Athena

Message: I know this answer is subject to opinion, but that is exactly what I am looking for.

Do you think the islands of Tahiti (ie, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Rangi, etc) or the Hawaiian islands are more beautiful?

Whatever your opinion, is, why do you think so?

I think this will be very helpful to me as I am trying to figure out which destination we should go to for our honeymoon. We love to snorkel, dive, take island tours, etc. and eat too!!

Thanks so much for the help - I will also post on the Aus/Pacific Board...

SP

My wife and I made a similar decision a few years ago when we honeymooned. We chose Hawaii - 1st class hotels, food, etc. We wanted to be pampered, vacationing in Polynesia probably would've been "rougher". To each his own.

Kent

There is no question that Bora Bora, and to a lesser extent Moorea and Tahiti, are the classic island paradises, much more striking in their beauty than the Hawaiian islands.

This question has often been asked on other forums (the Caribbean and Oz forums) and the large majority of people hold this view.



You can debate the question which is the better vacation destination (resort qualities, food, service etc are all better in Hawaii), but that's not what you asked.
Also, the water of Bora Bora lagoon is infintely more beautiful, warm, and waterlife laden, than any of the shores of Hawaii.

lenleigh

I can only half answer since I am planning my first trip to Hawaii but have been to French Polynesia. I think however, that it depends on what you are looking for. There is very little entertainment (if any in most locations)aside from polynesian shows so if you are looking for night life, you won't find much in Tahiti. I thought the food lacked a little in Tahiti which surprised me. I just can't say I remember anything we had being spectacular (and I am the type of person that likes trying new/cultural food). I did however, enjoy the nutella on my toast in the morning! French Polynesia is definitly beautiful. Moorea is exactly what I imagine when I think of island paradise (Steep green mountains, beautiful beaches and the most gorgeous green water I have ever seen. I think you should definitly see it but agree that it will probably be a little more "rough" than Hawaii where you can have all the creature comforts plus paradise. Tahiti will definitly have snorkeling, diving and sight seeing but maybe not world class cuisine. Have fun whatever you pick!

Athena

Hi everyone!!

I just wanted to thank you so much for all of your help!!

I think we will go with FP, and possibly the Cook Islands - we're going to save Hawaii for another trip.

Thanks again!!!

Geneva

Hawaii wins hands down as there is so much to do.

Bora Bora is beautiful but after three days there is nothing new and Bora Bora simply becomes Boring Boring

cd

I think French Polynesia is what Hawaii looked like 30 yrs ago. Tahiti was not my favorite. But I loved Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine. Get an "over the water" bungalow. It is a lot more laid back than Hawaii and could be considered by some as boring...but I loved learning about the culture, snorkeling and hanging out on the atolls.

freewoman

I would have to say French Polynesia for a Honeymoon. I love Hawaii and have been to four of the islands. I loved them all.

Having said that, I think Moorea was the most romantic of the trips I have taken and thought it was the quaintest island we had ever seen.