The WanderWise Guide to the South Pacific: Fiji, Bora Bora, and Tahiti
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There's an overwater bungalow in Moorea with a glass panel in the floor. You lie in bed — your bed, floating above a turquoise lagoon — and watch blacktip reef sharks glide underneath you. The water is so clear you can count the stripes on the parrotfish. A warm breeze pushes through the thatched walls. You have nowhere to be. No schedule. No agenda. Just you, the Pacific, and the slow realization that this is not a screensaver. This is your Tuesday.
Now: what if we told you the room was free?
The South Pacific — Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea — occupies a category of its own in the travel world. It's the destination people assume they can't afford. The honeymoon they took 35 years ago, or the honeymoon they wish they had. Overwater bungalows at $2,000 a night. Flights that cost more than some used cars. The kind of trip that lives permanently in the "someday" file.
We're moving it to the "this year" file.
Because here's what most people don't know: some of the most iconic overwater bungalows in the South Pacific are bookable on hotel points. The Conrad Bora Bora Nui — the postcard, the screensaver, the dream — is a Hilton property. The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa sits on its own private beach with overwater and garden bungalows. And the flights? Air France operates nonstop service from Los Angeles to Papeete (Tahiti's capital), and their award flights through Flying Blue are some of the best-kept secrets in the points world.
This is your guide to the most aspirational trip in our entire destination series — executed on points, designed for comfort, and built for travelers who've earned this.
Let's go to paradise. The real one.
Getting There: Air France and the Tahiti Sweet Spots
The South Pacific is far. There's no sugarcoating it — Papeete (PPT), the gateway to French Polynesia, is roughly 8.5 hours from Los Angeles, and Fiji's Nadi (NAN) is about 10 hours from LAX. But the flights are less painful than you'd think, especially in business class, and the award pricing can be remarkable.
Tahiti / French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Moorea)
Air France operates nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete (PPT) several times per week. This is the primary gateway to Moorea, Bora Bora, and the rest of French Polynesia. Their business class features lie-flat seats, French cuisine, and the civilized service you'd expect from a European flagship carrier.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAX → Papeete (Business) | Air France/KLM Flying Blue (via Chase/Amex) | 126,000–200,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | Nonstop on Air France; best value in all of South Pacific travel |
| LAX → Papeete (Economy) | Flying Blue | 52,000–80,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | Same nonstop route; excellent pricing |
| LAX → Papeete (Business) | Delta SkyMiles (via Amex MR) | 180,000–360,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | Same Air France flight; dynamic pricing — often pricier than Flying Blue |
| Any US City → Papeete | Air Tahiti Nui (via miles) | 120,000–200,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | Nonstop LAX–PPT; can book via partner programs |
| LAX → Papeete (Business) | Aeroplan (via Chase/Amex) | 150,000–200,000 | $4,000–$9,000 | Air France or Air Tahiti Nui metal; lower surcharges on some routings |
The WanderWise move: Flying Blue is the clear winner. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to Air France/KLM Flying Blue at 1:1 and book Air France's nonstop business class from LAX to Papeete. At 126,000–200,000 Flying Blue miles round trip per person, you're accessing a $6,000–$9,000 seat for roughly one-and-a-half sign-up bonuses from the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Key tip: Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing — promo award fares can drop to 126,000 miles round trip in business, while peak dates may climb to 200,000+. Search on airfrance.com, toggle "flexible dates" to find the lowest-cost dates, and transfer points only when you've found the price you want.
Air Tahiti Nui is the other major carrier on this route (nonstop LAX–PPT). They're the national airline of French Polynesia and offer a comfortable business class with Polynesian-inspired service. You can book through Flying Blue (Air Tahiti Nui is a partner), or through Aeroplan. For travelers who prefer a more intimate airline experience, Air Tahiti Nui is a lovely alternative.
Getting from Papeete to the islands: Once you land in Papeete, you'll need a short connecting flight or ferry:
- Moorea: 30-minute ferry from Papeete ($15–$20 per person) or 7-minute Air Moana flight (~$80). The ferry is scenic and easy.
- Bora Bora: 50-minute Air Tahiti flight from Papeete ($250–$400 round trip per person). Book this in advance — it's the only way to reach Bora Bora. Some hotel packages include the flight.
