Hawaii’s Flights Are a Steal Compared to Tahiti

Are you dreaming of hopping between tropical islands? In Hawaii, it’s affordable and easy. But in French Polynesia, the cost of island-hopping might leave you with serious sticker shock—up to three times more than in Hawaii.

Let’s break down the numbers to see how much more you’ll pay to explore the islands of French Polynesia compared to Hawaii. See the big picture below.

Price comparison Hawaii vs. Tahiti.

The cost of flights is a significant factor when it comes to island-hopping, whether in Hawaii or French Polynesia. You can book round-trip interisland fares in Hawaii for as low as $98 in mid-week April and May.

Not only that, but you have a range of options to fly directly to the neighboring islands of Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai instead of ever setting foot in Honolulu. This makes exploring those Islands a breeze.

At least for now, the most you can spend typically is $200 for a round trip. The choices remain many, such as Hawaiian/Alaska and Southwest. Distances between the Hawaiian islands range from about 100 to 161 miles from Honolulu. But getting between two neighbor islands, like Kona to Lihue, is 262 miles.

In contrast, flying within French Polynesia is somewhat further overall and has a hefty price tag. Here’s a look at the round-trip fares you might find, keeping in mind that these are the cheapest currently offered in these markets.

• PPT–BOB (Bora Bora) is 161 miles: $349
• PPT–RFP (Raiatea) is 136 miles: $276
• PPT–HUH (Huahine) is 111 miles: $379
• PPT–FAV (Fakarava) is 281 miles: $458

In French Polynesia, travelers have limited options. Air Tahiti operates most interisland flights alongside newcomer Air Moana.

What’s driving the price gap?

So, why the disparity? For starters, competition plays a significant role in Hawaii’s affordable fares. Strong, albeit waning, airline competition results in frequent service between the islands, keeping fares low. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest still keep prices competitive and accessible.

Distances in French Polynesia are slightly longer than in Hawaii. Air Tahiti has long been the primary airline offering interisland flights. The lack of significant competition means higher prices, and flexibility is also reduced with fewer flights.

While the costs are higher, the remote beauty and exclusivity of destinations like Bora Bora and Fakarava offer an experience that’s arguably hard to match at any price. The turquoise waters and secluded atmosphere can make the steep price tag feel worth it for those seeking a luxurious, off-the-beaten-path experience.

One traveler, Jennifer, shared her experience: “I was shocked by the cost of flights to Bora Bora! I expected it to be expensive, but it’s definitely a whole different ball game.” Many who are accustomed to Hawaii’s affordable interisland options echo this sentiment.

Multi-Island passes can be a partial game changer in French Polynesia.

Air Tahiti offers multiple “Multi-Island Passes,” including the Discovery Pass, which are designed for visitors planning to explore several islands in French Polynesia. These include:

• Discovery Pass: Covers Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora.
• Bora Bora Pass: Includes Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora.
• Austral, Marquesas, Tuamotu Passes: Cover more remote archipelagos.

These passes can offer savings, but they still cost five hundred dollars or more and require specific routing and booking rules that can be cumbersome. They’re less flexible than booking individual flights and in any event don’t usually compete with Hawaii’s cheaper interisland options that can even be spontaneous.

Air Tahiti does offer resident discounts, with fares sometimes as much as 50% off, but only for those living in French Polynesia. These can’t be booked online and require proof of residency at time of purchase, typically at a physical location or through an agent. Meanwhile, Hawaii’s resident-only fares are more accessible and better publicized. Hawaiian Airlines recently launched a program offering residents up to 20% off once per calendar quarter, with tickets available directly through HawaiianMiles accounts.

Travel value in each destination.

While the price difference is clear, what about the value you’re getting for your money? In Hawaii, you’ll typically have quick, easy, and comfortable flights with various amenities and two airlines. It’s an efficient way to explore the islands without breaking the bank. In fact these fares might be the standout value in Hawaii travel today.

In French Polynesia, however, the experience is different. Flights are often longer and slower and operate on smaller planes, meaning less comfort and fewer in-flight amenities. While the destinations may be breathtaking, the costs and logistics of getting between them are different.

Our upcoming reporting.

Later this summer, we’ll bring you firsthand insights from the Cook Islands and more from the islands of French Polynesia, diving into the true costs and logistics of visiting and especially island-hopping across the South Pacific. Stay tuned for our in-depth reporting.

Reader feedback

Reader feedback has been consistent: while Tahiti’s allure is undeniable, the hidden costs of interisland travel often catch visitors off guard. Mark said, “I thought I was getting a deal with a $799 round-trip flight to Tahiti, but the added interisland costs made it feel like a rip-off.”

The Big Picture: Hawaii vs. Tahiti

When BOH editors visited French Polynesia in 2024, we were struck by the stark differences in the travel experience compared to Hawaii. While both destinations offer unparalleled beauty and stunning landscapes, the logistics of getting around were much more complicated (and to some degree expensive) in Tahiti.

In Hawaii, visitors benefit from frequent and affordable flights to and between islands. That ease of access from many gateways and the variety of airline options keep prices reasonable. This accessibility is a key draw for Hawaii travelers looking to explore multiple islands without breaking the bank.

Tahiti, on the other hand, offers an entirely different experience. Despite the breathtaking scenery, the cost and complexity of traveling between islands in French Polynesia can catch many off guard. When we visited, flights between islands like Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Huahine were surprisingly costly, especially given their proximity to each other. Prices quickly escalate with far fewer flight options and limited competition between airlines. It’s not uncommon for travelers to experience what we now affectionately refer to as Hawaii-style “sticker shock.”

This gap in affordability and accessibility is precisely why we’re focusing on the price disparity between Hawaii and Tahiti. We’ve seen firsthand how the logistics of island-hopping in French Polynesia can be a hidden cost that many travelers don’t anticipate when planning their vacations.

From our recent travels and research, we can confidently say that the affordability and ease of island-hopping in Hawaii will remain a significant part of its appeal.

Meanwhile, in Tahiti, the high costs and added time and expense needed to get to Tahiti and to travel from one island to another might add up fast, making it a more luxurious, more complicated, but in some ways far less budget-friendly option for those hoping to experience a variety of islands.

That’s why island-hopping costs are particularly relevant for travelers comparing the two destinations. We’re diving into this issue in greater detail because understanding the cost dynamics in both places adds a layer of consideration to your trip planning.

What do you think?

Have you experienced the cost of island-hopping in French Polynesia? How does it compare to your travels in Hawaii? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

Lead Photo © Beat of Hawaii on Moorea.