Hawaii vs. French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea)
May 7th, 2009, 05:58 PM
#3
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French Poly is MUCH more expensive. Both have their beautiful spots. What are you wanting in your vacation? If you want an over water bungalo, then Bora Bora is your place. If you are just looking for a nice beach, go to Hawaii. If you are from the USA, it's much closer. If you have not been to Hawaii (and are from the USA) go there before you go to FP, IMO.
May 7th, 2009, 06:25 PM
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For many the best way to see Tahiti is on a cruise. This can be much cheaper than staying on land and you get to see all the islands.
For Hawaii, don't take the cruise but visit one island at a time. Once you go for the first time, you will be back.
For Hawaii, don't take the cruise but visit one island at a time. Once you go for the first time, you will be back.
May 7th, 2009, 06:55 PM
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My brother and SIL went to Tahiti twice. The first time they got some sort of package deal and it wasn't all the more expensive than Hawaii. They loved it so much, they went back a couple years later for a longer stay.
I don't think the two destinations can really be compared. Both tropical, both have beautiful beaches but at the same time they are very different destinations. In fact, each Hawaiian island is very different from the others.
I don't think the two destinations can really be compared. Both tropical, both have beautiful beaches but at the same time they are very different destinations. In fact, each Hawaiian island is very different from the others.
May 7th, 2009, 08:36 PM
#7
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2 totally different islands..
Tahiti is only a place to land and move on..maybe stay one night and experience the most incredible farmers market, great all night disco, food trucks but thats it..
Moorea and Bora Bora are heavenly, exquisite and very expensive but the water is unlike any place in the world..
Hawaii if you have never been to any tropical paradise is a good start and each island is different..
Love them all and as I get older I like more Kauai, Lanai and O'ahu..Been going to all of them for over 30 years, so have seen a lot of changes..Maui has become my least fav of them all..but it still is wonderful..
Mahalo
Tahiti is only a place to land and move on..maybe stay one night and experience the most incredible farmers market, great all night disco, food trucks but thats it..
Moorea and Bora Bora are heavenly, exquisite and very expensive but the water is unlike any place in the world..
Hawaii if you have never been to any tropical paradise is a good start and each island is different..
Love them all and as I get older I like more Kauai, Lanai and O'ahu..Been going to all of them for over 30 years, so have seen a lot of changes..Maui has become my least fav of them all..but it still is wonderful..
Mahalo
May 8th, 2009, 07:36 AM
#8
I say it's an impossible question, to try and compare one island to another. I am sure they are all fabulous places of incredible beauty.
I think pros and cons of a trip have to do more with travel logistics and costs (how long and how expensive of a flight? what kind of accomodations?) as the variables to consider.
I think pros and cons of a trip have to do more with travel logistics and costs (how long and how expensive of a flight? what kind of accomodations?) as the variables to consider.
May 8th, 2009, 09:21 AM
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Bora Bora is the most beautiful place I've ever been to in the world (and I do actually travel alot). If what you want to do is have the most incredulous water around you that is a color that doesn't even look real - go to Bora Bora or Moorea (not a huge fan of Tahiti, itself). Price will be high - but worth every penny. You really want to be on the island for a little while - I personally wouldn't do this on a cruise - it's just too wonderful. That being said, I also love the Hawaiian Islands. I think they're beautiful (more rugged, not the same water - but pretty in it's own way - and if you've never been to French Polynesia - wouldn't be an issue), and there's alot more to do in Hawaii. I don't think you can go wrong either way.... FP will cost you more (but you'll never forget it) and Hawaii is fabulous, with each Island having alot of things to do (you can get better deals for this since there is more competition...).
May 8th, 2009, 09:48 AM
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May 8th, 2009, 12:11 PM
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I agree with Debi that Bora Bora is the most beautiful place we've been. Tahiti, not so much except a jeep ride inland is fabulous. I've never seen such clear blue water as in Bora Bora. We did take a cruise there and would do it again.
