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Leeward Islands
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Explore French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands for Bora Bora lagoons, Raiatea’s sacred heritage, Taha’a vanilla, Huahine forests and Maupiti’s quiet reefs.

The Leeward Islands, or Îles Sous-le-Vent, form the western part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands. They include Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine and Maupiti, together with several smaller, mostly uninhabited atolls and motu. Although often associated with luxury resorts and overwater bungalows, the region is more varied than that image suggests: volcanic interiors rise steeply above shallow lagoons, traditional villages follow narrow coastal roads, and neighbouring islands retain markedly different landscapes and rhythms.
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Bora Bora is the most internationally recognised island, centred on a deep lagoon surrounded by coral islets and dominated by the jagged peaks of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. Its beauty attracts visitors from around the world, but the main island also has working communities, local shops, churches and roads that can be explored beyond the resort belt. Maupiti offers a quieter, more intimate alternative, with a compact inhabited island, a broad lagoon and a fringe of white-sand motu. Access and accommodation are more limited, making advance planning particularly important.
Raiatea is the largest administrative and cultural centre of the group and shares its lagoon with Taha’a. It has a more substantial local economy than the resort-focused islands, along with mountain valleys, plantations, hiking routes and the important archaeological site of Taputapuātea on its south-eastern coast. Taha’a is known for vanilla cultivation, pearl farms and calm lagoon excursions, while Huahine combines forested hills, archaeological remains, bays and villages with a less-developed tourism landscape. Boats are central to life throughout the islands, whether used for inter-island travel, fishing, lagoon tours or access to motu.
The islands are remnants of ancient volcanoes gradually encircled by coral reefs. Their interiors are green and often rugged, with humid valleys, waterfalls and viewpoints reached by road, boat or guided walk. Lagoons support snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding and traditional fishing, while reef conditions vary with weather, tides and local conservation rules. The dry season, broadly from May to October, is generally cooler and less humid, but tropical showers remain possible; the warmer months can bring heavier rain and unsettled weather.
Polynesian culture is present in language, dance, church life, foodways, canoe traditions and archaeological places rather than only in staged performances. Visitors will encounter French and Tahitian in daily life, with English common in many tourist settings but less dependable in smaller communities. Meals may include poisson cru, grilled fish, taro, breadfruit, coconut and locally grown fruit, while Raiatea and Taha’a provide especially useful contexts for learning about marae, vanilla and contemporary island life. Respectful, unhurried travel is rewarded: distances may look short on a map, but ocean crossings, limited services and weather make the Leeward Islands better suited to a carefully paced itinerary than a rushed island-hopping tour.

When is the best time to visit Leeward Islands?

Best: June–August · 27–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January29200
February30180
March30170
April29150
May29130
June (best)28120
July (best)27110
August (best)27110
September28120
October28140
November29160
December29180

Getting to and around Leeward Islands

How to get there

International visitors normally fly to Faa’a International Airport near Papeete on Tahiti, outside the Leeward Islands, and continue by domestic flight. Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and Maupiti each have airports served by French Polynesia’s domestic network, although connections vary and are subject to operational change. Taha’a has no commercial airport and is generally reached by boat from Raiatea. Bora Bora’s airport is on Motu Mute, requiring a boat transfer to the main island or a resort; Raiatea and Huahine airports are on their respective main islands. Plan the domestic leg with accommodation transfers, and leave a generous buffer before an international departure.

Transportation

Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora have roads and local transport suitable for exploring their inhabited coastal areas, while Maupiti is more compact and can be experienced through a combination of bicycles, walking and boat transfers. Rental cars, scooters and bicycles are available in some locations, but provision is more limited on smaller islands and should be arranged ahead where possible. Inter-island boats are particularly important between Raiatea and Taha’a and for lagoon excursions, whereas flights are generally the practical option for moving between the more distant islands. Mountain tracks, reef passages and private motu are best approached with local guides or licensed excursion providers.

