After spending 10 days in the stunning French Polynesian islands, I wanted to share my take on these tropical gems. Tahiti, like Hawaii, is the name of the biggest island, but most visitors only stay a day or 2 in Tahiti before going out to explore the less developed islands like Moorea, Ra'iatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, and Huahine. Most people recognize Bora Bora from its incredible photos, but may not know what to expect from the actual experience. Since Hawaii and the French Polynesian Islands are closely related, I thought a comparison would be helpful. 
🌞 Climate: Both Hawaii and Tahiti enjoy warm, tropical weather around 83°F year-round. Hawaii’s rainy season runs Nov-Mar, while Tahiti’s is slightly longer: Nov-Apr. Hawaii’s higher elevations bring cooler breezes, whereas Tahiti stays consistently warm and humid, with rains usually in short bursts followed by sunshine.
🏞️ Geography & Natural Beauty: Hawaii offers diverse landscapes—from active volcanoes and black sand beaches to lush rainforests and developed tourist spots. Tahiti and its neighbors like Moorea and Bora Bora, are less developed, showcasing pristine volcanic mountains and crystal clear blue lagoons surrounded by reefs—perfect for those craving untouched nature.
🌺 Culture & History: Hawaii is a melting pot with Native Hawaiian traditions mixed with Asian and mainland U.S. influences. You can enjoy hula dances, luaus, and leimaking. Tahiti’s roots go deep into Polynesian culture with its traditional dance, music, vanilla farms, and famous black pearls—giving a rich, authentic vibe.
🤿 Activities: Hawaii’s activity list is broad: surfing, hiking, volcano tours, golfing, and diverse cultural experiences. Tahiti leans into water adventures like snorkeling, diving, lagoon tours, plus off-road ATV rides and visits to pearl farms and vanilla plantations.
🏨 Accommodations in French Polynesia: The biggest difference you'll notice in French Polynesia is the limited number of hotels scattered across the islands, which makes staying at the luxurious resorts on Bora Bora and Moorea feel truly exclusive. These islands are home to world-class resorts like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, and the Conrad Hilton—properties that redefine island luxury with overwater bungalows, stunning lagoon views, and impeccable service.
However, if your itinerary includes time in Papeete, the options are a bit different. Hotels such as the Intercontinental, Hilton, and Le Tahiti represent the best of the city's offerings. They are very nice properties and perfect for a comfortable pre- or post-cruise stay, but they don’t quite have the same week-long, immersive island vibe that the resorts on Bora Bora and Moorea provide.
Whereas in Hawaii, the number and type of hotels are practically unlimited—ranging from budget-friendly inns to ultra-luxury resorts spread across multiple islands. Whether you’re looking for bustling beachfront hotels in Waikiki, secluded luxury retreats on Maui, or charming boutique stays on Kauai, Hawaii offers a wide variety of accommodation options to fit every travel style and budget.
Currently, there are no all-inclusive resorts in French Polynesia, though most can include breakfast. A basic lunch without alcoholic drinks can cost $40 per person, and drinks at the hotel can be $22.
🔑 Conclusion: If you want something exotic, less crowded, with world class snorkeling, 5-star resorts, and small ship cruises, Tahiti is your spot (8.5-hour flight from the West Coast). For more varied activities, cooler climate, and a lively dining and accommodation scene framed by lush scenery and Hawaii’s famous “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Hawaii is a shorter 6-hour flight away.
Now, how would I recommend doing French Polynesia?
A 3-day stay in Bora Bora or Moorea, followed by a 7-night small ship cruise, offers the perfect mix. It combines pure relaxation while enjoying Bora Bora’s stunning waters with the opportunity to explore other islands and enjoy a diverse range of activities—all from the comfort of a cruise ship. We traveled on the Windstar Sea Breeze, which I would highly recommend for a memorable and intimate experience.
Step aboard the Windstar Sea Breeze, a stunning small ship designed to offer an intimate and luxurious cruising experience. With just around 312 passengers, this beautifully crafted vessel gives you the perfect blend of privacy and community on board.
🛏️ Comfortable and Thoughtful Accommodations - Each stateroom is well-designed for your comfort, featuring spacious walk-in closets, inviting seating areas, and a fully stocked mini bar—everything you need to feel right at home as you sail the seas.
🍽️ Dining Delights with Variety- When it comes to dining, the choices are as delightful as the destinations. Enjoy a range of dishes at the elegant Ampora main dining room or choose from two specialty restaurants—Basil & Bamboo, which serves up Asian-inspired flavors, or Candles, perfect for a romantic, intimate meal.
🚤 Fun in the Water- One of the ship’s standout features is its water fun platform at the back—a brilliant spot for diving into calm, warm lagoon waters at each island stop. Whether it’s snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing on the water, this unique addition makes every shore day extra special.
💁♀️ Service That Shines- From the moment you step on board, expect spectacular service that’s friendly, personal, and efficient. The crew’s dedication to making your journey seamless truly elevates your cruise experience.
