Things to do in Moorea: advice from a family that lives here
Moorea can be discovered in a few days and savoured over a few weeks. Here is what we recommend to our guests, from the lagoon to the lookouts, with the addresses we actually use.
- The Moorea loop is about sixty kilometres: rent a car or scooter for a day to scout everything.
- Lagoon in the morning (the water is smoother), island in the afternoon, sunset on the west coast: the rhythm that works.
- From August to October, add the whales to your list: trips also leave from Haapiti.
- Many snacks close early or do not open every day: check before driving out, and keep some cash.
The lagoon first
It is the first thing to do on arrival: put on a mask, take a kayak, let the island slow your rhythm. Moorea’s lagoon is made for snorkelling, paddleboarding and boat tours to meet the rays and blacktip reef sharks.
From our beach at Haapiti the kayaks are free to take: the reef tour at sunrise, when the water is smooth, remains our number one tip.
Whales and dolphins
From August to October, humpback whales pass along the coast, and boat trips leave from Haapiti among other places. The rest of the year, dolphins are often met in the early morning, sometimes from a kayak.
We wrote a whole guide about whale season: you will find it among our guides, with our advice on choosing a good operator.
The lookouts
The ’Opunohu Belvedere takes in both bays and Mount Rotui: the island’s postcard, reachable by car. Magic Mountain, steeper, has to be earned and overlooks the northwest lagoon. On the east side, the To’atea lookout hangs above Temae beach, with Tahiti as a backdrop.
Go early morning or late afternoon: the light is better and the road quieter.
Walking: passes and waterfalls
The Three Coconut Trees Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers) is the classic hike of the island’s interior, in the greenery above ’Opunohu. On the Afareaitu side, the Putoa waterfall is reached by a shorter walk.
Leave early, bring water and shoes that accept mud: the Polynesian mountains are wet, which is what makes them so green.
The beaches
Ta’ahiamanu, on ’Opunohu bay, is the north’s big public beach, perfect for snorkelling. Temae, in the east, lines up its white sand facing Tahiti. And Haapiti, our coast, keeps the island’s quietest beaches, with the sunset thrown in.
Each coast has its character: do the loop, then choose yours.
Culture and outings
The Tiki Village, on the west coast, keeps Polynesian traditions alive with its shows, depending on the programme. The Lagoonarium, on the east side, lets you observe the lagoon’s life. And the motu offshore, like Coco Beach, are reached by boat for lunch with your feet in the water.
Book these outings a day or two ahead in high season.
Where to eat, coast by coast
Moorea eats along one ring road, so plan by where the day has already taken you. The west coast, from Haapiti up to Hauru, is where most of our guests eat, and we have written that stretch up properly in our Haapiti guide: the roulottes, the two snacks on the water, and the motu you reach by boat.
This page is the rest of the island. On the north-east side, Caraméline in Maharepa opens at half past six for bread and pastries, and Manuia Grill opposite the Manava does skewers and big plates. The restaurant simply called Cook’s Bay is reached by a wooden walkway, with the whole bay opening out in front of you. Round on the east coast, Vaiare Pizza is a few steps from the ferry, which makes it a sensible last evening before the boat.
For simple evenings, the grocery store is across from the pension. Many snacks close early or do not open every day, so check before hitting the road.
Planning your days from Haapiti
The island loop is about sixty kilometres: one day with a rented car or scooter is enough to scout everything, then you go back to what you liked. Everything is easy to reach from Haapiti, and the evening drive brings you home facing the sunset.
Our good rhythm: lagoon in the morning, island in the afternoon, terrace at sundown. Ask us at breakfast what is worth it that day: the weather decides a lot here.
Your questions for planning your days
How many days do you need to visit Moorea?
Three or four days cover the essentials: lagoon, lookouts, one hike and the island loop. A week lets you slow down, and that is when Moorea truly becomes itself.
Do you need to rent a car in Moorea?
For a day or two, yes: it is the simplest way to do the island loop and the lookouts. The rest of the time, the beach, the lagoon and the pension’s surroundings work fine without one.
What can you do in Moorea when it rains?
Showers usually pass quickly. Keep the lookouts and the mountain for the clear hours and enjoy the lagoon: swimming in light rain is lovely, and the covered terrace does the rest.
Which activities should be booked in advance?
Whale trips in season, lagoon tours and dinner tables in high season. A day or two ahead is usually enough; we can help you book.
Is Moorea good with children?
Very. The lagoon is shallow in places, distances are short and the outings adapt. Our fare welcome families all year, and the garden doubles as a playground.
Shall we plan your stay?
Tell us what you love (the water, the walking, the table, or all of it) and how many days you have: we will sketch you an honest programme, season included.
Written by the family behind Fare Oaoa, who live in Haapiti year-round and send their guests to these addresses every week.
Checked on the ground in August 2026. Opening hours and days change often on the island: check before you set out.