Fiji
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAX → Nadi (Business) | Fiji Airways (via Qantas or partner) | 128,000–200,000 | $3,500–$7,000 | Nonstop on Fiji Airways; 10 hours |
| LAX → Nadi (Economy) | Alaska Mileage Plan (via partner award) | 55,000–80,000 | $800–$1,500 | Fiji Airways partner award |
| LAX → Nadi (Business) | Aeroplan (via Amex/Chase) | 150,000–200,000 | $3,500–$7,000 | Fiji Airways or connecting itineraries |
| LAX → Nadi (Economy) | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking; simplest option |
The WanderWise move for Fiji: Alaska Mileage Plan offers some of the best Fiji Airways award pricing. Transfer Amex Membership Rewards or earn Alaska miles directly. For economy, 55,000–80,000 Alaska miles round trip to Fiji is excellent value. Business class is achievable too — Fiji Airways' business product is comfortable and the service reflects genuine Fijian warmth.
Taxes and fees: South Pacific award flights carry moderate fuel surcharges — expect $150–$400 per person round trip. The inter-island flights within French Polynesia (especially Papeete–Bora Bora) are an additional cash cost. Budget for these.
Where to Stay: Overwater Bungalows on Points
This is the section you've been waiting for. The South Pacific is synonymous with overwater bungalows — those thatched-roof villas perched on stilts above crystalline lagoons. They're the most photogenic hotel rooms on Earth, and they usually come with a price tag to match: $1,000–$3,000 per night.
Unless you have points.
Bora Bora on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conrad Bora Bora Nui | Hilton Honors (via Amex) | 95,000–150,000 | $1,200–$3,000 | THE overwater bungalow. Private deck, glass floor panel, Mount Otemanu views. The postcard. |
| InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana | IHG One Rewards | 60,000–100,000 | $600–$1,200 | Intimate resort, beautiful lagoon, more affordable than Conrad |
| InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso | IHG One Rewards | 80,000–120,000 | $800–$2,000 | Largest overwater villas in Bora Bora; deep-ocean spa |
| St. Regis Bora Bora (Marriott) | Marriott Bonvoy | 85,000–120,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | Ultra-luxury, butler service, overwater villas with plunge pools |
The WanderWise move: The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the redemption that makes points enthusiasts lose their composure. A Hilton Honors overwater villa — with a private deck extending over the lagoon, a glass floor panel for watching tropical fish from your bed, and unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu — for 95,000–150,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Now, Hilton points are worth less per point than Hyatt (roughly 0.5–0.7 cents each), but earning them is easier: the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card regularly offers 130,000+ point bonuses, and Hilton frequently runs promotions that double or triple your earning rate. A realistic path to 5 nights at the Conrad: two Hilton card sign-up bonuses between spouses gets you 260,000+ points, covering 2–3 overwater nights. Supplement with earned points from everyday spending.
At a cash rate of $2,000+ per night, five nights would run $10,000–$15,000. On points: $0 (plus the $50 resort fee per night). Let that math settle in.
Fifth Night Free: Hilton Honors offers a "fifth night free" benefit on standard award stays. Book five nights at the Conrad and pay for only four in points — that's 380,000–600,000 points instead of 475,000–750,000. This benefit alone saves you one night at a $2,000+ property. Always book in 5-night increments when possible.
Moorea on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa | Hilton Honors (via Amex) | 60,000–95,000 | $500–$1,200 | Overwater and garden bungalows; more relaxed and authentic than Bora Bora. Our sleeper pick. |
| Manava Beach Resort Moorea | Cash/portal | — | $250–$500 | Budget-friendly beachfront; book via Chase or Capital One portal |
| Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort (Accor) | Accor Live Limitless | 45,000–90,000 | $400–$1,000 | Overwater bungalows on one of Moorea's best beaches |
The WanderWise move: The Hilton Moorea is our sleeper pick for the entire South Pacific. Moorea is 30 minutes from Papeete by ferry, making it far easier (and cheaper) to reach than Bora Bora. The Hilton has overwater bungalows at 60,000–95,000 Hilton points per night — roughly 40% less than the Conrad Bora Bora. The island itself is more lush, less developed, and arguably more beautiful than Bora Bora: volcanic peaks, pineapple plantations, and lagoons so vivid they look retouched.