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Best attractions in Leeward Islands

The Leeward Islands offer a varied mix of lagoon activities, cultural sites and outdoor landscapes. Bora Bora is the principal centre for boat trips, snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding and excursions around its reef-fringed lagoon, with views towards Mount Otemanu from both the water and the main island. Raiatea provides access to hiking routes, river and valley excursions, sailing, diving and the archaeological complex of Taputapuātea, while nearby Taha’a is well suited to vanilla farm visits, pearl-related experiences and lagoon tours. Huahine combines forested hills, bays, archaeological remains and rural coastal settlements, with opportunities for cycling, boating and guided exploration. Maupiti is smaller and more lightly developed, offering lagoon swimming, reef excursions, walking and contact with local island communities. Across the group, visitors can find coral gardens, rays, reef fish, birdlife and volcanic scenery, but conditions depend on tides, weather and local conservation measures. The strongest experiences are often organised around the water or with residents who can explain the landscape’s cultural and ecological meaning.

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Best landmarks in Leeward Islands

The most recognisable natural landmark of the Leeward Islands is Bora Bora’s volcanic silhouette, particularly the serrated summit of Mount Otemanu rising above the lagoon and the smaller peak of Mount Pahia. Raiatea’s cultural landmark is Taputapuātea, a major marae complex on the island’s south-eastern coast whose stone platforms and ceremonial setting express the historic religious connections of eastern Polynesia. Taha’a is defined less by a single monumental structure than by its lush volcanic ridges, deeply indented coastline and shared lagoon, landscapes closely associated with vanilla cultivation and traditional island agriculture. Huahine’s archaeological areas and ancient stone structures provide visible links to pre-Christian communities, while its bays and forested interior create a distinctive natural setting. Maupiti’s compact volcanic island, encircling reef and sandy motu form one of the group’s clearest examples of the relationship between mountain, lagoon and coral rim. Churches, village cemeteries and marae across the islands also mark the layered history of Polynesian society, missionary conversion and French Polynesia’s continuing community life.

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Best restaurants in Leeward Islands

Dining in the Leeward Islands reflects French Polynesia’s combination of ocean resources, tropical agriculture and French culinary influence. Fish is central, served raw in poisson cru with coconut milk and lime, grilled, poached or prepared in other locally familiar styles; tuna and other lagoon or ocean species appear widely, subject to seasonal availability and local regulations. Taro, breadfruit, sweet potato, rice, coconut and tropical fruit form useful complements, while vanilla from Taha’a is an important regional flavour and product. Bora Bora has the widest range of resort restaurants and international menus, whereas Raiatea, Huahine, Taha’a and Maupiti offer smaller restaurants, snack bars, family-run meals and guesthouse dining. Roadside roulottes and modest local eateries can provide a more informal meal, but opening patterns may be limited outside the principal settlements. Markets and small shops are useful for fruit, bread and simple provisions, although supplies depend on inter-island transport. French wine and imported goods are available, but prices are shaped by the islands’ distance from major supply centres.

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Best bars in Leeward Islands

Evening life in the Leeward Islands is generally relaxed and centred on hotel bars, waterfront restaurants, snack bars and local establishments rather than a large nightclub circuit. Bora Bora has the broadest choice, particularly around major resorts, where sunset drinks, live music and occasional cultural performances accompany lagoon views. Raiatea offers a more locally grounded evening scene through restaurants, bars and community events, while Huahine, Taha’a and Maupiti tend to become quiet after dinner, with nightlife shaped by guesthouses, small eateries and occasional music rather than dedicated clubs. Alcohol is available, but it is not necessary to participate in the region’s social life; evening walks, stargazing, conversation and early-morning water activities are equally characteristic. Check transport arrangements before drinking, as taxis and late services are limited on smaller islands, and never operate a scooter or boat after consuming alcohol.

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Best nightclubs in Leeward Islands

Evening life in the Leeward Islands is generally relaxed and centred on hotel bars, waterfront restaurants, snack bars and local establishments rather than a large nightclub circuit. Bora Bora has the broadest choice, particularly around major resorts, where sunset drinks, live music and occasional cultural performances accompany lagoon views. Raiatea offers a more locally grounded evening scene through restaurants, bars and community events, while Huahine, Taha’a and Maupiti tend to become quiet after dinner, with nightlife shaped by guesthouses, small eateries and occasional music rather than dedicated clubs. Alcohol is available, but it is not necessary to participate in the region’s social life; evening walks, stargazing, conversation and early-morning water activities are equally characteristic. Check transport arrangements before drinking, as taxis and late services are limited on smaller islands, and never operate a scooter or boat after consuming alcohol.

