18-Day Family Island Hopping Adventure in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is often seen as a honeymooner's paradise, but its gentle lagoons, welcoming 'Maeva' spirit, and well-developed infrastructure make it an incredible destination for families. This 18-day epic journey takes you across five diverse islands, ensuring a mix of white-sand relaxation, gentle lagoon adventures, and cultural immersion that kids and parents alike will adore.
Traveling with family here is about the 'Island Time' philosophy. We've curated a route that minimizes long transit days and maximizes outdoor play, using a mix of domestic flights and ferries. From the bustling markets of Papeete to the shallow turquoise waters of Bora Bora, every stop is chosen for its accessibility and family-friendly appeal.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti - Arrival & Island Welcome
Arrival at Faa'a International Airport
Land in Tahiti and receive a traditional flower lei greeting. The airport is small and easy to navigate with children.
Check-in at InterContinental Tahiti
A short drive from the airport, this resort offers a sand-bottom lagoonarium perfect for kids to see fish without even swimming.
Relax by the Infinity Pool
Let the kids burn off some energy in the pool while you enjoy the sunset views of Moorea across the sea.
Dinner at Les Roulottes
Head to Place Vai'ete to experience the famous food trucks. It's outdoor, lively, and offers everything from crepes to chow mein.
Day 2: Papeete, Tahiti - Market & Museum Culture
Marché de Papeete
Explore the vibrant central market. The ground floor is stroller-accessible and full of colorful fruit and local crafts.
Paofai Gardens
A beautiful waterfront park with modern playgrounds and wide paved paths perfect for a midday stroll.
Museum of Tahiti and the Islands
Learn about Polynesian history in this recently renovated museum with engaging visual displays for children.
Evening at the Hotel Lagoonarium
Watch the daily fish feeding session, an educational highlight for younger travelers.
Day 3: Punaauia, Tahiti - Beach & Surf Vibes
Plage de Vaiava (PK18)
The most family-friendly white sand beach on Tahiti Nui. The water is shallow, calm, and protected by the reef.
Picnic Lunch
Enjoy local fruits and baguettes bought from a nearby 'Magasin' (local grocery store).
Marae Arahurahu
A restored ancient temple site set in a lush valley. It’s quiet, respectful, and offers great space for kids to walk around.
Sunset Dinner at Blue Banana
A waterfront restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that caters well to children's tastes.
Day 4: Moorea, French Polynesia - The Island of Pineapples
Ferry to Moorea
Take the 30-minute ferry crossing. The large catamarans are stable, stroller-friendly, and offer great views.
Belvedere Lookout
A paved road leads to this iconic view of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. It's an easy photo op for the whole family.
Manutea Juice Factory
Taste local pineapple juices and see how the fruit is processed. They have a great gift shop for local treats.
Check-in at Moorea Beach Lodge
A charming, family-owned boutique property right on a white sand beach.
Day 5: Moorea, French Polynesia - Lagoon Discoveries
Lagoon Boat Tour
Join a guided tour to see stingrays and black-tip reef sharks in waist-deep water. Most operators are very kid-focused.
Motu Picnic
Enjoy a traditional Polynesian lunch on a small islet (motu). Kids can play in the sand while lunch is prepared.
Snorkeling at Tipaniers Beach
The water here is incredibly clear and full of colorful reef fish accessible just a few feet from the shore.
Pizza at Allo Pizza
A local favorite in Cook's Bay with a casual vibe and quick service, perfect for tired children.
Day 6: Moorea, French Polynesia - Marine Education
Moorea Dolphin Center
Located at the InterContinental, this center offers educational programs about marine mammals and conservation.
Lunch at Snack Mahana
Classic island food under the trees by the water. Try the mahi-mahi in vanilla sauce.
Te Mana O Te Moana
Visit the sea turtle rehabilitation center to learn about how they protect these beautiful creatures.
Beach Games at Temae
The widest public beach on the island, great for a family game of frisbee or sandcastle building.
Day 7: Moorea, French Polynesia - Inland Adventures
Pineapple Field Walk
Take a gentle walk through the Opunohu Valley. The paths are flat and offer a cool break from the sun.
Tropical Garden Moorea
A hillside garden with a small shop selling homemade jams. The view over the bay is spectacular.
Rest & Nap Time
Polynesian afternoons are hot; enjoy a quiet siesta back at your lodge.
Polynesian Dance Show
Catch a dinner show featuring traditional dancing and fire spinning, usually a big hit with kids.
Day 8: Huahine, French Polynesia - The Garden Island
Flight to Huahine
A short hopper flight takes you to the most authentic and laid-back island of the Society group.
Check-in at Maitai Lapita Village
Built on an ancient archaeological site, this hotel offers spacious bungalows around a freshwater lily pond.
Fare Village Walk
The main town is tiny and friendly. Watch the locals unload cargo from the supply ships.
Sunset at the Yacht Club
A very casual spot for a drink and a burger while watching the boats in the harbor.
Day 9: Huahine, French Polynesia - Sacred Eels & History
Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels
Visit the village of Faie to see the massive blue-eyed eels that live in the local stream. Locals consider them sacred.
Maeva Marae Complex
Explore the largest concentration of ancient temples in Polynesia, located right along the lagoon.
Lunch at Chez Tara
Known for its traditional 'Ma'a Tahiti' (underground oven) lunch on Sundays, but great food all week.
Huahine Itai Shell Museum
A small, fascinating collection of local shells that will intrigue curious young minds.