For many travelers 55+, Moorea is actually the better choice: easier to reach, more affordable, more authentic, and every bit as gorgeous. Start here. If you love it (you will), add Bora Bora on a future trip.
Fiji on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six Senses Fiji (IHG) | IHG One Rewards | 80,000–120,000 | $800–$2,000 | Ultra-luxury, overwater and beachfront villas, adults-only option |
| Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay | Marriott Bonvoy | 40,000–60,000 | $300–$600 | Overwater bungalows in Fiji! Excellent Bonvoy value |
| Hilton Fiji Beach Resort | Hilton Honors | 50,000–80,000 | $300–$600 | Beachfront on Denarau Island; family-friendly; great pool complex |
| Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort | IHG One Rewards | 40,000–70,000 | $250–$500 | Beautiful grounds, coral coast, outstanding golf |
The WanderWise move for Fiji: The Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay deserves special attention — it's one of the few overwater bungalow options outside of French Polynesia, and at 40,000–60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, it's among the most affordable overwater redemptions in the world. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer from Chase UR (indirectly, via hotel bookings) or are earned via Marriott Bonvoy cards (the Bonvoy Boundless regularly offers 85,000+ point bonuses).
Fiji's resorts generally cost 30–50% less than French Polynesia, both in cash and points. For travelers who want the South Pacific experience without the Bora Bora price tag, Fiji is the answer.
Island Experiences: What to Do
Bora Bora
- Lagoon snorkeling excursion: The defining Bora Bora experience. A boat takes you to coral gardens and shallow sandbars surrounded by reef sharks and rays. No experience needed — the water is warm, calm, and crystal clear. Most resorts arrange half-day excursions ($100–$200 per person).
- Mount Otemanu views: You don't climb it (it's volcanic rock), but you admire it from everywhere. The best views are from the water — a sunset catamaran cruise ($80–$150) is unforgettable.
- Polynesian cultural evening: Several resorts host traditional dance performances and fire shows. These are touristy, yes — but also genuinely moving. The Polynesian fire dance is something you don't forget.
- Simply exist: Bora Bora is a place for doing less, not more. Read on your overwater deck. Snorkel from your villa steps. Watch the sunset paint Mount Otemanu pink. This is the trip where "doing nothing" is the main activity — and it's glorious.
Moorea
- Belvedere Lookout: A short drive (or guided tour) to the center of the island, where you look down over two bays simultaneously — Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay — surrounded by jagged volcanic peaks draped in green. One of the most stunning viewpoints in all of the Pacific.
- Dolphin and whale watching (July–November): Humpback whales migrate through Moorea's waters from July through November. Responsible boat tours keep a respectful distance — watching a 40-ton whale breach from a Polynesian outrigger is not something you process intellectually; you just feel it.
- Pineapple and vanilla plantation tours: Moorea is the agricultural heart of French Polynesia. Small-group tours of pineapple fields and vanilla plantations give you a taste of island life beyond the resort.
- Lagoon paddleboarding or kayaking: The calm lagoon waters are perfect for gentle paddling. Many resorts offer complimentary kayaks and paddleboards.
Fiji
- Fijian village visit: With permission and a guide, visiting a traditional Fijian village is one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in the South Pacific. You'll participate in a kava ceremony (the national drink — earthy, mildly numbing, deeply communal), meet local families, and see a way of life that has endured for centuries.
- Island-hopping: Fiji has 333 islands, and the smaller ones are often the most beautiful. Day trips to the Mamanuca or Yasawa islands by speedboat or seaplane open up deserted beaches, snorkeling reefs, and tiny resorts.
- Snorkeling the Great Astrolabe Reef: One of the largest barrier reefs in the world. If you've snorkeled the Caribbean, Fiji's reefs will recalibrate your expectations. The color, diversity, and clarity are on another level.
- Spa and wellness: Fijian resorts are renowned for their spa programs. Traditional Polynesian massage, coconut oil treatments, and open-air spa pavilions overlooking the ocean. This is self-care at its most elemental.
The Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
Here's the breakdown for two travelers on a 10-day South Pacific trip (4 nights Moorea + 4 nights Bora Bora + 1 transit night each way in Papeete):
Flights
| Segment | Program | Points (for 2) | Cash Taxes/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAX → Papeete (Air France Business) | Flying Blue (via Chase UR/Amex MR) | 252,000–400,000 | $300–$800 |
| Papeete → Bora Bora (Air Tahiti, inter-island) | Cash | — | $500–$800 |
| Flight Total | 252,000–400,000 | $800–$1,600 |
Hotels
| Property | Nights | Program | Points (1 room) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Moorea Lagoon (overwater bungalow) | 4 | Hilton Honors (via Amex) | 240,000–380,000 | $2,000–$4,800 |
| Conrad Bora Bora Nui (overwater villa) | 5 (pay 4, 5th free) | Hilton Honors (via Amex) | 380,000–600,000 | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Papeete transit hotel | 1 | Cash or portal | — | $150–$250 |
| Hotel Total | 10 | 620,000–980,000 Hilton | $8,150–$20,050 |
Activities & Transport
| Item | Cost (for 2) |
|---|---|
| Moorea ferry (Papeete–Moorea round trip) | $40–$60 |
| Bora Bora lagoon snorkel excursion | $200–$400 |
| Sunset catamaran cruise | $160–$300 |
| Moorea Belvedere tour | $80–$150 |
| Resort fees & incidentals | $300–$500 |
| Activity Total | $780–$1,410 |
Trip Summary
| Category | Points Used | Cash Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Business Class, round trip + inter-island) | 252,000–400,000 Flying Blue | $800–$1,600 |
| Hotels (10 nights, overwater bungalows) | 620,000–980,000 Hilton Honors | $150–$250 |
| Activities & transport | — | $780–$1,410 |
| Dining (resort dining is expensive — budget generously) | — | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Total | 252,000–400,000 Flying Blue + 620,000–980,000 Hilton | $4,230–$7,260 |
| Cash equivalent of same trip | $25,000–$45,000 | |
| You saved | $18,000–$38,000 |
How to Earn These Points
This is our highest-point-total trip, reflecting the aspirational nature of the destination. Here's a realistic 18-month earning plan for a couple:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (each spouse): 160,000 Chase UR → transfer to Flying Blue for flights
- Amex Gold (one card): 80,000 Amex MR → transfer to Flying Blue (supplement flights)
- Hilton Honors Amex Surpass (each spouse): 260,000+ Hilton Honors total from bonuses
- Hilton Honors Amex Aspire (one card): 150,000 Hilton bonus + 1 free weekend night certificate
- Hilton dining promotions + everyday earning: 200,000–300,000+ additional Hilton points over 12–18 months
- Hilton status match or earned Gold/Diamond: Unlocks 5th night free benefit and potential upgrades
Timeline: 14–18 months of dedicated earning. This is the summit of points travel — the trip that proves the system works at the highest level. The accumulation period is part of the anticipation.
Best Time to Visit the South Pacific
French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti)
| Season | Months | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season (best) | May–October | 75–82°F, low humidity, little rain | Peak season but best weather. July–August are busiest. |
| Wet season | November–April | 80–90°F, humid, afternoon rain showers | Warmer, more lush, lower prices. Rain is typically brief. |
Our pick for 55+ travelers: May–June or September–October. You get dry-season weather without July–August peak pricing and crowds. Water temperatures are warm year-round (78–84°F).
Fiji
| Season | Months | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season (best) | May–October | 75–82°F, less humidity | Ideal conditions. June–September are driest. |
| Wet/cyclone season | November–April | 80–90°F, humid, occasional cyclones | Lower prices, but weather can be unpredictable. |
Our pick: July–September for the most reliable weather. Fiji is slightly more seasonal than French Polynesia, and the dry season difference is more pronounced.
Practical Tips for 55+ Travelers
Health & Comfort
- Sun protection: The South Pacific sun is intense — closer to the equator means stronger UV. SPF 50+, wide-brimmed hats, and reef-safe sunscreen (required in French Polynesia to protect the coral) are non-negotiable.
