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Society Islands
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Explore the Society Islands of French Polynesia for volcanic peaks, coral lagoons, Polynesian heritage, island cuisine and memorable water-based travel.

The Society Islands form the best-known island group in French Polynesia, a chain of volcanic mountains, reef-fringed lagoons and low coral motu in the South Pacific. They are divided into the Windward Islands, including Tahiti and Moorea, and the Leeward Islands, including Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine, Bora Bora and Maupiti. Each island has a different rhythm: Tahiti combines the territory's largest town and busiest transport links with rugged interior valleys, while the smaller islands offer a slower life shaped by fishing, farming, sailing and tourism.
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Tahiti is the main gateway and the administrative centre of French Polynesia. Around Papeete, visitors find markets, museums, restaurants and a more urban Polynesian atmosphere, while the island's interior rises sharply into forested valleys and volcanic peaks. The west coast is known for resorts and sunsets, the south for quieter settlements and archaeological sites, and the east for a wilder coastline exposed to the prevailing ocean swell. Moorea, reached by a short ferry journey from Tahiti, is more compact and celebrated for the dramatic silhouettes of Mount Rotui and the landscapes around Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay.
The Leeward Islands provide a contrasting experience. Raiatea is closely associated with traditional navigation and the important marae of Taputapuatea, while Taha'a is known for vanilla cultivation, pearl farms and sheltered lagoon excursions. Huahine retains a less built-up character, with archaeological sites, plantations and villages around its two connected land masses. Bora Bora has the region's most concentrated resort development, set around a famous lagoon and steep volcanic interior, whereas Maupiti is smaller and quieter, with limited accommodation and a strong sense of local scale.
The islands' cultural identity is Polynesian, but their present-day public life also reflects French administration, education and cuisine. Ancient marae, dance, music, outrigger canoeing and oral traditions remain important, while contemporary galleries, cultural centres and festival performances present living rather than merely historical culture. French and Tahitian are widely heard, and English is common in tourism, though less so away from visitor services.
Food is closely tied to the sea and to household gardens. Raw fish prepared with coconut milk and lime, breadfruit, taro, bananas, tropical fruit and grilled fish appear widely, with local variations between islands. Activities range from lagoon swimming, snorkelling, diving and paddleboarding to hiking, sailing and visits to archaeological sites. Weather, boat conditions and inter-island distances matter: a journey that looks short on a map can depend on limited flights, ferry schedules or sea conditions, so the Society Islands are best explored as a selection of contrasting islands rather than as one easily covered resort area.

When is the best time to visit Society Islands?

Best: June–August · 28–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30260
February30270
March30230
April30190
May29120
June (best)29100
July (best)2880
August (best)2990
September29100
October29130
November29180
December30220

Getting to and around Society Islands

How to get there

Most international visitors arrive at Faa'a International Airport on Tahiti, which is within the Society Islands and serves as French Polynesia's principal air gateway. Flights from major Pacific hubs and from France connect through the territory's international network, though routes and frequencies vary. Domestic flights continue from Tahiti to islands including Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Maupiti. Moorea is also reached by regular passenger ferries from Tahiti, while other inter-island ferry services are more limited and route-dependent. Confirm connections before arrival, particularly when travelling onward to smaller islands.

Transportation

Tahiti and Moorea have roads suitable for driving around much of their coastlines, and rental cars, scooters, taxis and local buses are useful depending on the island. On Raiatea, Huahine and Taha'a, a vehicle can make access to villages, archaeological sites and inland viewpoints easier, while Bora Bora commonly relies on boats, transfers, bicycles, scooters and taxis. Maupiti is compact enough for cycling and walking in many areas. Boat excursions are central to lagoon travel, but services may depend on weather and tides. There is no single island-wide public transport system covering the whole archipelago, so allow time between connections.

