Haapiti at a Glance
Costs: High: $120-200/day - island prices; resorts and boat tours dominate costs.
Safety: Very safe and tourist-ready - low crime, strong tourist services and bilingual staff.
Best Time: Best: May-Oct - drier months with calmer seas and clearer skies.
Why Visit Haapiti?
Fringed by a shallow lagoon on Moorea’s west coast, Haapiti draws visitors who want excellent snorkeling, quiet motu, and a taste of Polynesian island life. People come for reef swims in Opunohu or Cook’s Bay, for poisson cru at simple beachside stands, and for evenings of Tahitian dance and ukulele music. Small guesthouses and reef guides make it easy to explore coral gardens and learn about vanilla farming and pareo culture up close.
Best Things to Do in Haapiti
Island
Moʼorea
Volcanic Tahitian island with lagoons and coral reefs
Mountain
Mont Orohena
Tahiti's highest volcanic peak and rainforest summit
Church
Papeete Cathedral
Catholic cathedral in Papeete with colonial architecture
Mountain
Mount Tohivea
High Moorea peak offering panoramic island views
Haapiti Bucket List
Don't Miss
Haapiti Pass - Snorkel or surf Haapiti Pass to see rays, reef fish, and clear channels.
Belvedere Lookout - Drive to Belvedere Lookout for panoramic views over Cook’s Bay and pineapple terraces.
Temae Beach - Spend time at Temae Beach relaxing on white sand and shallow lagoon waters.
Hidden Gems
Moorea Tropical Garden - Explore Moorea Tropical Garden to learn about native plants and pineapple cultivation.
Opunohu Bay viewpoint - Hike a short trail to Opunohu Bay viewpoint for quieter mountain-and-sea vistas.
Moorea Pearl Farm - Visit Moorea Pearl Farm to learn about pearl cultivation and see black pearls.
Day Trips
Ferry to Papeete - Take the ferry to Papeete for markets, museums, and urban Tahitian life.
Mount Tohivea - Climb Mount Tohivea for island-wide views, native flora, and a rewarding summit.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Haapiti
The South Pacific dry season (May-October) offers clearer skies, calmer lagoons and the best boating conditions. November-April is wetter and warmer, with a small cyclone chance November-March.
Dry Season
Clear skies, glassy lagoons and ideal snorkeling conditions - the best window for boat trips and hiking with lower humidity.
Wet Season
Warm, humid days with sudden tropical showers; rain often brief and islands glow green, though visibility for diving can drop.
Cyclone Season
Low chance of cyclones but when they occur expect heavy rain, rough seas and flight cancellations - travel insurance is sensible.
Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1806 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 247 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.3 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.9h |
| February | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 197 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.6h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 184 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 162 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| May | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 138 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| June | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 24° | 106 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.0h |
| July | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 23° | 97 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.1h |
| August | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 23° | 63 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| September | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 24° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 24° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 188 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.8h |
| December | Very Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 220 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.0h |
How to Get to Haapiti
Haapiti is on Moorea and is reached from Tahiti by either a short domestic flight or a frequent ferry from Papeete. Once on Moorea, taxis, rental scooters or the limited island bus service handle short transfers to Haapiti.
Faa’a International Airport (PPT): Tahiti’s main international airport is the common gateway to the Society Islands. To reach Haapiti on the island of Moorea you can either take a short domestic flight (Air Tahiti) to Moorea Airport (MOZ) - about 10 minutes - or take the ferry from Papeete. Air Tahiti domestic flights are frequent; fares vary but are typically higher than ferries.
Moorea Airport (MOZ): If you fly into MOZ, a short taxi or local bus trip from the airport brings you to coastal villages including Haapiti. Alternatively, ferries from Papeete’s ferry terminal to Moorea take 30-45 minutes and are often cheaper.
Train: There are no train services in French Polynesia.
Ferry / Bus: Regular car ferries and fast passenger ferries run from Papeete (Tahiti) to Moorea (departing from the ferry terminal in Papeete); the ferry takes about 30-45 minutes. On Moorea, local buses and taxis circulate the island; buses are limited but inexpensive, while taxis or rental scooters are common for reaching Haapiti from the ferry dock or airport.
How to Get Around Haapiti
The usual route to Haapiti is to fly into Tahiti (PPT) then ferry or take a short domestic flight to Moorea. Ferries are frequent and economical; once on Moorea, taxis or rentals provide the most flexibility for reaching Haapiti.
- Ferry (Papeete ↔ Moorea) (XPF 1,500-3,000 (≈US$15-30)) - Fast ferries run multiple times daily between Papeete and Moorea and take about 30-45 minutes. Ferries are frequent, comfortable, and carry foot passengers and sometimes vehicles. They’re usually the most economical and reliable option to reach Moorea.
- Domestic Flight (Air Tahiti) (XPF 8,000-15,000 (≈US$80-150)) - Air Tahiti operates short flights from Tahiti to Moorea (approx. 10 minutes). Flights are quick but usually cost more than the ferry; useful if you prefer air travel or have tight timing. Book ahead in high season.
- Taxi / Private Transfer (Moorea) (XPF 1,500-4,000) - Taxis on Moorea provide direct transfers from the ferry terminal or airport to Haapiti and other coastal villages. They’re convenient especially with luggage or if traveling in a group; confirm fares before departure or use hotel’s transfer services.
- Rental Scooter / Car (XPF 5,000+/day) - Renting a scooter or car is a popular way to explore Moorea at your own pace. The island circle road is short and scenic, making self-drive practical; ensure you have the correct license and insurance. Fuel stations are limited, so plan accordingly.
- Walking - Haapiti’s beachfront and village areas are best explored on foot for short distances. Paths are easy to navigate but sun exposure can be strong, so bring sun protection and water.
Nightlife in Haapiti
Nightlife in Haapiti is low-key and centered on resorts and guesthouses. For bars, evening entertainment or small live-music spots, head to Moorea’s main villages near the ferry terminal.
Shopping in Haapiti
Shopping in Haapiti is limited to small boutique stores or resort shops; for a wider selection of groceries, crafts and souvenirs check the market areas near the Mo’orea ferry pier and Vaiare village.