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Best shops in Leeward Islands

Shopping in the Leeward Islands is concentrated in village shops, small supermarkets, market stalls, craft outlets, galleries and hotel boutiques rather than large retail centres. Bora Bora offers the broadest selection of jewellery, pearls, resort clothing, art and locally themed gifts, while Raiatea functions as the most substantial everyday shopping centre in the group. Taha’a is particularly associated with vanilla and products made with its distinctive aromatic pods, and visitors can also find oils, soaps, woven items, shell jewellery, carved objects and pareu fabrics across the islands. Huahine and Maupiti are better suited to modest purchases from local shops, guesthouses and small craft sellers than to extensive browsing. Look for black pearls and pearl jewellery only from reputable sellers who provide clear information about quality and provenance, and remember that prices vary considerably. Fresh fruit, preserves, coconut products and locally made food items make useful gifts, but check customs and airline rules before carrying agricultural products internationally. Cash in XPF remains useful for small sellers and remote communities.

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Leeward Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the French Pacific franc, written as CFP franc and coded XPF, used throughout French Polynesia as part of its relationship with France. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at established hotels, larger shops and many restaurants, especially in Bora Bora and Raiatea, but smaller guesthouses, market stalls, boat operators and remote islands may prefer cash. Carry some XPF for local transport, snacks, small purchases and places with unreliable connectivity. International cards may attract foreign-exchange or cash-withdrawal charges, so check arrangements with your bank before arrival.
Safety
The main visitor concerns are usually practical rather than urban: strong sun, dehydration, reef cuts, slippery paths, boat conditions and sudden rain. Follow local advice when swimming or snorkelling, do not stand on coral, and use buoyancy equipment in unfamiliar lagoon water. Roads can be narrow, poorly lit or shared with bicycles and pedestrians, so take particular care on scooters. Mountain walks should not be attempted casually in wet weather, and isolated trails require water, suitable footwear and a realistic assessment of weather and ability. Keep valuables secure in busy visitor areas and follow accommodation advice for marine excursions.
Emergency Situations
French Polynesia uses France’s emergency arrangements: call 112 for the general European emergency number, 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police and 18 for the fire and rescue service. For a maritime emergency, 16 can connect callers with the relevant maritime rescue service. Mobile coverage varies between islands and may be weak on trails or at sea, so tell someone your plans before leaving and carry a charged phone. For an urgent medical problem, contact your accommodation or excursion provider as well as emergency services, since transport between islands and access to advanced care may require coordination.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully away from resort beaches, particularly when entering villages, churches or marae, and cover shoulders and thighs where local settings call for it. Ask before photographing residents, ceremonies, private land or cultural objects. Never climb on, remove stones from or handle archaeological structures, and do not stand on coral or feed marine animals without clear local guidance. Keep voices low near homes and churches, observe local swimming and boating instructions, and follow French Polynesian environmental rules. Tipping is not generally compulsory, although sincere thanks and a modest gratuity for exceptional service are welcome.
Local Tips
