The first time I flew into Bora Bora, the short hop from Tahiti did more for the trip than any photo had. The Bora Bora Pass covers the Society Islands, and over several trips I've worked out which stops actually earn a flight and which I'd skip if time were short. Below are the islands I keep returning to with Kirsten and the kids. Routes and the islands a pass covers can change, so I always confirm the current details with Air Tahiti when I book. Think of this as my shortlist, not a fixed map.
The stops I never skip
Bora Bora and Moorea anchor most of my Society Islands trips because they're easy hops from Tahiti and reward even a short stay. Moorea I like for the hiking and the quiet bays; Bora Bora for the lagoon and the ring of motus around it. If I only had a week, those two plus Tahiti would already make a full trip, and I'd resist the urge to cram in more.
Where I go when I have more time
With a longer trip I add Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a. Huahine stays low-key and green, Raiatea has the sacred Taputapuatea marae I always recommend, and Taha'a is the place I send anyone curious about how vanilla actually grows. Maupiti is the wild card — smaller and slower than Bora Bora, and worth it if you want fewer resorts and more village life.
How I sequence the hops
I plan the route so each flight moves in one direction instead of bouncing back through Tahiti every time. A typical loop for us is Tahiti to Moorea, on to Huahine and Raiatea, then Bora Bora before flying home. I give each island two or three nights so the flight is worth it, and because schedules shift, I leave a buffer night near the airport before any international connection.
Frequently asked questions
Which Society Islands stop is best for a first trip?
If it's your first time I'd start with Moorea and Bora Bora. They're short flights from Tahiti, they're easy to plan around, and between them you get both the mountain-and-bay side of French Polynesia and the classic lagoon. The exact route a pass covers can change, so confirm it when you book.
How many Society Islands can I visit on one pass?
On a one-to-two week trip I'd plan for three to five islands so each gets a couple of nights. More than that and you spend the holiday in airports. I'd rather drop a stop than rush the whole chain.
Is the Bora Bora Pass run by the airline?
No. Air Tahiti is the domestic airline that flies the inter-island routes, and the Bora Bora Pass is the multi-island flight pass we help travellers set up through Far & Away Adventures.
Planning a trip to French Polynesia? Tell us your islands and dates and we'll help you build the right Air Tahiti Pass flight pass and itinerary.