The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bora Bora: A Bucket List Dream Come True

We've had a travel bucket list longer than a grocery receipt after a party—but Bora Bora? That’s been sitting pretty at the top for as long as we can remember. And let me tell you, it lived up to every dreamy expectation—and then some!

French Polynesia is made up of 118 drop-dead gorgeous islands, spread across five stunning archipelagos. On this trip, we dipped our toes into just two—Tahiti and Bora Bora—and now we’re officially hooked. Between the dramatic volcanic peaks and those unreal, glassy-blue lagoons, Bora Bora left an imprint on our hearts that we won’t be shaking off anytime soon.

How to Get to Bora Bora from Hawaii

Getting to Bora Bora might sound like a mission, but it’s surprisingly doable—especially from Hawaii!

• Step 1: Catch a direct flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT) with Hawaiian Airlines. It’s about a 5.5-hour flight, so not bad at all.

• Step 2: From Papeete, hop on a 50-minute Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora (BOB). Be sure to snag a window seat—the views are chef’s kiss.

• Step 3: Once you arrive, your resort will likely send a private boat transfer to whisk you across the sparkling lagoon straight to your overwater villa.

Pro tip: Most flights into Tahiti land late at night, so do yourself a favor and book a hotel overnight in Papeete. Try to find something close to the airport or near the ferry/resort transfers so you can rest up before your island-hopping adventure continues.

Best Time to Visit Bora Bora: Sunshine, Showers & Birthday Splashes

If you're chasing perfect weather, the dry season from May to October is your sweet spot—think cooler breezes, blue skies, and minimal humidity. It’s peak season for a reason!

But don’t count out November to April, a.k.a. the wet season. Yes, you might get a few tropical showers and it’s a bit more humid—but you'll also enjoy fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and better deals (hello, budget win!).

We went in March to celebrate Babu and Marcus’s birthdays, and the weather gave us a bit of everything—sunshine, gusty winds, and a few passing showers. But did that stop us from jumping off our overwater bungalow into the lagoon? Absolutely not. Rain or shine, Bora Bora is pure magic.

How Long Should You Stay in Bora Bora? (Spoiler: You’ll Never Want to Leave!)

Let’s be real—once you land in paradise, saying goodbye is the hardest part. But if you’re planning your first trip, the magic number is 4 to 6 nights. That gives you the perfect balance of chill time in your overwater villa, lagoon adventures, and plenty of chances to catch those golden Bora Bora sunsets.

Since flights to Hawaii only head out on Saturdays (yup, once a week!), we got “stuck” in paradise for 7 glorious days—and honestly, zero complaints!

We split it up with 5 days in Bora Bora and 2 in Tahiti to ease back into reality. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. If you can swing it—do it!

Quick Things to Know Before You Go!

Here’s your go-to cheat sheet for living your best Bora Bora life—no stress, just vibes:

Currency: The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF), but don’t panic—most resorts accept credit cards. Just make sure your bank isn’t sneaking in international fees!

Language: You’ll hear French and Tahitian spoken with flair, but in most tourist areas, English is totally fine. Bonus points if you drop a cheerful “mauruuru!” (thank you).

Travel Adapter: Pack a Type E/F plug (European-style) or bring a universal adapter so your devices stay charged for those dreamy sunset pics.

WiFi: Yes, resorts offer it—but this is island life, and things move a little slower (including the internet!).👉 Pro tip: We rented a pocket WiFi at the airport for the week—it was super handy for using maps and exploring the island on your own.

Tipping: It’s not expected, but if someone makes your day (and they probably will), a little tip is a lovely way to say thanks.

Where to Stay in Bora Bora

The land of overwater dreams and jaw-dropping views! In Bora Bora, it’s basically impossible to wake up on the wrong side of the bed—but here are some standout spots if you’re wondering where to drop your bags:

Four Seasons Bora Bora – Our personal fave! We spent 5 unforgettable days here and it was everything you'd imagine—next-level service, overwater bungalows, and the kind of views that don’t need a filter.