Best attractions in Society Islands

The Society Islands offer a varied combination of lagoon, mountain and cultural attractions. Tahiti has the greatest concentration of museums, markets, gardens, galleries and organised excursions, together with hiking routes into steep valleys and visits to waterfalls and archaeological sites. Moorea is well suited to lagoon cruises, snorkelling, hiking, scenic drives and encounters with the island's agricultural landscapes around Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. Raiatea and Taha'a appeal to visitors interested in sailing, marae, vanilla cultivation, pearl farms and quieter coastal exploration. Huahine combines beaches, plantations, lagoon trips and significant archaeological remains, while Bora Bora is known for resort-based water activities, diving and boat excursions across its sheltered lagoon. Maupiti provides a smaller-scale experience centred on cycling, walking, reef outings and community-run accommodation. Across the archipelago, activities are shaped by weather, tides and the health of the reef, so responsible operators and low-impact behaviour are important parts of exploring the islands.

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Best landmarks in Society Islands

The Society Islands' most significant landmarks combine volcanic geography with Polynesian and colonial history. Mount Orohena, Tahiti's highest peak, dominates the central interior and represents the island's dramatic mountainous character, although climbing routes require preparation and local knowledge. Moorea's serrated ridges and the twin bays of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay form one of the archipelago's most recognisable landscapes. On Raiatea, the marae complex of Taputapuatea is a major cultural landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its importance within eastern Polynesian religious and chiefly traditions. Tahiti's marae Arahurahu provides another important archaeological setting, while the island's churches, colonial-era public buildings and Papeete market reflect later layers of history. Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu rises above its lagoon as a distinctive natural symbol, and Huahine's preserved marae landscapes and stone fish traps reveal the depth of pre-European settlement. Coral motu, reef passes and lagoon horizons complete the region's physical identity.

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Best restaurants in Society Islands

Dining across the Society Islands reflects French Polynesia's relationship with the sea, tropical agriculture and French culinary influence. Raw fish marinated with lime and coconut milk is widely served, alongside grilled tuna and other fish, breadfruit, taro, sweet potato, plantain, rice and fresh fruit. Tahitian-style dishes vary between homes and islands, and visitors may encounter poisson cru in different preparations rather than one fixed recipe. Tahiti has the broadest selection, from market stalls and bakeries to French-influenced restaurants and casual roulottes, the local term for mobile food vendors. On smaller islands, meals are often centred on guesthouses, family-run restaurants, snack outlets and resort dining, with fish, coconut and locally grown produce prominent. Moorea is associated with fruit and agricultural products, while Taha'a is particularly known for vanilla cultivation. Markets are useful for sampling prepared food and seasonal produce, though opening patterns and choice are more limited outside the main population centres.

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Best bars in Society Islands

Evening life varies sharply between Tahiti's urban centre and the quieter outer islands. Papeete has the archipelago's widest choice of bars, restaurants, live music and late-opening venues, while coastal areas of Tahiti offer hotel bars, casual waterfront dining and occasional cultural performances. Moorea and Bora Bora concentrate nightlife around resorts, restaurants and lagoon-side hotels, with Polynesian dance and music often forming part of organised evening programmes. Raiatea, Huahine, Taha'a and Maupiti generally have a subdued evening scene based on local restaurants, guesthouses, hotel lounges and occasional live entertainment rather than a large nightclub culture. Opening arrangements can be seasonal, and some smaller-island venues close early or operate only on selected nights. Visitors should arrange transport back to their accommodation in advance, particularly where roads are dark and taxi availability is limited.

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Best nightclubs in Society Islands

Evening life varies sharply between Tahiti's urban centre and the quieter outer islands. Papeete has the archipelago's widest choice of bars, restaurants, live music and late-opening venues, while coastal areas of Tahiti offer hotel bars, casual waterfront dining and occasional cultural performances. Moorea and Bora Bora concentrate nightlife around resorts, restaurants and lagoon-side hotels, with Polynesian dance and music often forming part of organised evening programmes. Raiatea, Huahine, Taha'a and Maupiti generally have a subdued evening scene based on local restaurants, guesthouses, hotel lounges and occasional live entertainment rather than a large nightclub culture. Opening arrangements can be seasonal, and some smaller-island venues close early or operate only on selected nights. Visitors should arrange transport back to their accommodation in advance, particularly where roads are dark and taxi availability is limited.

