For our recent family trip to French Polynesia, we spent a few days in Moorea and stayed at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. We used the resort as our base for exploring the island and spent time enjoying the beach, lagoon, and on-site amenities. This Hilton Moorea review is based on our stay and covers the things you should know when visiting this property with kids.
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How to get to Moorea, French Polynesia
First, getting to Moorea is simple and doesn’t require advance planning. You’ll arrive in Papeete (PPT), Tahiti’s main airport. From there, head to the ferry terminal (we took a taxi). The ferry ride to Moorea takes about 30 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day.
Tickets are easy to purchase on the spot from the three operating companies: Aremiti, Terevau, and Vaearai.
Once you arrive at the Moorea ferry terminal, you can take a taxi to Hilton Moorea (around 25 minutes and $50) or pick up a rental car right there, which is the most practical way to get around the island.
How to book Hilton Moorea on points
To start, Hilton Moorea is bookable through the Hilton Honors program, with standard award nights pricing at 95,000 points per night. We redeemed 190,000 points total for our 2-night stay and paid $0 in fees and taxes out of pocket.
Availability can be limited, especially during peak season, so flexibility is key.
You can read more about How to Book a Hotel with Hilton Points: Step-by-Step Guide here.
Importantly, Hilton points are easy to earn and transfer:
- American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Hilton (usually 1:2, sometimes with bonuses)
- Hilton credit card sign-up bonuses can cover multiple nights
- Hilton Fifth Night Free applies on award stays for elite members. This means if you hold a Silver status with Hilton and higher, you get a 5th night free when booking 5 consecutive nights on points and only pay for 4.
- You can also book a night at Hilton Moorea, redeeming your Hilton Free Night Certificate.
When booking Hilton Moorea on points, keep in mind that a Standard Room (for 95k Hilton points) is a Twin or King Garden Bungalow with a private pool. If you’re hoping for an Overwater Villa, those require an additional cash upgrade.
Hilton Moorea check-in experience
At check-in, the process was quick and smooth, and our room was ready when we arrived. With Hilton Gold status, we didn’t receive any upgrade, not even to the next room category.
We did ask about an overwater villa, but were told that only the manager could approve those upgrades, and she wasn’t on the property at the time. Since we were only staying two nights, we asked again the next morning. The price she offered didn’t work out for us, so we decided to stay in the room we had.
Moreover, she also approved a late 4 pm checkout for our standard room, which was much more convenient than the 11 am checkout required for the overwater villa.
If you are trying to understand the property layout, here is a map of the Hilton Moorea Resort.
King Garden Bungalow with private pool at Hilton Moorea
We stayed in the King Garden Bungalow with Private Pool, and thankfully the resort allowed us to stay in one room with our two kids. They set up a rollaway and used the couch, which gave us enough space for everyone.
The resort was built in the early 2000s, and it shows in the furniture, layout, and finishes.
Inside, the bathroom setup was very nice, with a spacious shower and a separate bathtub that worked well for our family.
Additionally, the fridge was restocked daily with complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and beer, which we appreciated and used throughout our stay.
Outside, the terrace and plunge pool were a highlight of the room. The pool was deep but not very big, still comfortable enough for cooling off and spending time together. That said, the terrace flooring felt outdated, and the outdoor chairs didn’t match what was shown in the online photos.
Hilton Moorea dining options
Toatea Bar & Crêperie at Hilton Moorea
First evening we had dinner at Toatea Bar & Crêperie, the overwater spot at the resort. Sitting right above the lagoon made the experience special, especially with sharks and fish swimming below the deck. The menu focuses on crêpes, both sweet and savory,
Fortunately, we were told that kids under 12 eat free at all restaurants at Hilton Moorea, receiving one entrée and one dessert per meal. This was one of the biggest unexpected perks and saved us a significant amount over multiple days.
Rotui Bar & Grill at Hilton Moorea
Next, we ate at Rotui Bar & Grill, the resort’s main casual restaurant near the pool and beach. It’s an easy, laid-back option for lunch or dinner, with familiar dishes that work well for families. The open-air setting and quick service made it a convenient choice between beach time and pool breaks.
Breakfast at Hilton Moorea, Arii Vahine
Now, with Hilton Gold status, breakfast at Hilton Moorea includes continental breakfast only, not the full buffet. The setup was a bit confusing, though, since everything is in one room (it’s not clearly marked what’s included versus not).
The kids were offered a full complimentary buffet, and we decided not to upgrade for us.
Hilton Moorea amenities and resort facilities
In general, Hilton Moorea offers solid amenities:
- Pool with plenty of loungers
- Excellent snorkeling directly from shore
- Free kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
- Spa
- Multiple restaurants and an overwater crepe bar
- Tour pick-ups directly from the lobby
Hilton Moorea kids club and family activities
Now, Hilton Moorea does not have a formal kids’ club. Instead, the resort offers daily cultural activities and workshops. My husband participated in a coconut demonstration on the beach, where he learned how to husk and open a coconut, easily one of the most memorable moments of the stay.
Additionally, activities like lei-making and pareo-tying were offered during the week, and all water gear was included, which kept the kids busy without extra costs.
Beach at Hilton Moorea
The beach at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is small but very scenic. The water is calm and shallow, making it ideal for families with kids. Snorkeling is excellent right from the shore, with colorful fish and coral just a few steps into the lagoon.
We spent a lot of time here swimming and snorkeling without needing a boat or tour, which made beach days easy and relaxed.
Things to do in Moorea
Moorea is stunning, with lush green hills, dramatic mountains, and turquoise water everywhere you look. The island is easily accessible from Papeete (PPT) by about a 30‑minute ferry, making it one of the easiest islands to visit in French Polynesia. Once you’re there, the island is compact and simple to explore, which is great for families.
First, we did the Magic Mountain hike, which was a highlight for us because of the views and that it was doable with kids. If you rent a car (something we’d strongly recommend next time), you can visit this and other scenic spots on your own schedule.
In addition to what we did, here are other popular activities families and travelers enjoy in Moorea:
- Lagoon and boat tours — take family‑friendly boat excursions that include snorkeling with rays and small sharks, glass‑bottom boat rides, or sunset cruises.
- Snorkel trips to coral gardens — guided snorkeling trips take you to vibrant coral gardens with fish, which is great for older kids and adults.
- 4×4 or ATV island tours — explore the interior of Moorea, including pineapple fields, lookouts, and tropical valleys.
- Diving and introductory dive experiences — Moorea has calm dive sites perfect for first‑time divers.
- Tiki Village Cultural Center — a cultural experience with traditional Polynesian dance, crafts, food, and demonstrations that kids tend to enjoy.
- Moorea Tropical Garden — a peaceful spot where you can walk through orchards and see how local fruits and vanilla are grown.
Moorea is naturally beautiful and easy to explore, so whether you’re into water adventures, culture, hikes, or just relaxing on the beach, there’s something for every age. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to discover these spots at your own pace.
Bottom line
Bottom line, Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is a solid choice for families visiting Moorea. The resort offers a relaxed island vibe, a small but beautiful beach with easy snorkeling, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Rooms like the King Garden Bungalow with Private Pool provide enough space for a family, and perks like complimentary drinks and kids eating free add real value. While some areas feel outdated and upgrades are limited, the location, lagoon views, and family-friendly setup make it a worthwhile stay.
Plus, instead of paying around $1,000 per night, you can redeem Hilton points and save money while still enjoying a full island experience.
