Where to Stay in Moorea: Best Hotels for Every Budget

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.

The Best Places to Stay in Moorea, Tahiti (For Every Budget)

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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

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FAQ: Where to Stay in Moorea

What is the best area to stay in Moorea?

It really depends on what you’re looking for! If you want easy access to restaurants, shops, and Cook’s Bay, Maharepa is my top pick — it’s where I stayed and I loved having everything within walking distance. If beaches and scuba diving are your priority, Hauru and Tiahura on the northwest side are hard to beat. And if you’re after a more remote, laid-back vibe, the southwest village of Haapiti is worth considering.

What are the best budget hotels in Moorea?

Moorea can feel pricey, but there are some genuinely great affordable options. Hotel Kaveka in Maharepa sits right on Cook’s Bay and offers traditional bungalows with a restaurant and airport shuttle — a lot of value for the price. In Pihaena, Pension Motu Iti offers both private bungalows and dormitory-style rooms with free kayaks and waterfront access. And in Haapiti, Mark’s Place has charming, eclectic bungalows with full kitchens, a BBQ area, and even an airport shuttle — perfect if you want to stretch your budget without sacrificing character.

Does Moorea have overwater bungalows?

Yes! If an overwater bungalow experience is on your bucket list, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa in Pihaena is a fantastic option. I personally stayed at the Manava Beach Resort in Maharepa for the overwater experience and absolutely loved it. They also have an on-site spa, infinity pool, diving center, and two bars to keep you busy between dips in the lagoon.

Do you need a car to get around Moorea?

Not necessarily! Since Moorea has just one 61-kilometer coastal road, the island is very easy to navigate. If you stay somewhere central like Maharepa, you can walk to most daily amenities. That said, having a car (or renting one for a day or two) is really handy if you want to explore the waterfalls near Afareaitu, check out the surf in Haapiti, or do a full loop of the island — which, by the way, is a truly beautiful drive.

What is the best hotel in Moorea for a luxury stay?

For a full luxury experience, you really can’t go wrong with the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa or the Manava Beach Resort. Both offer overwater and land bungalows, spas, pools, and top-notch amenities. If you want something more intimate and boutique, Hotel Fenua Mata’i’oa in Tiahura is a gorgeous option set within a tropical garden, with gorgeous decor, a restaurant and bar, and a long list of water activities right on your doorstep.

Is Moorea good for snorkeling and water activities?

Absolutely. It’s one of the best things about the island! Many of the hotels I recommend include free snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards as part of your stay. Hauru and Tiahura are especially well-known for their snorkeling and scuba diving, and several properties like Hotel Hibiscus and Linareva Moorea Beach Resort make it super easy to get in the water without any extra planning.

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