Moorea has the widest spread of accommodation in the Society Islands after Tahiti: international resorts with overwater bungalows, a handful of small beach hotels, and many family-run guesthouses. The best choice depends first on which coast you want, then on how much of your budget goes to the room rather than to excursions and meals.
Below, we group the properties listed by Tahiti Tourisme by area and by style, from resort to guesthouse. Rates vary widely by season and room type, so treat this as a shortlist and check current rates for your dates.
Choose the coast before the hotel
Moorea is roughly triangular, with one coast road around it. Ferries from Papeete arrive at Vaiare on the east side, and the airport is at Temae in the north-east. Distances are modest but real: Les Tipaniers, on the north-west tip at Tiahura, gives its distance from the Vaiare ferry dock as about 30 km.
| Area | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| North-east: Temae, Teavaro, Maharepa | Close to the airport and ferry; white-sand beaches near Temae | Short stays, easy arrivals |
| North coast: Cook's Bay and Paopao | Dramatic bay and mountain views; village shops and restaurants | Scenery, access to Opunohu Valley |
| Papetoai, between the bays | Quieter lagoon frontage close to both bays | Lagoon days with central access |
| North-west: Tiahura and Haapiti | Sunset side, sandy beach, many small hotels and eateries within walking distance | Independent travellers, families, value |
| East and south: Afareaitu and beyond | Rural and residential | Quiet guesthouse stays with a car |
Whichever coast you choose, plan transport. Tahiti Tourisme advises arranging taxis and transfers when you book accommodation, and notes that the bus only runs on the coast road and is not the most reliable option. Most visitors rent a car or scooter for at least part of the stay.
International resorts with overwater bungalows
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Papetoai
A large lagoon-front resort of 104 bungalows set in gardens, with a spa, swimming pool, tennis, water sports and diving on site. It suits couples who want the full resort experience with central access to both bays.
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, north-east
A white-sand beach with Moorea's mountains behind it, close to the airport side of the island and the Green Pearl golf course. It has 110 villas, from garden and beach villas to overwater units; check the current room categories when you book.
Manava Beach Resort & Spa, Maharepa
Rooms overlooking the garden, beach bungalows, garden bungalows with private pools and bungalows on stilts, plus a spa, a fitness room and an on-site dive centre. Manava runs a coral nursery program with To'a Nui that guests can learn about, and it is close to the shops of Maharepa. For a wider look at the bungalow choice, see our overwater bungalow guide.
Boutique and mid-size hotels
- Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites, Paopao. 38 sea-view suites with kitchenettes and balconies, with a pool and a restaurant at the end of a footbridge looking over Cook's Bay. The kitchenettes make it a strong mid-range choice for longer stays.
- Les Tipaniers, Tiahura. A two-star hotel with a white-sand beach area and a restaurant serving local and French dishes. Rooms have air conditioning, a refrigerator and a kitchenette, and the west-facing setting is known for sunsets.
- Hôtel Hibiscus, Tiahura. A two-star lagoon-front hotel on a white-sand beach, with a pool, a restaurant and accommodation from studios to family bungalows. Two rooms are adapted for guests with reduced mobility.
- Niu Beach Hôtel, Haapiti. 16 bungalows in beach, garden and garden-duplex categories, each with a fully equipped kitchen. The duplexes are aimed at families.
- Fenua Mata'i'oa, Tiahura. A small, art-filled property of individually designed suites in a tropical garden by the lagoon, for couples who want character over facilities.
Simple hotels and value stays
Hôtel Kaveka on Cook's Bay is a long-running, straightforward hotel with a private beach, kayak and bike rental, and snorkel gear. Moorea Island Beach Hotel in Haapiti offers air-conditioned bungalows of about 20 m² with a terrace; it does not serve lunch or dinner, but grocery stores, snack stands and restaurants are within walking distance. It is around 33 km from the ferry, so budget for the transfer or a rental car.
For backpacker beds and the lowest-cost rooms on the island, see our Tahiti hotels by budget guide, which covers dorm and budget bungalow options on Moorea.
Family guesthouses (pensions)
Guesthouses are the best way to stretch a budget on Moorea and to meet local hosts. Tahiti Tourisme's guesthouse list includes:
| Guesthouse | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fare Edith | Haapiti | 4 bungalows for 2 to 6 people on a white-sand beach |
| Anapa Lodge | Haapiti | 4 bungalows with a pool, about 10 minutes from a beach |
| Motu Iti | Pihaena, near the Hilton | 5 bungalows plus a dormitory, beachfront pontoon, free kayaks |
| Poerani Moorea | Paopao | 4 units on the lagoon, from a 2-person cottage to a villa for 8, all with kitchens |
| Village Temanoha | Paopao valley | Bungalows in a botanical garden inland, with a pool; good for hikers |
| Moorea Reef Bungalows | Motu Ohiti, Temae | 5 bungalows of 59 m² for 2 to 4, each with a private pool |
| Fare Manta | Afareaitu | 4 rooms with breakfast and a pool, a few minutes from the ferry and airport |
Some guesthouses accept cash only, and facilities vary a lot, so check payment methods, meals and air conditioning when you book. Our guide to pensions and guesthouses explains what to expect.
How to choose
- Honeymoon or celebration: one of the resorts above, ideally with a few nights over the water.
- Families: a kitchen matters more than a spa. Look at Niu Beach, Cook's Bay Hotel, Poerani or Hibiscus's family bungalows.
- Hikers: base yourself near Cook's Bay or Paopao for quick access to Opunohu Valley and the Belvédère lookout.
- One or two nights only: stay near Temae or Afareaitu to keep ferry and airport transfers short.
- Sunsets and walk-to dining: Tiahura and Haapiti on the north-west coast.
Book small properties early. Tahiti Tourisme describes Moorea as the favourite weekend break for Tahiti residents, so guesthouses and small hotels with only a handful of bungalows can fill up on weekends and during local school holidays, even when the big resorts still have space.
Bottom line
Decide on the coast, then the style, then compare two or three properties for your exact dates. Moorea pairs well with Bora Bora or an atoll; read our Moorea travel guide for activities, and send us your dates if you would like us to price resorts and guesthouses side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Moorea cheaper than Bora Bora for hotels?
Moorea generally has more mid-range hotels and guesthouses, so it is easier to find a lower-cost stay. Resort rates on both islands depend heavily on season and room category.
Do I need a car on Moorea?
Not if you stay at a resort and book excursions with transfers. Elsewhere, a car or scooter makes life much easier because buses are limited.
Use this guide for trip ideas, not a current quotation or a guarantee of access, safety, inclusions or availability. Confirm the requirements and conditions for your dates, destination and provider before booking.