It's been years since we've been to Hawaii and would also do that again. My advice? Can't go wrong with either!
It's been years since we've been to Hawaii and would also do that again. My advice? Can't go wrong with either!
May 8th, 2009, 12:24 PM
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The activity level in FP is an order of magnitude lower than Hawaii. Hawaii gets more visitors in a weekend than FP gets in a year (or so they claim). There is little/no nightlife outside the main island of Tahiti. It's a beautiful place to relax and enjoy. If you are into surfing or scuba I think FP is a no brainer. If you want a beach scene and nightlife, Hawaii might be a better choice for you.
May 15th, 2009, 03:12 AM
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Just returned from a Sydney to Hawaii cruise via FP stopping at Tahiti, Raiatea and Bora Bora
I agree with other posters there is no comparison, they are two very different destinations. Bora Bora was the highlight of the whole trip though we had some nine fantastic days in Hawaii (Oahu and Maui).
FP is very expensive but I killed two birds with one stone by taking the repositioning trip from Sydney to Hawaii. Both destinations were on my must visit list. I would go back to Bora Bora in a heartbeat. I also plan to return to Hawaii to see more.
How about looking into the 16 day return trip in September on Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas) or Dawn Princess (I think) when they come back into our waters for our summer season. Then you could take advantage of seeing Sydney
and you'd have a blast on the ship on the way down!
So much to do so little time ...
I agree with other posters there is no comparison, they are two very different destinations. Bora Bora was the highlight of the whole trip though we had some nine fantastic days in Hawaii (Oahu and Maui).
FP is very expensive but I killed two birds with one stone by taking the repositioning trip from Sydney to Hawaii. Both destinations were on my must visit list. I would go back to Bora Bora in a heartbeat. I also plan to return to Hawaii to see more.
How about looking into the 16 day return trip in September on Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas) or Dawn Princess (I think) when they come back into our waters for our summer season. Then you could take advantage of seeing Sydney
and you'd have a blast on the ship on the way down!So much to do so little time ...
May 16th, 2009, 05:20 PM
#16
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Thanks you all! You've all helped me make my decision.
I've been to Hawaii--Kauii and the Big Island. Loved them both, prefered Kauii, which, I guess is making my decision on this. I think we need to visit FP.(prefer low key, snorkeling, beaches, don't care about night life) Sooo, this is probably the wrong tag, but, I guess, I'm looking for suggestions on a vacation in that region ,low budget( while being sanitary), not interested in resorts or cruises.
Thank you all, again.
I've been to Hawaii--Kauii and the Big Island. Loved them both, prefered Kauii, which, I guess is making my decision on this. I think we need to visit FP.(prefer low key, snorkeling, beaches, don't care about night life) Sooo, this is probably the wrong tag, but, I guess, I'm looking for suggestions on a vacation in that region ,low budget( while being sanitary), not interested in resorts or cruises.
Thank you all, again.
May 16th, 2009, 06:21 PM
#17
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Have you considered Cook Islands (Rarotonga)? We caught a good fare sale on Air New Zealand. I can't give a comparison to FP (haven't been to either yet), but low key, snorkeling, beaches seems to be what its all about.
May 16th, 2009, 07:11 PM
#18
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curmudgeon... I've been to both. I LOVED the Cook Islands. But they would be farther away for the OP, I believe (assuming they are traveling from the USA). Not quite the scenery of Bora Bora, but still, there are some fabulous lagoons. I especially liked Aitutaki, but only went there on a day trip, so did not stay in an over-water bungalo. Raro was very friendly and we enjoyed the beach there.
May 17th, 2009, 06:52 AM
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Have you considered Fiji? We loved it. Take a look at the smaller resorts in the Yasawa Islands. The exchange rate is VERY favorable right now. They are going through another coup and some political unrest, but that is moslty in the capital city of Suva and doesn't affect the outer islands.
