Pao Pao Travel Guide

City City in Îles du Vent, French Polynesia

Framed by two mountain arms on Moorea, Pao Pao offers calm bays, pineapple groves and hikes up to belvederes overlooking Opunohu Bay; snorkelling, family pensions and ferries from Tahiti are common reasons to stop.

Costs

US$200-400 per day (typical)

French Polynesia is very expensive; lodging, food and transport cost a lot.

Safety

Generally very safe

Very low violent crime; petty theft rare but watch belongings on beaches.

Best Time

May-October (dry season)

Drier, cooler season with calm seas and clearer skies.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

4:58 PM

GMT-10

Weather

80°F

Light Drizzle

Population

4,221

Infrastructure & Convenience

Ferries from Papeete, island buses and limited taxis; French widely spoken.

Popularity

Popular with island hoppers, photographers and visitors seeking quieter Moorea bays.

Known For

lagoon views, snorkeling, Mount Rotui, bays, pineapple farms, Tahitian culture, pearl farms, hiking, scenic viewpoints

Pao Pao sits on Moorea's narrow peninsula with two dramatic volcanic bays and one of the island's most photographed landscapes.

Why Visit Pao Pao? #

Set in Cook’s Bay on Moorea, Pao Pao charms visitors with dramatic volcanic ridges and easy access to coral-fringed snorkeling. Overwater bungalows and small pensions offer lagoon views, and local pearl farms plus tropical markets reveal island industry and produce. Evenings often feature Tahitian dance performances and dishes such as poisson cru, showcasing Polynesian cultural traditions alongside laid-back beach life.

Best Things to Do in Pao Pao

All Attractions ›

Tahiti

Largest Society Island in French Polynesia with lagoons

Island

Moʼorea

Volcanic Tahitian island with lagoons and coral reefs

Island

Mont Orohena

Tahiti's highest volcanic peak and rainforest summit

Mountain

Papeete Cathedral

Catholic cathedral in Papeete with colonial architecture

Church

Mount Tohivea

High Moorea peak offering panoramic island views

Mountain

Pao Pao Bucket List

Don't Miss

Pao Pao Village - Main village on Moorea's Cook's Bay with shops, eateries, and pier access.
Belvedere Lookout - Famous ridge viewpoint providing sweeping panoramas of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Valley.
Moorea Marine Center - Local dive and snorkel operator offering lagoon excursions and guided snorkeling trips.

Hidden Gems

Tiki Tia Cultural Stop - Small cultural site showcasing local carvings, history, and traditional crafts for visitors.
Pineapple Field Trails - Short rural walks through historic pineapple plantations and tropical farmland plots.
Quiet Cook's Bay Beach - Less crowded sandy spot ideal for relaxed swimming and watching fishing boats return.

Day Trips

Cook's Bay Lookout - Short drive to viewpoints overlooking Cook's Bay and surrounding volcanic ridge.
Opunohu Bay - Nearby bay offering snorkeling, valley hikes, and archaeological sites to explore.

Best Time to Visit Pao Pao #

Pao Pao (Moorea) enjoys a comfortable dry season from May to October with steady trade winds and calm waters for diving. The wet season (November-April) is warmer and wetter, with a cyclone risk peaking in the southern summer months.

Dry Season

May - October · 23°C - 28°C (73°F - 82°F)

Cooler trade winds, low rain and glassy seas - the most comfortable time for snorkeling, hiking and beach lounging.

Wet Season

November - April · 25°C - 30°C (77°F - 86°F)

Warmer, more humid with frequent tropical showers - lush scenery and fewer crowds, but expect sudden downpours.

Cyclone Window

January - March · 25°C - 31°C (77°F - 88°F)

Highest chance of strong storms and rough seas; travelers should monitor forecasts - otherwise, some quiet, dramatic weather to witness.

