Why Honeymoon in Moorea
Moorea's greatest strength is its landscape. Unlike the flat motus of many island resorts, Moorea has mountains, valleys and bays, so every view is layered with drama. Mount Rotui separates the two famous bays. The jagged ridges behind them catch the light beautifully at sunrise and sunset.
The island also offers a wonderful balance of activity and relaxation. You can spend a morning hiking to waterfalls or driving up to the Belvedere lookout, then laze over the lagoon in the afternoon. Wildlife encounters, from stingrays and sharks to humpback whales and dolphins, are easy to arrange.
Finally, Moorea is easygoing and approachable. It is close to Tahiti, has a wide range of accommodation and gives you a taste of everyday Polynesian life alongside the resort comforts of your honeymoon.
When to Go
Moorea shares French Polynesia's tropical climate. The drier season runs roughly May to October, with lower humidity, plenty of sunshine and cooling trade winds. This is peak season, especially June through August, so book early.
November to April is warmer and more humid, with more frequent rain, often in short bursts. Rates can be lower and the island is especially lush and green. The shoulder months of April, May, October and November often combine good weather with better value.
Whale lovers should aim for roughly July to October, when humpback whales migrate past Moorea and whale-watching tours operate. Seeing a mother and calf from a small boat is a genuine thrill.
Where to Stay
Our pick for honeymooners is the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, on the north coast between Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. Its overwater bungalows sit above clear, shallow water that's ideal for snorkeling straight from your deck. The resort has a spa, pool and dive center. Don't miss Toatea, the overwater crêperie and bar, where blacktip reef sharks glide beneath the pontoon at sunset.
Moorea has a broader mix of accommodation than Bora Bora. Several other resorts offer overwater bungalows, including properties on the island's northwest and east coasts. There are also boutique hotels, villas and family-run pensions throughout the island. Vacation rentals with mountain or lagoon views are also popular with couples who want more independence. Overwater bungalows here often cost several hundred dollars to around $1,000 a night, noticeably less than on Bora Bora (approximate).
If you are combining islands, Moorea makes a great first stop to recover from jet lag before heading on to Bora Bora.
Romantic Things to Do
Begin with a drive up to the Belvedere lookout, which takes in Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay and Mount Rotui in one view. Along the way, stop at the ancient marae (temple) sites in the Opunohu Valley and wander through pineapple fields.
On the water, join a lagoon tour to swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks on a shallow sandbank, then picnic on a motu. From roughly July to October, book a whale-watching trip to see humpbacks. Kayak or paddleboard along the reef at sunset for a quiet moment together.
Other favorites include visiting a juice factory and distillery to taste local fruit wines and liqueurs, hiking to waterfalls or ridgelines with a guide and taking a scenic drive around the island's coastal road, about 60 kilometers long.
Getting There & Around
From the US, fly nonstop from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Papeete (PPT) on Tahiti, about 8 to 9 hours. From there, you have two options. Ferries run several times daily from Papeete's harbor to Vai'are on Moorea's east coast, with a crossing of about 30 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, short flights connect Papeete with Moorea's airport at Temae.
Once on Moorea, the easiest way to explore is by rental car, scooter or e-bike. A single coastal road circles the island and distances are short. Many resorts can arrange transfers from the ferry terminal or airport. Tours often include hotel pickups.
Taxis are available but can be expensive, so a rental car is often the best value for couples who want to explore.
Food & Drink
Moorea's food scene is relaxed and delicious. Look for poisson cru, raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, as well as grilled mahi-mahi, fresh tuna and tropical fruit. The island's pineapples are famously sweet; look for them in juices, desserts and cocktails.
Beyond your resort, Moorea has small restaurants, snack bars and roulottes (food trucks) serving generous plates at reasonable prices. Many have lagoon or mountain views. Don't miss a visit to a local fruit juice factory and distillery to taste fruit wines, liqueurs and rum.
For romance, book a sunset dinner overwater at your resort, or a Polynesian dance show with a buffet of local specialties.
Honeymoon Tips
A few ideas to help you make the most of Moorea:
- Spend at least three or four nights to enjoy both the lagoon and the island's interior
- Rent a car for at least one day to explore at your own pace
- Visit the Belvedere lookout in the morning for clearer views
- Book whale-watching with reputable operators who follow local guidelines
- Pack hiking shoes along with your swimwear
- Carry cash in CFP francs for roadside fruit stands and small restaurants
Allow buffer time when connecting between ferries, flights and international departures. Pack insect repellent for the valleys.
