When choosing an area to stay in the Windward Islands, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. The options described range from the viewpoint above Arue to a cultural trail and a guided lagoon tour on Moorea. Each emphasizes a different aspect of the landscape, history, and nature. On Moorea, the Marae walking trail and the lagoon tour offer different experiences to choose from. Consider which places and themes you would like to make the focus of your trip.

Moorea in the Society Islands archipelago

Moorea is a volcanic island in the South Pacific, about 17 km northwest of Tahiti. It lies at the heart of the Society Islands archipelago in French Polynesia and is part of the Windward Islands. On the island, you can choose between a historical walking trail and a guided lagoon experience; each has a different focus.

A viewpoint above Arue

Belvédère du Tahara'a viewpoint is in the hills above the commune of Arue, which is part of the Windward Islands. The place names refer to two distinct things: Belvédère du Tahara'a is the viewpoint, while Arue is the commune. Its location in the hills offers a distinct landscape focus alongside the cultural sites and lagoon experience on Moorea. If you organize your trip by interests, this named viewpoint is an alternative to the cultural and historical experiences and nature-based activities.

A cultural trail to Marae on Moorea

On Moorea, a walking trail leads from a Marae to the Oporo council platform and three other Marae. Oporo was formerly used as a meeting place. The walk takes about an hour and a half; this is an approximate time to consider when planning your day. The cultural trail links several stops to the former communal function of the council platform. Those interested in history will find a walk that covers both the Marae and Oporo's former use.

Guided lagoon tour on Moorea

Another Moorea experience takes you into the lagoon. Local guides take visitors off the usual routes to see natural highlights and share the lagoon's history. They take care to respect the local flora and fauna. Unlike the Marae walking trail, this experience focuses on lagoon nature and its history. This makes it easy to distinguish between the two Moorea experiences by theme: cultural sites and a historic meeting place on the walking trail, and nature and lagoon history with guides. Before your trip, check whether the guided tour is currently operating.

French Polynesia: Landscapes on Tahiti

In the broader destination of French Polynesia, Tahiti has lush, green hills and black and white sand beaches. On the west coast, white sand beaches lined with coconut palms are suitable for swimming and sunbathing. On the east coast, black sand beaches formed through past volcanic activity and provide a setting for relaxing and taking photos. When comparing the coasts, the sand color is not the only difference: the west pairs white, palm-lined beaches with swimming and sunbathing, while the east pairs black volcanic sand with relaxing and photography. The hills are another landscape feature of Tahiti.

Explore more subregions: Te'avaro, Mahina.

Explore more destinations: Leeward Islands, Îles Sous-Le-Vent, Windward Islands, The Tuamotu And Gambier Islands, Austral Islands, Tuamotus Islands.

Return to the main travel overview: French Polynesia.