Best Time to Visit Pao Pao #

Climate

Pao Pao's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1729 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

30°

Warmest Month

21°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (209 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

209 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.8

UV Index

Extreme

12.9h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (188 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

188 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.8

UV Index

Extreme

12.6h daylight

March

March is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

146 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.1h daylight

April

April is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (138 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 29°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

138 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.0

UV Index

Extreme

11.6h daylight

May

May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 28°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

125 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

11.2h daylight

June

June is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Mild

24°C

Temperature

20° – 27°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

102 mm

Rainfall

4.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

11.0h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 26°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

87 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

High

11.1h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 27°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

77 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.8

UV Index

Very High

11.4h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

20° – 27°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

105 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.2

UV Index

Extreme

11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Warm

24°C

Temperature

21° – 28°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

130 mm

Rainfall

4.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.4h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (198 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 28°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

198 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

12.8h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (224 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

22° – 28°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

224 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.7

UV Index

Extreme

13.0h daylight

How to Get to Pao Pao

Pao Pao is a village on the island of Moʻorea (Windward Islands, Society Islands). International visitors arrive at Papeete (PPT) and then continue to Moorea by short domestic flight or frequent ferry service; once on Moorea, Pao Pao is a short road transfer from the port or airport.

By Air

Faa’a International Airport (PPT - Papeete, Tahiti): Most international flights arrive at Papeete (PPT) on Tahiti. From Papeete you can fly to Moorea (Moorea Airport - code MOZ) on short domestic flights (15-20 minutes) operated by local carriers; flight fares vary but are typically in the range of XPF 8,000-15,000 one way.

Moorea Airport (MOZ): Moorea’s small airport is on the island; flights from Papeete arrive quickly and reliably, and you can reach Pao Pao from the airport by taxi or local bus in 10-25 minutes depending on traffic.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no train service in French Polynesia.

Ferry / boat: The frequent vehicle/passenger ferries from Papeete to Moorea (operators include Aremiti and Terevau) are the most common alternative to flying. The ferry crossing takes about 30-45 minutes; fares are generally XPF ~1,100-2,200 one way depending on operator and class. From Mo’orea’s main ferry quay you can reach Pao Pao by taxi or local shuttle in under 30 minutes.

How to Get Around Pao Pao #

Pao Pao is a village on Bora Bora’s main island where most local destinations are reachable on foot or by short taxi rides. Many visitors rely on resort transfers, bicycles or scooters to get around the small roads. There’s no public bus network on the island; ferries connect to other motus and to Vaitape if you need to cross to the main commercial centre.

Where to Stay in Pao Pao #

Budget

Pao Pao village, Moorea - XPF 2,000-8,000/night

Pao Pao has a few small pensions and guesthouses; many budget options are simple and locally run with limited booking sites.

Pension and small guesthouses (Pao Pao) - Locally run pensions, limited web presence.
Local pensions listed on Moorea guides - Book directly or via local contacts.

Mid-Range

Pao Pao / Moorea bays - XPF 8,000-30,000/night

Mid-range pensions and small hotels on Moorea offer good value; selection concentrated along bays and ferry links.

Pension Aito Moana - Comfortable mid-range pension on Moorea.
Hotel Vanillah - Small hotel with better amenities.

Luxury

Moorea resort shorelines - XPF 30,000+/night

Luxury resorts are on Moorea and nearby islets; Pao Pao village has no large resorts itself.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa - High-end overwater bungalows available.
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort - Premium beachfront resort on nearby islet.

Where to Eat in Pao Pao #

Nightlife in Pao Pao #

Nightlife in Pao Pao is quiet and largely centred on resort bars and hotel restaurants. There are no big nightlife districts; evenings are usually spent dining or enjoying a drink with lagoon views. For more evening activity, head to Vaitape where a few bars and restaurants offer a livelier scene.

Shopping in Pao Pao #

Shopping in Pao Pao is minimal: small shops and craft stalls sell basic supplies and local souvenirs. For a broader selection of handicrafts, groceries or boutiques, take a short trip to Vaitape, the island’s main town. Most resort boutiques handle the needs of visitors staying on site.

Nearby Cities #