Wondering which destination to choose. someone who has been to both told me they much prefer Hawaii - Moorea was hauntingly boring in their opinion.
Is this the general view?

Depends on what you want. We liked Moorea and the Islands around her(Bora Bora) because we like daytime activities (snorkeling, etc.) and the beauiful peaceful scenery. If you like night life, choose Hawaii

Moorea hands down.

As a previous poster said - it depends on what you like to do. We've been to both - and my husband was so disappointed in Hawaii (Maui and Hawaii) after being to Tahiti/Moorea/Bora Bora it was amazing. Hawaii is the US. Depending on which island you go to you will have a very different experience. We just got back from Maui and Hawaii in May, and I was amazed at how bad the traffic in Maui was. I hadn't been there in years - but it's just like any other location in the US with prettier landscape - McDonald's, Office Max, Walmart - everything. Our resort (the Renaissance) was really nice - really liked that, but the island itself had really grown. Hawaii is a whole different world - alot of lava covered ground (quite eerie...) with some gorgeous, lush vegetation on one part of the island - beaches weren't that great, though. We loved Moorea. French Polynesia is definitely French and laid back. I thought the water was wonderful - if you like water sports - lots to do. We stayed on Moorea 7 days and on Bora Bora 7 days. Would not have missed 1 day in either one of those places. BUT - Hawaii is a whole lot less expensive.... So, it depends on what you like..... I'd buy a couple books on each and just figure out what would work best for you....

Moorea hands down.

I hear a lot of posts complaining that French Polynesia is too third world. Think you need to read more about both to decide. Not surprised the above poster found traffic on Maui. Seems like a lot of people are disappointed with Maui in the past vew years. I never understood the pull people felt with the big island and Kauai so near.

Does all depend on what you are looking for. I go to Kauai every year, never see traffic where I stay on the NS but started to see traffic on the popular hiking trails but still find isolated ones.

I suppose FP is more exotic and that is what Honeymoons call for. You can always go to Hawaii it is close, more assesible when you have no patience for third world countries. Sorry but that is me, I am trying to change that but it is me at the moment. I don't want to bargain for a hotel room, I don't want a fantastic price on a souvenier when some woman is trying to feed her kids. I can't get comfortable wooping it up while people are living in abject poverty around me. Don't see the tourism industry in the 3rd world countries I have visited funneling down profits to the poor. Not trying to guilt trip anyone this is just how I feel.

Let us know xxx what works for you.