Where to stay in Moorea
Moorea is a heart-shaped volcanic island encircled by a coastal road. Most infrastructure sits along the north and east shores, where the lagoons are deepest and clearest. Choosing where to stay dictates your reliance on a rental car; the island lacks public transport, and resorts are spread out. Staying in the north provides access to famous bays, while the east offers better proximity to the ferry terminal and local amenities.
Haapiti
This is the island’s rugged western stretch, characterized by dramatic mountain backdrops and consistent surf breaks. It feels distinctly residential and lush. You can walk to local food trucks and small grocery stores, but you will need a car to reach the main tourist hubs like Cook’s Bay. The area is defined by its raw, untouched shoreline and proximity to the Tiahura beach area.
Teavaro
Located on the northeastern tip, this area is the most accessible for travelers arriving from Tahiti. It features the island’s most expansive white sand beach, Temae, which is walkable if you stay in the immediate vicinity. The vibe is open and breezy, with fewer dramatic cliffs than the bays. You are within a short drive of the local airport and major supply depots.
Cook’s Bay
This district is the postcard image of Moorea, where jagged peaks plunge directly into deep, blue water. The area is dense with activity, featuring several high-end resorts, local pearl shops, and dive centers. While the road is busy, the area is highly walkable for reaching boat docks and roadside cafes. It is the tactical center for exploring the island’s interior hiking trails.
Rent a car in Moorea
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Compare car rentals in MooreaOne thing to think about
Avoid staying near the ferry terminal in Vaiare if you want a quiet vacation. It is a noisy industrial transit hub with constant heavy vehicle traffic and lacks the scenic charm of the lagoons. The area is purely functional for commuters and logistics, not for relaxing, and offers very limited options for swimming or evening dining.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Moorea are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities
Common questions
Do I need to rent a car?
Yes, absolutely. Moorea has no functional public bus system and taxis are prohibitively expensive and scarce. Unless you plan to stay strictly within your resort boundaries for the entire duration of your trip, renting a car or at least a scooter is essential to reach different beaches, interior viewpoints, and local dining spots.
Are the lagoons walkable from every hotel?
No. While Moorea is an island, many accommodations are located on the inland side of the coastal road or on rocky stretches of the shoreline. If direct, sandy beach access is your priority, you must verify the specific property's coastal access, as much of the island's perimeter is rocky or lined with concrete sea walls.
What is the best way to get supplies?
Large supermarkets like Super U or Champion are located near the ferry terminal and in the Haapiti area. It is best to stock up on arrival if you have a rental car. Do not rely on smaller convenience stores for fresh produce or variety, as they are significantly more expensive and have very limited inventory.
Hotel links go to Booking.com.