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Best shops in Society Islands

Shopping is most varied in Papeete, where the central market and surrounding streets offer fresh produce, prepared food, textiles, handicrafts, woven goods, carved objects, pareu fabrics and locally made souvenirs. Tahitian black pearls are among the region's best-known purchases and are sold through specialist jewellers and established retailers; buyers should request documentation explaining the pearl's quality and any treatment. Moorea has galleries, craft outlets and shops linked to its agricultural products, while smaller islands tend to offer locally made textiles, shell and wood crafts, vanilla, preserves and small-scale food products rather than extensive retail streets. Taha'a is particularly associated with vanilla, and local producers may sell it in different forms. Art galleries and resort boutiques are more common in the main tourist centres, but prices can vary considerably because many goods are imported. Compare quality and provenance, and remember that protected coral, shells and archaeological objects should not be purchased or removed.

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Society Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the French Pacific franc, written as CFP franc or XPF, used throughout French Polynesia. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, shops and established tour operators, particularly on Tahiti and in major resorts. Cash remains useful for small businesses, market purchases, local transport, remote accommodation and outer-island services. ATMs are more readily available on Tahiti and the larger islands than on smaller ones, so obtain a sensible reserve before travelling onward. French Polynesia is not part of the euro currency area, despite its political relationship with France.
Safety
The main visitor concerns are ordinary petty theft, road accidents, sun exposure, dehydration, strong currents, coral cuts and changing conditions at sea. Keep valuables secure in vehicles and unattended accommodation, and take additional care around busy waterfronts and transport hubs. Roads can be narrow, poorly lit or wet, and scooters require appropriate caution and helmets. Use reputable guides for diving, snorkelling, hiking and lagoon trips, and follow advice about currents, reef channels and weather. Mountain paths may be slippery after rain, while remote islands can have limited medical facilities.
Emergency Situations
French Polynesia follows French emergency arrangements: call 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police and 18 for the fire and rescue service. The European emergency number 112 may also work from mobile phones, but visitors should not rely on it without a working network connection. Ask accommodation staff or tour operators about local procedures for marine rescue, diving incidents and evacuation, particularly on outer islands. Mobile coverage is not universal, and travel insurance should cover medical treatment, emergency transport, water activities and possible interruption of inter-island travel.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly away from resort beaches, especially when entering villages, churches or cultural sites, and remove hats or footwear when local custom or signage requests it. Ask permission before photographing residents, ceremonies, private property or working boats. Do not climb on marae stones, collect coral or shells from protected areas, or stand on living reef. Follow marked access routes and local guidance around lagoons and mountain trails. Tipping is not a fixed legal requirement, but considerate service can be acknowledged at the visitor's discretion. French and Tahitian are widely used, so a greeting such as ia ora na is appreciated.
Local Tips
Tahiti offers the broadest choice of shops, services and cultural institutions, while outer islands generally reward slower planning and earlier arrangements for transport and food. Book popular lagoon excursions and limited island accommodation in advance, especially during high-demand holiday periods. Sample produce and prepared food from markets, but carry water during inland walks and coastal drives. On Taha'a, look for locally produced vanilla and on Moorea for tropical fruit and agricultural products, while Raiatea is especially rewarding for visitors interested in navigation and marae heritage. Keep flexible plans because wind, rain and sea conditions can affect boats and flights.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

