If you’re wondering how to visit French Polynesia with kids, you’re in for an unforgettable journey. From shallow, warm lagoons perfect for little swimmers to snorkeling tours with reef sharks, stingrays and manta rays, this destination truly works for families.
In this post, I’ll share our personal experience travelling to French Polynesia as a family of four. What worked, where we stayed, and how you can make the most of it with kids.
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Is French Polynesia good for kids?
Yes, French Polynesia is great for kids! The islands are surrounded by shallow, warm lagoons protected by coral reefs, which means the water stays calm and clear, perfect for little swimmers. Our girls spent hours snorkeling right off the beach in Moorea, spotting colorful fish and coral gardens just a few steps from shore.
Families will appreciate that most resorts in Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti cater to children, offering activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and cultural classes. The people are warm and welcoming, and the slow pace makes it easy to adjust and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and floaties for younger kids so they can safely explore the waters of French Polynesia. Here is our Beach Packing list for families.
Where to stay in French Polynesia with kids
When traveling as a family, the right hotel makes all the difference. We split our stay in French Polynesia with kids between three Hilton properties to experience different islands, each one perfect for families in its own way.
Hilton Hotel Tahiti: easy start for families
Our first stop was Tahiti, which worked perfectly for the arrival day. It’s close to the airport (around a 10-minute drive), great for recovering from the flight, and ideal for families who want a gentle start.
Note that there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Bora Bora. All international flights first arrive in Papeete, Tahiti (PPT). From there, you’ll take a short domestic flight to other islands in French Polynesia.
Major airports from the U.S. offering direct flights to Tahiti include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA) (airlines like Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, Delta, and United).
I suggest spending one night at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti before catching the ferry to Moorea or a flight to Bora Bora. It helps everyone adjust to island time.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui: Overwater Villa for families
Our second stop was Bora Bora, the island most people think of when they picture French Polynesia, and for good reason. Staying at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui made the dream real. We booked an overwater villa with a private pool using Hilton points and cash for the upgrade, and it was just as stunning as the photos.
You can read more and learn about How to Book a Hotel with Hilton Points: Step-by-Step Guide here.
Despite its honeymoon reputation, Bora Bora is surprisingly family-friendly. Our kids loved jumping straight into the turquoise lagoon and kayaking around the coral reef.
Conrad Bora Bora made family travel easy: kids under 5 eat free, and older kids under 12 get 50% off meals at all the restaurants.
There’s also a complimentary kids club for ages 5–12 at Conrad Bora Bora, where our youngest even received a one-on-one coral reef preservation lesson one day. Small touches like that made the stay special.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa: the family-friendly island
After Bora Bora, we took a short flight back to Tahiti and then a quick ferry ride to Moorea (around 30 minutes), an island that feels made for families.
We stayed at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, another property bookable with Hilton Honors points. This time we stayed in a garden room surrounded by lush greenery, which gave the kids space to explore and run around between swims.
Moorea was perfect for families, compact, easy to navigate, and full of outdoor adventures. The kids could snorkel right from the resort beach, spotting tropical fish in clear, shallow water.
Travel tip: rent a car on Moorea. Taxis are expensive, and driving yourself makes it easy to stop at fruit stands, viewpoints, and small local restaurants.
The Hilton Moorea felt especially welcoming for families. Kids under 12 eat free, including desserts, and breakfast was complimentary thanks to our Hilton elite status.
Things to do in French Polynesia with kids
There’s no shortage of things to do in French Polynesia with kids, from marine adventures to cultural experiences.
Go snorkeling and see marine life in French Polynesia
Our favorite activity was a snorkelling tour in Bora Bora, where we snorkeled with reef sharks, stingrays, and even spotted manta rays. The guides were patient with the kids, and the water was so clear that even beginners could see tropical fish without diving deep.
Tip: Morning snorkeling tours usually have calmer conditions, ideal for families with younger children.
Try kayaking and paddleboarding in French Polynesia
Almost every resort provides kayaks and paddleboards for guests. We loved taking the kayaks out in the morning, gliding over crystal-clear water while spotting coral and fish below. The kids took turns paddling and loved feeling like mini adventurers.
Go hiking in Moorea and Bora Bora
Beyond the turquoise lagoons, French Polynesia is home to lush mountains and scenic trails. Hiking in Moorea is one of the best ways to experience its tropical beauty. Don’t miss the Magic Mountain trail, known for panoramic views over Opunohu Bay and the lagoon.
Families traveling with kids can enjoy shorter, easier walks like the Three Coconuts Pass trail or coastal nature paths surrounded by pineapple fields.
While Bora Bora is better known for its overwater bungalows, you’ll also find hidden hiking spots such as Mount Otemanu viewpoints and lush jungle paths with incredible lagoon views.
Enjoy a local show with dancing and singing in French Polynesia
Every island in French Polynesia hosts cultural shows celebrating Polynesian music, dance, and storytelling. We went to one during our stay in Bora Bora, and it was a family highlight, full of laughter, rhythm, and a great introduction to local traditions.
Taste local dishes in French Polynesia
Food in French Polynesia is a mix of French and island influences. Don’t miss poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime), tropical fruits, and coconut desserts. Even picky eaters found something to enjoy, and the kids loved the fresh coconuts and tropical juices served everywhere.
Practical tips for visiting French Polynesia with kids
- Flights: Arrive in Tahiti (PPT), then continue to Moorea by ferry or to Bora Bora by short flight. Using points and miles to book your flights to Tahiti can significantly lower the price.
- Hotels: Redeem credit card points for your hotel stays in French Polynesia. We personally used Hilton points for our stays in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.
- Dining: Make sure to hold the right credit card that offers a status covering a complimentary breakfast at Hilton properties. Plus, most of the hotels we stayed at in French Polynesia had kids under 6 eat free policy.
- Packing: Bring rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes for the kids.
- Health: Tap water might be safe to drink at the hotel, but bottled water is widely available.
- Safety: The lagoons are calm, but currents can exist farther out; always keep children within sight.
- Weather: The best time to visit French Polynesia is from May to October, when it’s dry and sunny.
Why we loved French Polynesia as a family
After visiting several islands across the Pacific, French Polynesia stands out for families because it combines nature, culture, and comfort.
The islands are breathtakingly beautiful, yet never crowded. The lagoons are perfect for young kids, and every day felt like a new adventure, one that didn’t require theme parks or long lines.
Bottom line
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth traveling all the way to French Polynesia with kids, the answer is yes. With the right planning, choosing family-friendly resorts, balancing activities with downtime, and embracing local culture, it’s a dream destination that delivers both adventure and connection.
French Polynesia may be known for honeymoons, but for families who love the ocean, wildlife, and slow island life, it’s pure magic.