- Hydration: Tropical heat plus sun plus snorkeling equals dehydration. Drink far more water than you think you need.
- Snorkeling comfort: If you haven't snorkeled recently, don't worry — the South Pacific is the easiest place on Earth to do it. The lagoons are warm, calm, and shallow. Full-face snorkel masks (available at most resorts) are easier than traditional masks for those uncomfortable with the mouthpiece. Take your time — there's no rush.
- Medical facilities: French Polynesia and Fiji both have hospitals and clinics, but they're limited compared to the US. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for the South Pacific. See our travel insurance guide.
- Mosquitoes: Present but manageable. Bring DEET-based repellent and apply at dawn and dusk. Most resorts provide mosquito nets and coils.
Currency & Costs
- French Polynesia uses the CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted at resorts and restaurants. ATMs available in Papeete.
- Fiji uses the Fijian dollar (FJD). Credit cards widely accepted at resorts. Carry some cash for village visits, markets, and smaller establishments.
- Resort dining is expensive. Budget $100–$200 per couple per day for food. Some resorts offer half-board or full-board packages that can save money — ask when booking.
Cultural Respect
- French Polynesia is French-speaking, though English is widely understood at resorts and tourist areas. A merci and bonjour are always appreciated.
- Fiji is English-speaking and extraordinarily warm. Fijians greet everyone with "Bula!" — learn it, use it, love it. When visiting villages, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and remove your hat — it's a sign of respect.
- Pace: The South Pacific operates on "island time." Nothing happens fast, and that's the point. Adjust your expectations on Day 1 and you'll enjoy every moment after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip realistic on points, or is it aspirational?
Both — and that's the point. The South Pacific is our highest-point-total destination guide, and it requires more planning and earning time than, say, Hawaii or Portugal. But it's absolutely achievable for a couple willing to spend 14–18 months building their points balances strategically. The savings — $18,000 to $38,000 — are transformational. This is the trip that proves the full power of credit card points.
Bora Bora or Moorea — which should I choose?
If you can only pick one: Moorea. It's easier to reach (ferry vs. inter-island flight), more affordable (both cash and points), equally beautiful, and more authentically Polynesian. Bora Bora is the brand name — Moorea is the insider pick. If you can do both (our itinerary does), start with Moorea and build to Bora Bora as the crescendo.
Are overwater bungalows comfortable for older travelers?
Yes, with a note: overwater bungalows involve walking on wooden boardwalks over water, often with steps down to the lagoon. They're generally accessible but not ideal for travelers with significant mobility challenges. Request a bungalow close to the main resort area (less walking on the overwater walkway). Garden or beachfront bungalows are an excellent alternative — same resort, same experience, easier access, and fewer points.
How long should I stay?
Minimum 7 nights to justify the long flights. Our 10-day itinerary (split between Moorea and Bora Bora) is ideal. If you're adding Fiji, plan 12–14 days total. The South Pacific punishes rushed itineraries — the magic is in the slow mornings and unhurried afternoons.
Your Next Step
The South Pacific is the dream trip. The one you've been quietly filing away for decades. Overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, volcanoes rising from the sea — it sounds like fantasy, and it looks even better in person.
What makes it real is points. Not someday. Not "if we win the lottery." This year. Next year. On a timeline you control, funded by credit card points you earn on groceries and gas and the electric bill.
A $35,000 trip for $5,000 out of pocket. That's not a travel hack — it's a life hack.
Ready to plan your South Pacific trip?
- 📊 Take our Travel Score Quiz to see your points potential
- 💳 Read our Best Cards for 55+ guide — Hilton cards are your foundation here
- 🌴 Download our free South Pacific on Points Planner (PDF) — enter your email
- 💬 Join the WanderWise Facebook Group and connect with other South Pacific dreamers
All point values are approximate and based on current program pricing as of early 2026. Award availability and point costs fluctuate — always check current rates before booking. Overwater bungalow availability on points is limited and highly seasonal; book 6–11 months in advance. Inter-island flights in French Polynesia are cash-only and must be budgeted separately. WanderWise may earn a commission from credit card links; see our affiliate disclosure for details.