27 days in French Polynesia Itinerary

The capital of French Polynesia, Pape'ete amounts to little more than a medium-sized town by Western standards, but it is still a thriving hub of culture and commerce.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Papeete: Eglise de la Sainte Famille (in Ha'apiti), Moorea Fun Dive (in Hauru) and Bain de Vaima (in Taravao). There's still lots to do: observe the fascinating underwater world at Lagoonarium, steep yourself in history at James Norman Hall Home, examine the collection at Musee de la perle et Bijouterie, and take in the dramatic scenery at Fautaua.

To see where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Papeete trip builder.

San Francisco, USA to Papeete is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Tahiti Time is minus 2 hours. Plan for much hotter temperatures traveling from San Francisco in December, with highs in Papeete at 87°F and lows at 76°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to fly to Rurutu.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Mon): see the vivid underwater world at Rurutu Reefs and then explore the fascinating underground world of Rurutu Caves.

To find photos, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Rurutu day trip tool.

You can fly from Papeete to Rurutu in 3 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can fly to Papetoai.

Papetoai is known for adventure, outdoors, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: do sightseeing your way with Moorea Miti Tours, take in the awesome beauty at Magic Mountain, contemplate the long history of Tiki Village Cultural Center, and look for gifts at Eva Perles Pearl Buying.

For ratings, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Papetoai trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Rurutu to Papetoai takes 5 hours. December in Papetoai sees daily highs of 87°F and lows of 76°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can fly to Huahine.

Huahine is known for adventure, wildlife, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: enjoy some diversion at La passion du pareo, take an in-depth tour of Fare Potee maeva huahine, admire the artistry at La Maison Du Pareo, and don't miss a visit to Three Bays Pass.

To find maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Huahine trip maker app.

Getting from Papetoai to Huahine by flight takes about 3 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Raiatea.

Green, mountainous, and sacred to the ancient Polynesians, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Tue): step off the mainland to explore Motu Iriru and then explore the ancient world of Marae Taputapuātea. On your second day here, stop by Vairua Perles, see what you can catch with Arii Moana Tours, and then browse the eclectic array of goods at Mercato Coperto di Uturoa.

To find reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Raiatea travel route planner.

Traveling by flight from Huahine to Raiatea takes 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Fakarava.

A Fakarava holiday ensures a chance to explore untouched dive sites, admire old churches fashioned from corals and shells, and laze upon pristine white-sand beaches.

On the 29th (Thu), enjoy the sand and surf at Fakarava beaches and then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see where to stay and tourist information, read our Fakarava online attractions planner.

Traveling by flight from Raiatea to Fakarava takes 5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) so you can catch the flight to Avatoru.

The main draw to Avatoru is its stunning location at the northern end of Rangiroa's vast, turquoise coral lagoon.

On the 30th (Fri), stop by Gauguin's Pearl Farm, get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, and then head off the coast to Ile aux Recifs. Keep things going the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Le Lagon Bleu.

To find traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, read Avatoru road trip planning tool.

You can fly from Fakarava to Avatoru in 3 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Sat) early enough to travel to Bora Bora.

There's a reason why many consider Bora Bora the most romantic island in the world.

Bora Bora is known for wildlife, shopping, and beaches. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: enjoy the sand and surf at Matira Beach, see the world from above with a helicopter tour, relax and rejuvenate at Latitude Massage Bora Bora, and capture your vacation like a pro with an inspiring photography tour.

For reviews, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read our Bora Bora trip planner.

Do a combination of flight and ferry from Avatoru to Bora Bora in 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.