The travel experiences across the Leeward Islands vary considerably. On Bora Bora, beaches meet traces of the American military presence during World War II; Huahine is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon with coral gardens. Raiatea combines a marae with hiking and river activities, while a hike on Maupiti leads to the summit of Mount Teurafaatui. When deciding where to travel, the landscape is therefore not the only consideration: it also matters whether you are looking for cultural history, time on the water or a route to a summit.

Lagoon, beaches and traces of history

Huahine is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon, which is home to coral gardens. You can dive or snorkel in the lagoon and explore its multicolored coral gardens. Bora Bora offers a different combination of beach and history. You can relax on its beaches or visit remnants of the American military presence during World War II along a hiking trail. This presence was codenamed Operation Bobcat. On Bora Bora, relaxing on the beach and visiting historical remnants are therefore distinct experiences to choose from.

Raiatea: Marae and river excursions

The Taputapuatea marae on Raiatea was once a center of religious and political power throughout Polynesia. You can visit the archaeological site of the marae on a guided tour. Excursions by kayak, paddleboard or outrigger canoe are also possible on Raiatea’s navigable river. This gives you a choice between a historical visit and an activity on the water as distinctly different ways to explore. Raiatea therefore offers both an opportunity to learn about the marae’s former significance and a river excursion as a separate focus.

Two peak destinations, different highlights

Two hikes can be distinguished by their destinations. On Raiatea, a hiking trail leads to the summit of Mount Temehani, the sole habitat of a distinctive flowering shrub. On Maupiti, you can hike to the summit of Mount Teurafaatui and enjoy the views. The difference is clear: on Raiatea, the distinctive plant habitat defines the description of the summit; on Maupiti, the views are part of the experience. If you are planning your trip primarily around a summit hike, you can choose between these two specific destinations.

Choose a focus for your hotel search

An interest in lagoon activities points to a different destination than a desire for a summit trail. If you also want to include cultural history, the guided tour on Raiatea and the historical remnants on Bora Bora offer two distinct points of interest. With this priority in mind, you can search more precisely for hotels in your preferred location and compare destinations based on what you want to experience there.

French Polynesia: Tahiti’s contrasting landscapes

Within the broader destination of French Polynesia, Tahiti offers its own landscape contrasts. The island has lush, green hills and both black- and white-sand beaches. On the west coast, white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. On the east coast, black-sand beaches were formed by past volcanic activity; they offer a setting for relaxing and taking photographs. Looking beyond the Leeward Islands, you will find another landscape highlight on Tahiti within French Polynesia.

Explore more destinations: The Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Windward Islands, Austral Islands.

Back to the main travel overview: French Polynesia.