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 oh-rah nah]
GoodbyeNānā[nah-nah]
YesĀe[ah-eh]
NoAita[ah-ee-tah]
Please/You're welcomeE mea au[eh meh-ah oh]
Thank youMauruuru[mau-roo-roo]
Excuse me/SorryE kāoha[eh kah-oh-hah]
How are you?O te aha oe?[oh teh ah-hah oy]
Fine. And you?Ua ora. E oe?[oo-ah oh-rah. eh oy]
Do you speak English?E parau ana oe i te reo Pā'ōfare?[eh pah-rau ah-nah oy ee teh reh-oh pah-oh-fah-ray]
I don't understandAita au e mā'iri[ah-ee-tah ow eh mah-ee-ree]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE hi'o au i te menu, e mea au[eh hee-oh ow ee teh meh-noo, eh meh-ah oh]
I don't eat meatAita au e 'ai i te 'i'a[ah-ee-tah ow eh eye ee teh ee-ah]
Cheers!Māuruuru![mah-oo-roo-roo]
I would like to pay, pleaseE 'oioi au i te utu, e mea au[eh oh-ee-oh-ee ow ee teh oo-too, eh meh-ah oh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tāuta![tah-oo-tah]
Go away!E 'aere i te 'ā'[eh eye-reh ee teh ah]
Call the Police!E karanga i te pūna![eh kah-rah-ngah ee teh poo-nah]
Call a doctor!E karanga i te taote![eh kah-rah-ngah ee teh tah-oh-teh]
I'm lostUa po'iri au[oo-ah poh-ee-ree ow]
I'm illUa ma'i au[oo-ah mah-ee ow]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...E 'oioi au i te hoko i...[eh oh-ee-oh-ee ow ee teh ho-ko ee...]
I'm just lookingE hi'o noa mai au[eh hee-oh noh-ah my ow]
How much is it?E aha te utu?[eh ah-hah teh oo-too]
That's too expensiveTe mau utu roa ia[teh mau oo-too roh-ah ee-ah]
Can you lower the price?E taea anei e oe te ha'api'i i te utu?[eh tah-eh ah-neh eh oy teh hah-ah-pee-ee ee teh oo-too]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?E aha te hora?[eh ah-hah teh ho-rah]
It's one o'clockE te tahi te hora[eh teh tah-hee teh ho-rah]
Half past (10)Te ha'ava i te (10)[teh hah-ah-vah ee teh (10)]
MorningMā'ohi[mah-oh-hee]
AfternoonAhiahi[ah-hee-ah-hee]
EveningPō[poh]
YesterdayA te mahana i nānā[ah teh mah-hah-nah ee nah-nah]
TodayI teie mahana[ee teh-eh mah-hah-nah]
TomorrowI te mahana ā te āpo[ee teh mah-hah-nah ah teh ah-poh]
1Tahi[tah-hee]
2Rua[roo-ah]
3Toronui[toh-roh-noo-ee]
4Tahi[tah-hee]
5Rima[ree-mah]
6Ono[oh-no]
7Vaa[vah-ah]
8Vahine[vah-hee-neh]
9Iva[ee-vah]
10Tahi[tah-hee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?E te aha te...?[eh teh ah-hah teh...?]
What's the address?E aha te adresse?[eh ah-hah teh ah-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?E taea anei e oe te hi'o mai ia'u (i te mapu)?[eh tah-eh ah-neh eh oy teh hee-oh my ee-ah-oo (ee teh mah-poo)?]
When's the next (bus)?E aha te wā e 'aere mai?[eh ah-hah teh vah eh eye-reh my?]
A ticket (to ....)He tiketi (ki ...)[heh tee-keh-tee (kee ...)]

History of Society Islands

Lapita Settlement and Polynesian Voyaging

The Society Islands were settled by Polynesian navigators who crossed vast areas of the Pacific in voyaging canoes, bringing cultivated plants, animals, technologies and social traditions. Archaeological evidence places permanent settlement in the first millennium AD, after earlier Lapita expansion through western and central Oceania. Communities established themselves along productive coasts and valleys, developed complex systems of chiefly authority, and cultivated taro, breadfruit, bananas and other crops. Navigation, fishing and exchange linked the islands long before European ships arrived, creating a cultural world that extended well beyond the modern boundaries of individual islands.