Day 10: Huahine, French Polynesia - Lagoon Exploration
Boat Tour of Huahine Iti
Explore the southern, even more remote part of the island by boat. The lagoons here are untouched.
Vanilla Plantation Visit
Huahine is famous for its vanilla. See how the orchids are pollinated by hand.
Swimming at Avea Bay
This bay has the clearest water on the island and is perfect for floating with small children.
Star Gazing
With very little light pollution, the Southern Hemisphere stars are incredibly bright from your balcony.
Day 11: Raiatea, French Polynesia - The Sacred Island
Flight to Raiatea
A quick 15-minute flight. Raiatea shares a lagoon with its sister island, Taha'a.
Check-in at Hotel Raiatea Lodge
A colonial-style boutique hotel with a large pool and garden, very comfortable for families.
Explore Uturoa Town
Walk through the second-largest town in the country. It’s colorful and has several great bakeries.
Dinner at the Lodge
The hotel restaurant is one of the best on the island, featuring local ingredients with French flair.
Day 12: Raiatea, French Polynesia - UNESCO Heritage
Taputapuatea Marae
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. It was the religious center of Eastern Polynesia and is deeply spiritual.
Picnic at the Marae
The site has shaded areas and benches overlooking the ocean, ideal for a quiet family lunch.
Mount Temehani Base Walk
A gentle walk at the base of the mountain to look for the Tiare Apetahi, a flower that grows nowhere else.
Sunset Kayak
Most lodges offer free kayaks. The lagoon water in the late afternoon is usually like glass.
Day 13: Taha'a, French Polynesia - The Vanilla Island
Day Trip to Taha'a
Take a water taxi across the shared lagoon to the quieter island of Taha'a.
Coral Garden Drift Snorkel
A world-famous spot where the current gently pulls you over beautiful coral. Recommended for older kids/strong swimmers.
Lunch on a Motu
Most Taha'a day tours include a barbecue lunch on a private island with white sand.
Pearl Farm Visit
See how the famous Black Tahitian Pearls are cultivated. It’s a fascinating process for all ages.
Day 14: Raiatea, French Polynesia - River Kayaking
Faaroa River Kayaking
The only navigable river in French Polynesia. It’s a gentle paddle through a lush jungle—very safe for children.
Snack Tonoi
Enjoy a casual lunch with locals overlooking the reef pass where the river meets the sea.
Souvenir Shopping in Uturoa
Pick up local pareos (sarongs) or Monoi oil, which is produced locally on the island.
Farewell Dinner in Raiatea
Try the local Poisson Cru (raw fish in coconut milk) one last time before heading to Bora Bora.
Day 15: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - The Pearl of the Pacific
Flight to Bora Bora
Sit on the left side of the plane for the most incredible views of the lagoon as you land on the motu airport.
Boat Transfer to Resort
Bora Bora’s airport is on an island, so your first boat ride to the hotel is part of the adventure.
Check-in at Royal Bora Bora
A great mid-range option that is family-friendly and located on the main island near Matira Beach.
Sunset at Matira Beach
The only public beach on the main island, famous for its incredible sunsets and shallow water.
Day 16: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Lagoon Safari
Full Day Lagoon Tour
Snorkel in the 'Coral Garden' and see the friendly manta rays that frequent the Bora Bora lagoon.
Motu Barbecue
Enjoy a traditional feast on a secluded motu with views of the majestic Mount Otemanu.
Shark and Ray Watching
Watch from the boat or hop in; the sharks here are used to humans and very docile.
Dinner at Bloody Mary's
A world-famous sand-floor restaurant. It’s fun, casual, and iconic—a must-do once.
Day 17: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Mountain Views
4x4 Land Safari
Explore the interior of the island. You’ll see WWII cannons and get the best panoramic views of the lagoon.
Lunch at Lucky House
A family-friendly spot near Matira with a swimming pool that diners can use.
Aqua Safari (Helmet Dive)
For children 8 and up, this allows you to walk on the ocean floor without needing to swim.
Final Island Sunset
Walk the length of Matira Beach as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 18: Bora Bora to Tahiti - Final Farewells
Breakfast Overlooking Otemanu
Enjoy a final tropical breakfast with views of the mountain.
Flight back to Tahiti
Return to Faa'a airport for your international connection.
Last Minute Shopping
The airport has several shops for high-quality pearls and handicrafts if you missed anything.
International Departure
Board your flight home, taking the 'Mana' of the islands with you.
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the weather is sunny and the humidity is lower, making it much more comfortable for families with young children. July and August can be busy due to school holidays and the Heiva festival, so May, June, and September are the 'sweet spots' for balancing good weather and fewer crowds. The wet season (November to April) is warmer and brings more rain, but it also offers lower prices and lush, green landscapes.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Central Pacific Franc (XPF), which is pegged to the Euro. While credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in major hotels and restaurants on Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, cash is essential for smaller islands like Huahine or for shopping at local markets and eating at 'Roulottes'. Tipping is not a standard part of Polynesian culture and is not expected, though it is appreciated for exceptional service in high-end resorts.
Getting Around French Polynesia
Inter-island travel is primarily done via Air Tahiti, the domestic carrier. For a family of four, the Air Tahiti Multi-Island Pass is the most cost-effective way to hop between islands. For the short trip between Tahiti and Moorea, the ferry (Terevau or Aremiti) is the preferred method as it is significantly cheaper and very comfortable. On the islands themselves, renting a car is the best way for families to explore at their own pace, as public transport is limited and taxis can be quite expensive.
