Hawaii visitors can now easily explore Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands in a single trip, thanks to expanded air connections starting in mid-2025. With these improved services, it’s easier than ever to create an unforgettable multi-destination adventure spanning three of the Pacific’s most iconic regions.
New flights between Tahiti (Papeete) and the Cook Islands (Rarotonga) add more frequency and flexibility for travelers, making this easily doable. BOH editors plan to embark on this journey in 2025 and report back.
This is especially welcome news for those eager to experience Hawaii’s energy, Tahiti’s international flair and diversity, and the Cook Islands authentic Polynesian charm in one seamless itinerary
A historic travel connection.
Historically, flights between Tahiti and Rarotonga were infrequent, with travelers relying on limited weekly services and high ticket prices. This often deterred even the most dedicated island hoppers. The new schedule brings a notable improvement: four weekly flights between the two destinations, shared by Air Tahiti and Air Rarotonga. Not only that but the fascinating, nearly three hour flight has dropped in price to as low as $263.
These new options complement existing flights from Hawaii to Tahiti and Rarotonga on Hawaiian Airlines, making it possible to create streamlined itineraries linking all three destinations. In addition, other airlines, including Air France and Air Tahiti Nui, serve Tahiti from the West Coast, providing an easy start or finish to a South Pacific vacation.
Imagine beginning your journey on Oahu, exploring Maui’s valleys or Kauai’s Hanalei Bay, then flying five hours south to Tahiti’s tranquil lagoons before concluding your adventure on Rarotonga’s pristine shores—all without the logistical hurdles and ultra-high costs travelers previously faced.
For decades, many travelers struggled with the long routing required to connect these islands. As one Beat of Hawaii commenter shared, “Getting from Hawaii to the Cook Islands used to feel like a marathon. The new flights (from Honolulu to Rarotonga) change everything.”
Why this matters for Hawaii visitors.
The announcement is pivotal for Hawaii, where visitor trends are evolving rapidly. Rising costs and increasing tourism restrictions have left some travelers seeking alternatives, including these two other epic Pacific destinations. Another reader pointed out, “Tahiti and the Cook Islands are offering what many visitors miss in Hawaii today: authenticity, value, and uncrowded beaches.”
While we have reported extensively on Tahiti, we have not yet visited the Cook Islands and look forward to reporting on them.
The new connectivity enhances Hawaii’s appeal as the ultimate gateway to the South Pacific. For North American travelers, Hawaii’s airports provide a convenient springboard to other Polynesian destinations. This added accessibility strengthens Hawaii’s position as a unique hub while diversifying travel options for repeat visitors who want to explore beyond the islands.
Unique features of each destination.
Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands each bring something unique to the tropical tourism table. Hawaii offers world-class resorts, adventure activities, and a thriving cultural scene. Its well-developed, easy domestic infrastructure makes it a familiar choice for many first-time visitors.
Tahiti, often described as a haven of romance and exclusivity, provides a more intimate experience with just a fraction of Hawaii’s ten million visitors. From its iconic overwater bungalows to low-cost accommodation options, all providing access to its crystal-clear lagoons, Tahiti is synonymous with tropical beauty and luxury. Many visitors find its less commercialized atmosphere refreshing, echoing memories of Hawaii’s past.
The Cook Islands stand apart from the others with their quiet charm and affordability. Rarotonga offers an authentic Polynesian vibe with a welcoming community, stunning natural beauty, and a laid-back atmosphere. Aitutaki, often hailed as one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, provides an even more remote escape. “The Cook Islands are like stepping back in time,” wrote one reader, “with uncrowded beaches and no high-rise hotels.”
Planning your dream trip.
For travelers considering this Pacific trio, the possibilities are endless. A typical itinerary could start with a week in Hawaii, followed by a direct flight to Papeete on Hawaiian Airlines. From there, spend a few days exploring Tahiti and nearby Moorea before hopping over to Rarotonga to experience its tranquil landscapes. Then, return to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines.
The timing also aligns well with seasonal travel patterns. Summer is an excellent time to visit Hawaii and Tahiti, while the Cook Islands’ mild weather remains inviting year-round. For travelers seeking an extended adventure, this connectivity allows them to design a trip that suits their schedule and interests.
The future of Pacific travel.
The improved connections between Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands represent more than convenience—they signal a shift in Pacific travel. By uniting these regions more effectively, airlines are also creating opportunities for deeper cultural exchange and economic growth across the Pacific.
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My only issue with the HNL-PPT (Tahiti) route is its frequency. Each Saturday the plane arrives early evening at PPT, then does a turnaround for the return trip to HNL at about midnight. That means the wide body is almost always completely booked or overbooked.
I actually had correspondence with Alaska Air after the merger urging them to take a look at the demand and suggested periodically increasing the frequency, especially around the holiday periods. They seemed to truly express interest to the point of referring my correspondence to their trip planning team.
Question for the BOH boys. Do you have any insights into potential route enhancements post merger, and would you put this issue on your radar for a future update?
Hi James.
It is on radar, and thanks for that. Appreciate your more than 500 comments too!
Aloha.
Hmmmmm.
Oh … I better rush and make it to Tahiti before those “uncrowded beaches” become crowded!
We just returned to Oahu from Rarotonga, Cook Islands this past Monday and we had a great trip! Hawaiian Air provided the weekly service and we visited Rarotonga and Aititaki, both wort the trip. Very small, quaint places without chain hotels or restaurants and great people and obviously greet scenery and water. take the lagoon tour on Aitutaki, you wont be disappointed!!
I don’t know if Hawaii Beat remembers my comment from several months ago when an odd Hawaiian flight itinerary between Hawaii, Tahiti, and the West Coast was discussed, but I noted back then how such flight connections could prove a valuable commodity for both traveler and any Hawaiian airlines alike. I dared to say then it was a wonder an airline hadn’t yet identified there is a market for such travel accommodations. Why do I have to travel to the West Coast in order to connect to any of Hawaii’s sister islands? Glad to hear someone in the know was listening …………….
Aloha Airlines briefly had a nonstop flight from Honolulu to Rarotonga in the early 2000s. We went twice, once staying at Aitutaki. Absolutely gorgeous!
I took a dream trip to Rarotonga in late October and it did not disappoint. The flight from Maui to Oahu landed in the same terminal area so it was a short walk to the gate for my flight. With Starlink the flight went by quickly. Rarotonga and its people were gracious and friendly. I don’t know if they will add more flights, but you only arrive on a Saturday night late and the flights out are on Sundays, so you are there at least 8 nights. If you can go, I highly recommend it.