Society Islands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Society Islands featuring mountains, general coastal views and tropical scenes
Society Islands showing marine life, general coastal views and boating
Moorea showing a sunset and mountains
Moorea featuring tropical scenes and general coastal views
Mt. Otemanu showing tropical scenes, boating and general coastal views

Set your watch to island time in French Polynesia’s most populated archipelago, where emerald mountains tumble down to palm-fringed beaches and pristine lagoons.

Experience the allure of the Society Islands when you discover the archipelago’s laid-back lifestyle, enchanting scenery and delicious tropical cuisine. The region is comprised of two island groups in the South Pacific Ocean. The Windward Islands contain the major hub of Tahiti, while the Leeward Islands are made up of many unique atolls and islets. Each island is adorned with necklaces of white-sand beaches and beautiful reefs that can be explored by boat or with your snorkel and mask.

Tahiti is the Society Islands’ administrative center and is the location for French Polynesia’s capital, PapeeteOpens in a new window. Discover this city’s bustling marketplace and its magnificent collection of museums, where you can learn about local traditions and the work of French artist Paul Gauguin. The island’s turtle-shaped volcanic ranges feature plenty of hiking and four-wheel driving trails. Check out the island’s neighbor, MooreaOpens in a new window, which has astonishing mountain scenery and velvet-green valleys sheltering pineapple plantations.

The Leeward Islands are crowned by Bora BoraOpens in a new window, an island encircled by a breathtakingly beautiful lagoon and a chain of motus (small islets). Pamper yourself at luxury resorts and upscale restaurants on this exclusive island. Experience the rich local traditions of Polynesian culture on Huahine or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Maupiti. Tahaa is renowned for its stunning lagoon while RaiateaOpens in a new window is a popular stopover for yachters.

Many islands and atolls feature exceptional diving. Join a snorkeling or scuba-diving tour and plunge into warm tropical waters speckled with iridescent fish. Alternatively, ride a glass-bottom boat or peer into the clear waters from a catamaran. Try windsurfing, kitesurfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Some islands have tropical-style golf courses and deep-sea fishing tours.

After a day of exploring, relax on a hammock in the shade of a coconut palm or stretch out on soft sands. Order a tropical cocktail and watch the sun set or experience traditional Tahitian dishes with a French twist.

Reach the Society Islands by cruise ship or by air via Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti. From here, it is easy to reach the surrounding islands by ferry, charter boat or plane. French and Tahitian are the most commonly spoken languages. Get around this island paradise island by rental car, scooter or shuttle provided by your resort.

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Te Moana Tahiti Resort
BP 2851 Punavai, Punaauia, Tahiti
The price is NZ$504 per night from 26 June to 27 June
NZ$504
26 June - 27 June
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Punaauia. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,145 reviews)
"The staff at Te Moana went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The facility is beautiful. We had a wonderful sunset cruise as well as a great snorkel trip aboard their boat. Highly recommend this resort!"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
Hilton Hotel Tahiti
Auae Faaa, Faaa, Windward Islands
The price is NZ$793 per night from 7 July to 8 July
NZ$793
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Faaa. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (810 reviews)
"Clean and new, the Asian restaurant was amazing probably the best food I’ve had this trip and we just finished staying at the Ritz Carlton in Bora Bora! Room and lobby clean and new, rooms are great!"

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Hilton Hotel Tahiti
Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
3 out of 5
Bd de la Reine Pomare IV, Papeete, Îles du Vent
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Papeete. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (889 reviews)
"It was great! Staff was helpful and kind. Everything was clean and we enjoyed the easy walk to the ferry."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
3.5 out of 5
Pk 26 Côté mer, Haapiti - Ile de, Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (485 reviews)
"Place was great with our 2 kids. Parking right in front of bungalow. Beautiful beach access. Only downside was they do not change out shower towels they expect you to wash them and re-use. Also u need to request beach towels and they expect them back up at check out instead of in room. No cups for ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
World famous Over Water Bungalow on Bora Bora!! Marlon Brando's Bora Bora Home!
World famous Over Water Bungalow on Bora Bora!! Marlon Brando's Bora Bora Home!
Vaitape
Stay at this vacation home in Bora Bora. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Matira Beach and Le Meridien Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
"Unique property but a little far away from everything. Some noise from the road in the evenings."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

World famous Over Water Bungalow on Bora Bora!! Marlon Brando's Bora Bora Home!
The Black Pearl! The most luxurious private OVER WATER BUNGALOW on Bora Bora!
The Black Pearl! The most luxurious private OVER WATER BUNGALOW on Bora Bora!
Vaitape
Stay at this vacation home in Bora Bora. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Matira Beach and Le Meridien Beach ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
.
"The bungalow had everything you need in a beautiful location. We enjoyed having a nice kitchen and we certainly enjoyed the privacy. The property doesnt match the description. The house is not luxury, snorkeling not greatimpressive. around thebungalow"

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2025

The Black Pearl! The most luxurious private OVER WATER BUNGALOW on Bora Bora!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Society Islands