Raiatea is the most practical base for combining cultural visits, inland activities and excursions to Taha’a, while Bora Bora offers the broadest choice of lagoon-based tourism. Huahine rewards visitors who allow time for archaeological sites, bays and village roads rather than treating it as a short stop. Maupiti has fewer services and accommodation options, so confirm food, transfers and payment arrangements in advance. Market and shop stock can be affected by supply boats and flights, and Sundays are quieter across the islands. Learn a few Tahitian greetings, carry modest clothing for village visits and ask guides about current reef-protection practices.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloIa ora na[Ee-ah or-ah nah]
GoodbyeNana[Nah-nah]
YesO[Oh]
NoAita[Eye-tah]
Please/You're welcomeE 'ita[Eh ee-tah]
Thank youMauruuru[Mow-roo-roo]
Excuse me/SorryE pāpā[Eh pah-pah]
How are you?O vai oe?[Oh vy oh-eh?]
Fine. And you?Māuruuru. E ora oe?[Mah-oo-roo-roo. Eh or-ah oh-eh?]
Do you speak English?E parau fa'ā'ā?[Eh pah-row fah-ah-ah?]
I don't understandAita au e parau[Eye-tah ow eh pah-row]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE hinaaro au i te menu, e 'ita[Eh hee-nah-roh ow ee teh meh-noo, eh ee-tah]
I don't eat meatAita au e 'ai i te mā'ā[Eye-tah ow eh eye ee teh mah-ah]
Cheers!Māuruuru![Mow-roo-roo!]
I would like to pay, pleaseE hinaaro au e utu, e 'ita[Eh hee-nah-roh ow eh oo-too, eh ee-tah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aita![Eye-tah!]
Go away!E haere atu![Eh ha-reh ah-too!]
Call the Police!E tāpuni i te Pōlī![Eh tah-poo-nee ee teh poh-lee!]
Call a doctor!E tāpuni i te tāmata'i![Eh tah-poo-nee ee teh tah-mah-tah-ee!]
I'm lostAita au e tei[Eye-tah ow eh tay]
I'm illE pāpā au[Eh pah-pah ow]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...E hinaaro au e hoko...[Eh hee-nah-roh ow eh hoh-koh]
I'm just lookingE na'ina'i au[Eh nah-ee-nah-ee ow]
How much is it?Ehia te utu?[Eh-hee-ah teh oo-too?]
That's too expensiveTe utu ia e too 'ā[Te oo-too ee-ah eh toh ah]
Can you lower the price?E taea e 'oe te fa'aiti i te utu?[Eh tah-eh eh oh-eh teh fah-ee-tee ee teh oo-too?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Eaha te hora?[Eh-ah-ha teh ho-rah?]
It's one o'clockE tei te ho'ê[Eh tay teh ho-eh]
Half past (10)E pae i te (10)[Eh pie ee teh (10)]
MorningTe ata[Teh ah-tah]
AfternoonTe ahiahi[Teh ah-ee-ah-hee]
EveningTe pō[Teh poh]
YesterdayInoa[Ee-noh-ah]
TodayI teie mahana[Ee tay-eh mah-hah-nah]
TomorrowI te mahana apī[Ee teh mah-hah-nah ah-pee]
1Tahi[Tah-hee]
2Pua[Poo-ah]
3Torutoru[Toh-roo-toh-roo]
4Pā[Pah]
5Rima[Ree-mah]
6Onu[Oh-noo]
7Hitu[Hee-too]
8Varu[Vah-roo]
9Iva[Ee-vah]
10Tahi[Tah-hee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?E hea te...?[Eh heh-ah teh...?]
What's the address?Eaha te 'adresse?[Eh-ah-ha teh ah-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?E taea e 'oe te 'ārahi mai (i te mapi)?[Eh tah-eh eh oh-eh teh ah-rah-hee my (ee teh mah-pee)?]
When's the next (bus)?Ehia te (pahi) e tei mai?[Eh-hee-ah teh (pah-hee) eh tay my?]
A ticket (to ...)Te tiketi (i ...)[Teh tee-keh-tee (ee ...)]

History of Leeward Islands

Polynesian settlement and ocean voyaging

The Leeward Islands were settled by Polynesian seafarers who navigated across the Pacific using knowledge of stars, swell patterns, winds, birds and ocean currents. Communities developed around fertile volcanic valleys, coastal plains and lagoon resources, cultivating crops such as taro, breadfruit and bananas while fishing and travelling between islands by canoe. Oral traditions, place names, language and surviving archaeological sites preserve aspects of this history. The islands were not isolated societies: chiefs, families, religious specialists and traders maintained relationships across the Society Islands before European contact.

Marae and chiefly societies

Before European conversion, political and religious life was organised through local chiefly systems and sacred places known as marae. These stone-built complexes served as settings for ceremonies, offerings, political gatherings and the affirmation of links between communities, ancestors and gods. Taputapuātea on Raiatea became the most important surviving expression of this wider religious and cultural network. Its significance extended beyond one island, reflecting connections among the Society Islands and other parts of eastern Polynesia. Archaeological landscapes across Huahine, Raiatea and the neighbouring islands still reveal the scale and complexity of pre-Christian society.

