Where to Stay in Moorea: The Best Hotels in Moorea (2024)

Wondering where to stay in Moorea, French Polynesia? This must-read guide covers how to choose the best hotels in each of the top destinations in Moorea!

Well known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, Moorea is a relaxing French Polynesian island full of turquoise waters, lush hiking trails, relaxing beaches, and great scuba and snorkeling spots. Moorea has just one 61-kilometer coastal road (which is a truly beautiful drive), making it an easily explorable oasis with every amenity within reasonable distance no matter where you stay.

While French Polynesia may not be the most inexpensive destination, accommodation options in Moorea completely depends on your expectations and budget. So, with every trip style in mind, here are my recommendations for where to stay and the best hotels in Moorea, French Polynesia.

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Best Places to Stay in Moorea, French Polynesia

Maharepa

A village on the northeast side of Moorea, Maharepa is the best place to stay for its proximity to Cook’s Bay and the Gulf of Moorea. The village is also home to an assortment of restaurants, shopping centers, grocery stores, cute souvenir shops, a bank, and even two post offices.

Maharepa is where I stayed during my time on the island, and I loved that all the amenities were so close by that I only needed a car when I wanted to check out more of the island.

Where to Stay in Maharepa

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option near Maharepa, then Hotel Kaveka is the way to go. Sitting on the shore of Cook’s Bay, the property features traditional bungalows with a restaurant, bar, and even shuttle service to the airport.

For an upscale hotel, I recommend Manava Beach Resort — a property that has 90 traditional, yet contemporary-styled rooms and bungalows. This is where I stayed while on Moorea, as I was craving an over-water experience, and I loved that their amenities included an on-site spa, diving center, infinity pool, and two bars.

Hauru

More of a region than a town on the northwest side of Moorea, Hauru is known for its tourist strip full of shops, restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels, and highly rated scuba diving centers. Additionally, it’s said that the northwest of Moorea is home to some of the best beaches, such as Hauru Beach, so if you’re looking for long relaxing days on the sand, Hauru is the place for you.

Where to Stay in Hauru

While just outside of Hauru proper, Hotel Hibiscus is a great mid-level accommodation option close to great restaurants and shops. The property features tropical beachfront bungalows complete with private terraces and kitchenettes, free snorkeling equipment, kayak rentals, and a library. Not to mention, there are plenty of spots to swim!

Another great mid-budget option, Moorea Beach Lodge is a property consisting of 12 private bungalows, its own private beach, free use of bicycles, and an on-site bar.

Afareaitu

Located just a few kilometers from the port of Vaiare, the village of Afareaitu is known as the administrative center of Moorea, and lays claim to a town hall, church, and roughly 3,500 residents. Additionally, the two gorgeous Afareaitu Waterfalls are nearby, so if you’re looking for a great, yet short, hike, I highly recommend adventuring here.

Where to Stay in Afareaitu

A mid-range property with just two bungalows and one house rental, the colorful Te Ora Hau Ecolodge features free WiFi, private patio and cooking facilities, free stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking options, and even a BBQ.

Haapiti

A village with a more remote feel to it, tiny Haapiti is located in the southwest of Moorea, and is mostly known for its excellent surf break at Matauvau Pass, located about a half kilometer offshore. The town is also home to some great on-land and boating tour companies for when you feel like an excursion.

Where to Stay in Haapiti

A mid-level property, Linareva Moorea Beach Resort is a traditionally-styled small hotel featuring individual bungalows and suites. The resort also offers free WiFi as well as free canoe, bicycle, and snorkeling equipment rentals.

Another mid-budget option, Mark’s Place is home to a variety of eclectic bungalows featuring full kitchens, a BBQ area, bicycle and kayak rentals, free WiFi and an airport shuttle.

Pihaena

Located in the north end of the island between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, Pihaena is a tourism-centered village with great restaurants and shops.

Where to Stay in Pihaena

For a budget-friendly stay in Pihaena, Pension Motu lti is a waterfront property offering both private bungalows and dormitory-style rooms, and an on-site restaurant. Plus, guests have free use of kayaks and computers.

A more luxurious option that offers both land and overwater bungalows, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa is the place to be if you want to prioritize relaxation. The property is home to a swimming pool, tennis court, fitness center, restaurants, bars, and spa. Not to mention, each bungalow features a private terrace and air conditioning.

Tiahura

Set in the northwest corner of Moorea and just a stone’s throw from Hauru, the region (and tourism hub) of Tiahura is home to a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops — and is the perfect choice if you don’t want to skimp on options or amenities.

Where to Stay in Tiahura

Moorea Sunset Beach is a mid-level budget condo hotel featuring both bungalows and suites with air-conditioning and fully-equipped kitchens. Guests have the option of either sea or garden-view rooms, and free WiFi is available.

A luxury property set within a tropical garden, Hotel Fenua Mata’i’oa features an on site restaurant and bar, snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, diving, and canoeing options, and a car and bicycle rental desk. Additionally, each suite offers a full mini-bar, private patio, and beautiful decor.

Read more: How to Pack for a Sailing Trip

Moorea Packing Essentials

Sun Protection: Moorea is very much a place to spend your days in the great outdoors, so I recommend bringing along a couple pairs of sunglasses, some reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat or two (I brought my sun hat and ball cap).

Swim Gear: One of the best ways to experience Moorea is from the water! On my trip, I brought along my rash guard, a quick drying towel, snorkeling equipment, three swimsuits, and a cover up.

Clothing: Let your tropical style shine in Moorea and bring along light clothing such as sundresses and loose tops. I also brought along a pair of Teva’s for daily wear, and a pair of hiking shoes for when we hit the trails.

Plan Your Trip to Moorea

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation.

Flights: Going is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. If you sign up for their email alerts, you’ll receive flight deals at up to 90% off. I have traveled all over the world using their flight deals.

Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust Visitors Coverage, which we’ve used for the past 8 years.

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Where to Stay in Moorea: The Best Moorea Hotels in 2024