Marae, Chiefdoms and Raiatea's Sacred Importance

Before European rule, the islands were organised into chiefdoms whose authority was expressed through kinship, landholding, warfare, ceremony and control of agricultural resources. Marae, usually stone ceremonial complexes, served religious and political purposes; their remains are among the clearest physical records of pre-contact society. Raiatea held particular spiritual significance in eastern Polynesian tradition, and Taputapuatea became an important ceremonial centre associated with the god 'Oro and long-distance relationships between island societies. Although many traditional structures were altered or abandoned after conversion to Christianity, their archaeological and cultural importance remains central to the region's identity.

European Contact in the Eighteenth Century

European voyages reached the Society Islands during the eighteenth century, including visits by Samuel Wallis, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and James Cook. Cook charted the islands in 1769, and the name Society Islands became established in European usage. Contact introduced new goods, diseases, weapons and religious ideas, while European accounts recorded island societies through an outsider's perspective. Missionaries followed explorers and traders, beginning a far-reaching transformation of religious practice, political authority and education. The consequences were uneven across the archipelago, with local rulers adapting foreign alliances to strengthen their own positions.

The Pomare Dynasty and the Spread of Christianity

On Tahiti and nearby islands, the Pomare dynasty consolidated power during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, helped in part by access to firearms and foreign trade. Protestant missionaries from the London Missionary Society gained influence, and Pomare II adopted Christianity in the early nineteenth century. Conversion brought new forms of schooling, law and political organisation, while traditional religious institutions were suppressed or displaced. Churches, mission landscapes and surviving oral traditions still reflect this major social transformation. The dynasty's growing authority also shaped the political relationship between Tahiti and the neighbouring islands.

French Protectorate and Annexation

France established a protectorate over Tahiti in 1842, following growing European rivalry in the Pacific and disputes involving missionaries and foreign powers. Tahiti and its dependencies were annexed by France in 1880, although the Leeward Islands resisted French control for longer and were incorporated only after the 1890s. French administration gradually reshaped landholding, government, education and commerce. The Society Islands remained culturally Polynesian while becoming part of the French colonial system, a dual inheritance that continues in the territory's institutions, languages and public life.

War, Modernisation and the Growth of Tourism

During the Second World War, French Polynesia became strategically important in the Pacific, and Tahiti served as a base for Allied activity. After the war, improved transport, air links and public infrastructure connected the islands more closely to the outside world. Tourism expanded from the mid-twentieth century, first around Tahiti and later through resort development in Bora Bora and other lagoon islands. This brought employment and investment but also increased pressure on reefs, shorelines, freshwater supplies and traditional land use. Contemporary debates about development therefore sit alongside efforts to protect cultural heritage and marine environments.

Society Islands in Photos

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

Discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences in Society Islands with Evendo - the 100% free app-based travel guide.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including 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

Unlock the beauty of Society Islands with Evendo, your all-in-one travel companion. Plan, explore, and book your perfect trip with detailed local insights and seamless navigation.

  • History and travel essentials of Society Islands
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation
  • "Near me" feature for discovering nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Imagine stepping onto the white sandy beaches of the Society Islands, French Polynesia, with a travel guide that fits right in your pocket. Evendo is designed to be your ultimate travel companion, offering you detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities the islands have to offer. From the iconic Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora to the bustling local markets in Papeete, Tahiti, Evendo covers it all.

With rich descriptions, stunning images, and local tips, you'll discover hidden gems like the serene beauty of Moorea's Opunohu Bay or the historical allure of the Paul Gauguin Museum. Savor delicious Polynesian cuisine at renowned restaurants such as Le Coco's in Tahiti or the romantic St. James in Bora Bora. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Evendo helps you effortlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences, ensuring a seamless trip from start to finish.

Evendo's intuitive features make navigation a breeze. Use the 'Near me' feature to find the best spots around you, no matter where you are. Dive into the history of the Society Islands with our detailed guides, and get travel essentials to make the most out of your visit. Our curated local tips ensure that you experience the islands like a true local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and start your unforgettable journey through the Society Islands!

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