European encounters and changing alliances

European navigators reached the Society Islands during the eighteenth century, beginning a period of intensified outside contact. Voyages associated with explorers including James Cook brought new maps and descriptions to European audiences, while missionaries, traders and ships followed. Firearms, introduced diseases, Christianity and new commercial relationships altered the balance of power among island communities. The consequences were uneven and often disruptive, affecting population, authority, religious practice and patterns of settlement. European accounts provide important historical evidence, but they represent only one perspective on societies with their own political traditions and oral histories.

Christian conversion and the London Missionary Society

Missionary activity became a decisive force in the early nineteenth century. Protestant missionaries connected with the London Missionary Society gained influence in the Society Islands, while local rulers and communities negotiated the adoption of Christianity in different ways. Churches replaced or stood alongside earlier sacred centres, literacy expanded through mission education, and social regulations changed. Raiatea and the other Leeward Islands experienced these transformations within a wider regional movement. Historic churches, cemeteries, oral traditions and the continuing importance of Sunday worship remain visible reminders of this period, although conversion also involved the suppression of earlier religious practices.

The French protectorate and annexation

French influence expanded during the nineteenth century as France established a protectorate over Tahiti and its dependencies, followed by the annexation of the Society Islands. The Leeward Islands retained local rulers and distinctive political histories for a time, and resistance to French control was particularly significant in the western group. Raiatea and Taha’a were among the last islands in the Society group to accept direct French authority, with conflict and political pressure culminating in the 1880s. The resulting colonial administration reshaped landholding, law, commerce and relations with Tahiti, foundations that continue to inform French Polynesia’s modern political geography.

Copra, plantations and inter-island commerce

During the colonial and post-colonial eras, island economies relied heavily on copra, the dried meat of the coconut, as well as subsistence cultivation, fishing and inter-island trade. Coconut groves, small farms and coastal shipping linked communities to Tahiti and to one another. Raiatea developed a particularly important service and agricultural role, while Taha’a became associated with vanilla as well as coconuts. These industries have faced changing prices, transport costs and competition from newer economic sectors, but agriculture and marine resources remain important to household economies and local identity.

Tourism, pearls and contemporary French Polynesia

From the later twentieth century, tourism became a major economic force, with Bora Bora emerging as the most recognised international destination in the region. Hotels, lagoon excursions and air connections brought investment and employment, while also increasing pressure on land, reefs, freshwater and waste systems. Cultured pearl production developed across French Polynesia and remains an important commercial activity, especially in the lagoon environment of the Tuamotu Islands, with retail and farm connections also present in the Leeward Islands. Today the region combines French public institutions with Polynesian cultural life, local agriculture, marine activities and tourism on very different scales from island to island.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Leeward Islands, French Polynesia

Discover the wonders of Leeward Islands with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities.
  • Rich images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Leeward Islands like never before with Evendo, your free, all-in-one travel guide. Discover top attractions, book hotels, and experience the islands like a local.

  • Comprehensive travel essentials and historical insights about Leeward Islands.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature.
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.
  • Global coverage of over 7,000 destinations.

Imagine arriving in the Leeward Islands, French Polynesia, with a world of information and resources at your fingertips. With Evendo, your journey begins the moment you land. Whether you're planning to visit the iconic Mount Otemanu, relax on the pristine beaches of Bora Bora, or explore the vibrant marine life of the Coral Gardens, Evendo has you covered.

The app offers detailed insights into the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities across the Leeward Islands. Picture yourself dining at Bloody Mary's, a famous restaurant known for its fresh seafood and celebrity sightings, or visiting the sacred Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evendo is designed to make your trip seamless. With rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, planning your itinerary has never been easier. Plus, you can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and effort.

The app's features, such as the 'Near me' option, allow you to discover nearby attractions no matter where you are. Curated local tips ensure you experience the islands like a true local. And with global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, Evendo is your travel companion for life. Download Evendo today and unlock the secrets of the Leeward Islands!

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