The town of Maharepa is a great place to establish home base while visiting the Society Island of Moorea. Choose waterfront bungalows or inland accommodations and settle in to participate in the tropical island’s wide range of activities. Visit restaurants, bars and shops across town or take a boat or bus tour of other parts of the island. Be sure to browse jewelry shops to view and purchase the Tahitian pearls Moorea is known for.
Maharepa is bordered by the bright blue South Pacific Sea on the north and the forested green mountains of Moorea on the south, offering unlimited waterfront and land-based activities. Relax on the white-sand beaches dotted along the shoreline. Bring snorkeling gear or rent equipment to follow the colorful fish along the coral reef that encircles the island. Arrange scuba dives with operators who will take you by boat to choice diving locations around the island.
To explore a greater expanse of water, rent a JetSki and race across the gentle waves. Alternatively, rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to venture into Cook’s Bay just west of Maharepa. The bay was named after Captain James Cook, a British navigator and explorer who visited the island in the late 1700s.
From Maharepa, paddle about 3 miles (5 kilometers) to Paopao at the bottom of the bay. Paopao is Moorea’s largest town, with many additional fun spots to enjoy meals and cocktails.
If you want to explore by land, rent bikes, e-bikes or scooters to zip along the shoreline roads, stopping to frolic on the sand or take refreshing swims.
Golf is available a few miles east of Maharepa near Lake Temae. Just beyond the golf course, Temae Beach is the favorite of many island visitors for its protected lagoon.
Fly to the international airport in Papeete, Tahiti, and continue to Moorea. The flight takes only 10 minutes while the car ferry ride is about 30 minutes. Travel from the Moorea airport to Maharepa in about 10 minutes by car or taxi. Rent bikes or e-bikes to get to restaurants and shopping throughout the town.
