Pao Pao at a Glance
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.
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
Island
Tahiti
Largest Society Island in French Polynesia with lagoons
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
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.
Nearby Cities #
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
Cooler trade winds, low rain and glassy seas - the most comfortable time for snorkeling, hiking and beach lounging.
Wet Season
Warmer, more humid with frequent tropical showers - lush scenery and fewer crowds, but expect sudden downpours.
Cyclone Window
Highest chance of strong storms and rough seas; travelers should monitor forecasts - otherwise, some quiet, dramatic weather to witness.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 209 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.3 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.9h |
| February | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 188 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.6h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 138 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| May | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 125 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| June | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 24° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.0h |
| July | Excellent | 20° - 26° | 23° | 87 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.1h |
| August | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 23° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| September | Excellent | 20° - 27° | 23° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 4.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 21° - 28° | 24° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 198 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.8h |
| December | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 224 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.0h |
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.
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.
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
The simplest route to Pao Pao is Papeete → Moorea by ferry or short flight, then a taxi or rental car on Moorea. Ferries are reliable and economical; rental vehicles are the best way to explore the island.
- Ferry (Papeete-Moorea) (XPF 1,100-2,200) - Regular vehicle and passenger ferries run between Papeete and Moʻorea-comfortable and often cheaper than flying, with crossings around 30-45 minutes. Ferries arrive at Moʻorea’s main quay where taxis and shuttles meet passengers.
- Domestic flight (PPT-MOZ) (XPF 8,000-15,000) - Short domestic flights connect Papeete and Moorea (about 15-20 minutes). Flights are quick and convenient if you prefer air transfers; book ahead in high season.
- Taxi (XPF 1,500-3,500) - Taxis on Moorea are the quickest way to reach Pao Pao from the airport or ferry terminal, especially with luggage-expect short fares but limited availability late at night.
- Rental car / scooter (XPF 4,000-12,000/day) - Renting a car or scooter is popular on Moorea and gives you freedom to explore bays and viewpoints-roads are short but hilly in places; check local rules and fuel availability.
- Local shuttle/bus (XPF 200-700) - Small local buses and hotel shuttles operate between the ferry/airport and main villages including Pao Pao; schedules can be limited so confirm times in advance if relying on them.
- Walking - Pao Pao is small and many accommodations, shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance once you’re in the village.
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.
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.