Quick Verdict: Choose Your Island
Bora Bora
Iconic Polynesian luxury. Overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoon, Mount Otemanu. The perfect postcard experience — at a steep price.
Moorea
The best compromise. Spectacular green mountains, magnificent lagoon, 30-min ferry from Tahiti. Nature + comfort at reasonable price.
Huahine
The authentic and preserved island. Spectacular hikes, Polynesian villages, untouched lagoon, very few tourists. Accessible budget.
Complete Comparison Table 2026
| Criteria | Bora Bora ✨ | Moorea 🌿 | Huahine 🌺 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access from Tahiti | Flight 50 min (70–120 €) | Ferry 30 min (35 €) | Flight 40 min (80–110 €) |
| Hotel/night (average budget) | 250–400 € | 150–220 € | 120–180 € |
| Restaurant meal | 30–60 € | 18–35 € | 15–28 € |
| Week all-inclusive budget | 1,800–3,500 € | 900–1,500 € | 700–1,200 € |
| Lagoon | Iconic, crystalline ⭐⭐⭐ | Very beautiful ⭐⭐⭐ | Beautiful, preserved ⭐⭐ |
| Diving / snorkeling | Excellent (Tapu pass) ⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent easy access ⭐⭐⭐ | Very good, uncrowded ⭐⭐ |
| Hiking / nature | Limited (flat island) ⭐ | Excellent (Three Coconuts) ⭐⭐⭐ | Exceptional ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Polynesian authenticity | Low (touristified) ⭐ | Medium ⭐⭐ | High ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Crowds / tourism | Very touristy | Touristy | Little tourism |
| Restaurants / local life | Expensive, resort only | Varied, affordable | Simple, local |
| Romance | ⭐⭐⭐ (overwater bungalows) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Sofitel, scenery) | ⭐⭐ (nature intimacy) |
| Ideal duration | 4–5 days | 3–5 days | 3–4 days |
The Three Islands in Detail
✨ Bora Bora — Iconic Luxury
Bora Bora is the most photographed island in Polynesia. The turquoise lagoon surrounding Mount Otemanu, the overwater bungalows, the Tapu pass and its sharks — it's an experience apart.
Main activities: Lagoon tour (rays, sharks), Tapu pass diving, snorkeling from resort, Mount Otemanu sunset, spa.
To know: Most hotels are on motu (islets), accessible only by boat. Allow 20–30 min transfer. No cars on motu.
🌿 Moorea — Perfect Balance
Moorea is my favorite island. Just 30 minutes from Tahiti by ferry, it offers spectacular mountains, two magnificent bays (Opunohu and Cook's Bay) and a lagoon accessible from the beach.
Main activities: Three Coconuts hike (panoramic views), quad tour, snorkeling with rays and dolphins, lagoon kayaking, Opunohu pineapple tour.
To know: Moorea is best connected to Tahiti (Aremiti ferry hourly). Rent a car or scooter essential for exploring (50–70 €/day).
🌺 Huahine — Secret Authentic
Huahine is Polynesia from 30 years ago. Few tourists, authentic Polynesian villages, local markets, spectacular hikes. For travelers seeking the true experience.
Main activities: Mountain hikes (360° views), Polynesian village tours, untouched north lagoon, less-crowded diving, local crafts.
To know: Limited tourist infrastructure — few upscale restaurants, no beach clubs. Plan car rental (40–55 €/day). Hotels vary in quality: research before booking.
Which Island by Your Profile?
Honeymoon / special occasion
Bora Bora remains essential for the mythic experience. Alternative at -40%: Moorea Sofitel.
✨ Bora BoraFamily with children
Moorea: safe beaches, easy snorkeling, varied activities, accessible restaurants. Solid infrastructure.
🌿 MooreaAdventurers & hikers
Huahine: spectacular hill hikes, volcanic landscapes, few tourists on trails.
🌺 HuahineDiving & snorkeling
Bora Bora for diving (Tapu pass, manta rays). Moorea for accessible snorkeling without gear.
✨ Bora BoraTight budget (700–1,200 €/week)
Huahine offers best Polynesian experience for best price. Local guesthouses at 80–120 €/night.
🌺 HuahinePhotographers & scenery
Moorea for variety (mountain + lagoon). Bora Bora for overwater bungalow sunset photos.
🌿 MooreaDetailed Budget per Island (1 week, 2 people)
Bora Bora — 1 week
| Lodging (hotel) | 2,100–4,200 € |
| Meals | 700–1,200 € |
| Activities & diving | 500–800 € |
| Flights + transfers | 250–400 € |
| TOTAL / 2 people | 3,550–6,600 € |
Moorea — 1 week
| Lodging (hotel) | 1,050–2,100 € |
| Meals | 380–700 € |
| Activities & car rental | 300–500 € |
| Ferry + misc | 80–120 € |
| TOTAL / 2 people | 1,810–3,420 € |
Huahine — 1 week
| Lodging (guesthouse) | 840–1,680 € |
| Meals | 280–500 € |
| Activities & car rental | 200–380 € |
| Flights + transfers | 180–280 € |
| TOTAL / 2 people | 1,500–2,840 € |
Rates March 2026. Prices may vary by season and availability. Check official sites for current airfare and hotel rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which island is cheapest between Bora Bora, Moorea and Huahine?
Huahine is most affordable: 700–1,200 €/week for 2. Moorea is intermediate: 900–1,500 €. Bora Bora is priciest: 1,800–3,500 €. Huahine costs 40–50% less than Bora Bora.
Which island to choose for a honeymoon?
Bora Bora is essential with overwater bungalows and iconic lagoon. Budget 2,000–4,000 € per couple. To save: Moorea Sofitel offers same vibe at -40% (1,200–1,800 € per couple).
Can you visit all three islands in one trip?
Yes with 10–14 days. Easiest route: Tahiti (arrival) → Bora Bora (flight 50 min) → Huahine (flight 20 min) → Moorea (flight/ferry to Tahiti). Air Tahiti inter-island flights: 70–120 € each.
Which island for diving and snorkeling?
Bora Bora for diving (Tapu pass, sharks, manta rays). Moorea for snorkeling accessible from beach (rays, dolphins). For high-level diving, see also our Bora Bora vs Rangiroa diving comparison.
How many days per island?
Bora Bora: 4–5 days minimum (lagoon + diving + resort). Moorea: 3–5 days (hike + snorkeling + tour). Huahine: 3–4 days (villages + hikes + beaches). Less than 3 days = you'll regret it.
Ready to Choose Your Island?
Check out our complete guides to plan your trip in detail.
All travel guides →