Society Islands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Society Islands featuring mountains, general coastal views and tropical scenes
Society Islands showing marine life, general coastal views and boating
Moorea showing a sunset and mountains
Moorea featuring tropical scenes and general coastal views
Mt. Otemanu showing tropical scenes, boating and general coastal views
Set your watch to island time in French Polynesia’s most populated archipelago, where emerald mountains tumble down to palm-fringed beaches and pristine lagoons.

Experience the allure of the Society Islands when you discover the archipelago’s laid-back lifestyle, enchanting scenery and delicious tropical cuisine. The region is comprised of two island groups in the South Pacific Ocean. The Windward Islands contain the major hub of Tahiti, while the Leeward Islands are made up of many unique atolls and islets. Each island is adorned with necklaces of white-sand beaches and beautiful reefs that can be explored by boat or with your snorkel and mask.

Tahiti is the Society Islands’ administrative center and is the location for French Polynesia’s capital, PapeeteOpens in a new window. Discover this city’s bustling marketplace and its magnificent collection of museums, where you can learn about local traditions and the work of French artist Paul Gauguin. The island’s turtle-shaped volcanic ranges feature plenty of hiking and four-wheel driving trails. Check out the island’s neighbor, MooreaOpens in a new window, which has astonishing mountain scenery and velvet-green valleys sheltering pineapple plantations.

The Leeward Islands are crowned by Bora BoraOpens in a new window, an island encircled by a breathtakingly beautiful lagoon and a chain of motus (small islets). Pamper yourself at luxury resorts and upscale restaurants on this exclusive island. Experience the rich local traditions of Polynesian culture on Huahine or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Maupiti. Tahaa is renowned for its stunning lagoon while RaiateaOpens in a new window is a popular stopover for yachters.

Many islands and atolls feature exceptional diving. Join a snorkeling or scuba-diving tour and plunge into warm tropical waters speckled with iridescent fish. Alternatively, ride a glass-bottom boat or peer into the clear waters from a catamaran. Try windsurfing, kitesurfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Some islands have tropical-style golf courses and deep-sea fishing tours.

After a day of exploring, relax on a hammock in the shade of a coconut palm or stretch out on soft sands. Order a tropical cocktail and watch the sun set or experience traditional Tahitian dishes with a French twist.

Reach the Society Islands by cruise ship or by air via Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti. From here, it is easy to reach the surrounding islands by ferry, charter boat or plane. French and Tahitian are the most commonly spoken languages. Get around this island paradise island by rental car, scooter or shuttle provided by your resort.

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Te Moana Tahiti Resort
4 out of 5
BP 2851 Punavai, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is AU$354 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$354
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Punaauia. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,096 reviews)
"Beautiful setting and fun sports activities"

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
3 out of 5
Bd de la Reine Pomare IV, Papeete, Îles du Vent
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Papeete. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (744 reviews)
"Live this place. Cool vibe and super convenient to the ferry"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
4 out of 5
Auae Faaa, Faaa, Windward Islands
The price is AU$549 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$549
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Faaa. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (743 reviews)
"Pool was great. Staff very accommodating. Water available in many places. Suntan lotion and aloe on tap at the pool. Better yet, the hotel is connected to a shopping mall by a elevated walkway. That works great for a lengthy stay. Grocery store, food court and several shops there. Much more convenient ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Hilton Hotel Tahiti
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
3.5 out of 5
Pk 26 Côté mer, Haapiti - Ile de, Moorea-Maiao
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (470 reviews)
"Great beach and apartment. We stayed when it was quite busy during peak Christmas time. The apartment had the basic amenities that we needed"

Reviewed on 22 Jan. 2025

Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Bungalow one - Brando's World Famous Over Water Bungalow in Bora Bora!
Bungalow one - Brando's World Famous Over Water Bungalow in Bora Bora!
Vaitape
Stay at this vacation home in Bora Bora. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Matira Beach and Tupitipiti Point are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
A Bora Bora gem of peace and tranquility!
"From the moment we booked we have been delighted with the care owners and the managers have offered us. We were so looked after. The bungalow had all we needed and more. The rooms and beds were comfy and easy to maintain a comfortable temperature. The deck is so spacious it’s like having a whole ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jan. 2025

Bungalow one - Brando's World Famous Over Water Bungalow in Bora Bora!
Pension Fare Maheata
Pension Fare Maheata
2.5 out of 5
Pihaena Papetoai Pk 14,3 Côté Mer, 9872, Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (77 reviews)
"The host was awesome and the location was perfect. It was quite and close to the ocean."

Reviewed on 3 Apr. 2024

Pension Fare Maheata
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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