Other Options:

If you're still exploring options, here are a few more beloved resorts that travelers rave about (and are on our list for next time!):

The St. Regis Bora Bora – Known for its ultra-luxe vibes and butler service. Perfect for honeymooners. InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso – Ideal if you’re after a spa escape with an eco-luxury twist.Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – A more affordable luxury pick with traditional Polynesian design.

On a budget? Consider staying a night or two in Papeete or on Bora Bora’s main island before going all-in on that overwater villa experience. It’s a smart way to stretch your trip without missing the magic.

What’s the Real Cost of a Bora Bora Trip?

Let’s be real—Bora Bora isn’t a budget getaway, but it’s 100% worth every cent if you’re dreaming of turquoise lagoons, overwater villas, and pure island magic. If you plan it right, you can absolutely make it happen!

Here’s a breakdown of what we spent as a family (and keep in mind, this was for 2 adults and 2 kids):

Category

Estimated Cost (USD)

✈️ Flights (LNY to HNL)

$320ach → $1280 total(4pax)

✈️ Flights (HNL to PPT to BOB)

$1,200 each + $320 domestic → $6080 total(4pax)

🏨 Hotel (4 nights)

$2,500 x 4 nights = $10,000

🍽️ Food & Drinks

$500 – $1,000/day → ~$2,000 – $4,000

🚗 Car Rental (2 days)

$70/day → $140 total

📶 Pocket WiFi (1 week)

$70 total

Total Estimated Cost:

$19570 – $21,970 (depending on how fancy you go with meals) plus if you want to book some $$$ activities. I highly recommend getting a massage as we do on all our travels.

Let’s talk food—because yes, resort dining in Bora Bora can be a splurge, but when you're waking up in an overwater villa with breakfast delivered to your deck, it’s so worth it.

Here’s what you’ll find on the menu island-wide:

• Fresh seafood galore – Think ahi, mahi mahi, and the dreamiest tuna tartare.

• Poisson cru – Tahiti’s signature dish: raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. So light and refreshing!

• French-meets-Polynesian cuisine – Fancy sauces, tropical flavors, and Instagram-worthy presentation.

If you’re near town, there are local roulottes (food trucks) that serve up authentic eats at more budget-friendly prices. But honestly? We didn’t leave the resort once—and we didn’t regret it.

How We Ate at Four Seasons Bora Bora:

• Breakfast was always room service—nothing like sipping coffee and nibbling croissants on your deck while watching fish swim under your bungalow.

• Lunch was casual—think sandwiches, poke bowls, and pizza—served poolside or on the beach. Simple, satisfying, and perfect in paradise.

• Dinner was the star of the show. Four Seasons has three incredible restaurants, each offering something totally different. They also flip one restaurant into a Polynesian luau night with traditional dancing, live music, and a buffet-style 3-course feast. Total highlight!

Our Faves:

• The Asian fusion Vaimiti was hands-down our favorite. Every dish was packed with flavor and creativity.

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Things to Do at the Resort

  Don’t let the chill vibes fool you—there’s plenty to do in paradise! Most resorts (like Four Seasons!) have a full calendar of complimentary activities, so check it when you arrive.

  • Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding – all included and super fun.

  • Jet skiing, stingray & shark tours – book in advance!

  • Cultural nights with fire dancing and buffet dinners.

  • Spa over the lagoon – yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

  • Canoe breakfast – iconic Bora Bora moment!

  Want to explore town? Take a $40 round trip boat ride to the main island. Great for grabbing wine or cute souvenirs!

  
  

  

  
  

  Final Thoughts

  Bora Bora is every bit the dream you think it is—maybe even better. From the crystal lagoons to the warm Tahitian smiles, every moment feels like magic. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just chasing a once-in-a-lifetime escape, this island is totally worth the splurge.

  We came home sun-kissed, recharged, and already dreaming of our next trip back. So if Bora Bora is on your bucket list—don’t just save it as a screensaver. Start planning, start saving, and make it happen. Paradise is waiting.