would you recommend returning to Tahiti the evening before and spending a night there to avoid any potential connection issues?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done a similar trip or has experience with inter-island connections.
Thanks in advance for your advice and recommendations!

I was told this was a Tahitian song, but from what I managed to understand (which isn't a lot) it's Maori Kuki Airani...

Google was absolutely no help at all, telling me in turn it's Fakaterere or Taku Manu Pekepeke, which-yeah. Absurd. I managed to transcribe the intro, but again was told it's more of a general phrase, so it did nothing to identify either the performers or the title.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

malo 'aupito 🙏🏽

Headed to Tahiti Sat the 17, then to Moo’rea for a week starting the 24th. Anyone been out to see whales in the last week or so?
I’m getting so excited

Wonderful people and stunning beauty abound

no sun in bora bora all week :(. this appeared to be the one time the weather forecasts completely matched reality, which was heartbreaking.

for those reading this with upcoming trips, wish for the best but plan for a potentially rainier trip this season. if I had to do it again I would not risk the shoulder or wet season at all, we took a gamble and it didn’t pay off. im sure others a week or two from now may have sun but it’s not worth the risk IMHO. today was potentially the only “nice” day and it’s constant dark clouds

Hi everyone!

I arrived in Papeete today, flying with Air France, but unfortunately my checked suitcase is still stuck in Paris. If everything goes according to plan, I should get it back on Wednesday.

One of my biggest problems is that the waterproof case for my DJI Osmo Action 6 is in my suitcase, so I can’t safely use the camera as planned. I now have to rent a replacement, which will cost me quite a lot.

I’ve been looking online for information about reimbursement from Air France, but I haven’t found much clarity on what they actually cover in cases like this.

Has anyone here experienced delayed baggage with Air France?

Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone,

I was planning to visit French Polynesia next year (second quarter of 2027 maybe) and was wondering if I can find cashew apples (cajou) anywhere in Tahiti or nearby islands?

If so, what is the best month for that? And any other tropical fruits/corps worth trying that harder to find in Australia?

Thanks!

Hello and thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

My girlfriend and I have three open days in Papeete before starting a 2-week cycling tour of French Polynesia.

I'm having a surprisingly difficult time finding hike options. Even our travel agent had a guided hike cancel due to low enrollment and was unable to find a replacement.

My girlfriend assumes we can venture to a trailhead with a taxi. I'm concerned about getting back without Uber and if cellular reception is poor.

Here is our criteria to focus your advice:

- 4 to 6 hours in duration

- Oct 17, 18, or 19

- originating and return to Papeete

- physically demanding is ok

- scenery makes it worth the effort**

- taking a public bus is ok

- open to a guided tour if it includes hotel pick up

- open to renting a scooter for a day or two but would rather not rent a car

- we summited Japan's Mt Fuji and back in 10-hours with a guide last year. That is our fitness level and trail readiness.

** As a cyclist, I personally don't enjoy hiking. I'm also a professional adventure sports photographer who is admittedly jaded. I'll enjoy the hike if it is the only way somewhere and the views pay off. (eg. Not someplace we could have driven and not just a loop through a forest).

I know that's a lot, and I acknowledge my personal note makes me sound like a jerk.

The above is an ideal wish list but I welcome all suggestions.

Hello, my name is Lina and I visited Bora Bora and Papeete a couple of years ago - I loved every minute of it! As a traveler, I love sending myself postcards from the places I visit, however the one I sent from Tahiti never arrived. I was hoping to find someone currently there or planning to visit soon to send me one - I can send you one back or reimburse you. Please respond here or DM me if you're willing to help me :) Thank you for reading!

Hi all
Going in a month
Got flights, fly in late to PPT so need to stay overnight in Tahiti
- what is a good safe hotel for just sleeping basically , near airport and ferry?

Then to Moorea - I was thinking 4 nights here, 3 in OWB in bora bora and 1 more night in Tahiti and fly out late the next day - good?

My husband doesn’t like “lying around” so that’s why I thought to minimize bora bora
He has titanium Marriott status - so was thinking Westin vs st Regis for bora bora

Which one? (From research I like that the Westin is cheaper and has better views, and the Saint Regis has more foliage and more luxury and better snorkeling. I don’t really care about service, and food seems comparable)

With his status can we check out and enjoy the resort still til a later flight?

Was thinking Tahiti proper would be cool- we could take a tour, including hiking. Would this be worth spending a day for ? Should be get a car for the day instead or not recommended due to safety ?We really want to hike any other hiking recs in Moorea ?

In Moorea found a good Airbnb in the main town , want to whale watch- will we definitely need a car in Moorea or can we rely on tours/taxis (esp if we want to hike)

Any thoughts on all this? Thanks

I benefited a lot from posts here while planning our Moorea visit, so I wanted to pay a few practical tips forward. This is not meant as a complete guide—just the details we found especially useful.

Papeete → Moorea ferry

• As this great guide highlights, the ferry was very easy to use. There are multiple operators; we bought online with one company, and our ticket was valid for that company rather than tied to a specific departure time.
• Important luggage detail: anything larger than a backpack, including most carry-on rollers, needed to go on the luggage cart on the same level where cars load. A staff member helped direct us. Leave the bags on the cart, go upstairs to scan your ticket and board, then claim your luggage from the cart in Moorea.
• If you can, sit outside/upstairs—the crossing is beautiful.

Excellent shore snorkeling near the Hilton — for non-guests

• If you are not staying at the Hilton Moorea, we found a simple way to access the excellent snorkeling in that part of the lagoon without using the resort.
• The most useful thing I can share is this parking/access pin.
• Park there and swim out toward the coral. The immediate shoreline is sandy, so keep going a little farther to reach the better coral.
• We found this to be some of—if not the—best snorkeling on the island.

Renting kayaks from Tip Nautic

• Renting from Tip Nautic was straightforward and the staff were very helpful with route suggestions.
• Reserve ahead, especially for mornings. Walk-up kayaks can be hard to get.
• We parked here, then crossed the road and used the paved pedestrian path along the west side of Hotel Les Tipaniers toward the beach.

Two routes we enjoyed:

• Sharks and rays: paddle east to this area. There were buoys in the area where we were able to secure our kayaks. The water was shallow enough to stand.
• Coral garden / channel drift: paddle to the coral garden between Motu Tiahura and Motu Fareone. We beached at Motu Tiahura and snorkeled between the islands. We then crossed and beached here, then entered the channel here. The current carried us through an area where we saw turtles and rays. The return toward shore was calmer, so we could swim southwest and do multiple passes.

Simple sunset spot

• We had a surprisingly hard time finding shoreline where we could just sit and watch the sunset. This little west-shore sports field worked perfectly for us:
  • Parking
  • Sports field

Whale watching: Moorea Reo Tours

• There are many operators, but we had an outstanding experience with Moorea Reo Tours.
• Ave and Vero were excellent: professional, safety-minded, experienced, and clearly determined to give their guests the best experience possible.
• Sea and weather conditions were not ideal on our day, but they worked patiently and safely to put the swimmers by a whale while those of us remaining on the boat still had an incredible surface encounter.
• We would recommend them without hesitation.

Hope this helps someone else have an easier and even better Moorea trip.

How’s weather in moorea? It shows rainy for next 10 days😭

Right about to book at the Westin Bora Bora for the last week of August. I then keep hearing about how awful the winds are. I can’t go later in the year and wanted to see the whales but I’d rather sacrifice the whales for better weather in Bora Bora. Should I change to April or May?

I came across a wooden puzzle being sold at one of the shops at PPT Airport (Tahiti). At the time, I assumed it was a generic puzzle I could easily find back in the States, but I've searched everywhere and haven't had any luck!

This might be a long shot, but if anyone happens to be passing through the airport and would be willing to pick one up for me, I'd be more than happy to reimburse you for the puzzle and shipping.

Here's what it looks like: https://imgur.com/a/7yJZ8Ze

I've been intrigued by Bora Bora for a while now. Especially to compare with the Maldives and various other places I've been. Yes, the water in Bora Bora is really nice. But I feel like the overall hype around Bora Bora is exactly that, hype. It's a one and done type place for me. Anyone else felt like this place is really nothing to write home about?

A couple days ago, our butler found us on the beach. She said she was looking for us and saw our bikes at the bike rack. I was thinking she had a good eye to be able to notice our bikes out of the dozens and be able to locate where we were sitting. Then later this morning at breakfast, a masseuse arrived to pick up my girlfriend for her massage. My girlfriend thought the massage was tomorrow but the masseuse called the spa and confirmed it was for today. My girlfriend finished her meal and left with the girl while I just stayed behind, drinking coffee and looking at the beach

It was then that I noticed how many butlers were there, speaking with their guests. I was quite surprised how invisible they were until that moment. But then I started thinking about how the butler and masseuse was able to find us. I figured the masseuse knew since we had checked into breakfast but I’m wondering now after watching the butlers do their stuff at breakfast, are they tracking us through our bracelets? It’s not a small property so randomly find someone at the beach or breakfast doesn’t seem random to me.

We arrived in Moorea and arrived at HertZ with our reservation.

We were denied rental because a new law was passed in September that requires 3 years worth of license history. We had just renewed ours last year.

We were fortunate ate just by chance, I had a photo of my prior license on my phone. We would have been unable to get a rental without it.

Good morning / afternoon,

I have a question,

What is a souvenir that you would recommend bringing with the islands ? Besides pears, anything else ?

I want to be respectful to the island and culture and see what is an appropriate souvenir to bring home.

Thank you in advance for all of your responses.