There are a number of ways to get to Tahiti. Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Airlines, and Cargo cruises are all available for you to choose from. You can also fly out to Tahiti and continue your travels to other islands.
Air France
When you’re considering flying to Tahiti, France, there are several options available. Air France, for instance, flies to Tahiti twice a day from Los Angeles. The trip will take around 8.5 hours. Other options are Air Tahiti Nui and Hawaiian Airlines.
When it comes to booking flights to Tahiti, you’ll need to be flexible about your dates. Air France does not have a fixed award chart, so it’s best to be flexible with dates. The airline often offers good value on award seats and Flying Blue promos.
There are a number of ways to book flights to Tahiti, including using points from a credit card. Points from a Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Business Gold card can be redeemed for flights to Tahiti. For example, a cardholder can use 42,240 points on a flight to Tahiti and spend just $528 on a ticket. If you choose to stay in Tahiti, you can often use your points to book a hotel. However, you’ll likely find that such hotels are expensive, especially during peak season.
Air France also flies to Tahiti from Los Angeles. The company also operates a direct flight from Paris to Los Angeles, so if you’re coming from the U.S., it’s a good idea to book the Los Angeles leg of your trip with Air France. Alternatively, you can also try out United Airlines or Air Tahiti Nui. The good news for travelers is that Air France offers decent availability on reward flights and premium economy.
Air France flies to Pape’ete about two to three times a week. You can find award space during the month of November and December, but if you want to fly in early May or early February, there are flights every Monday and Thursday. The trip will only cost about $100 if you are departing from the US or traveling in the other direction.
Air Tahiti Nui
Getting to Tahiti Nui is easy, but you’ll need a flight. You can fly to Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui, which offers business class service. The cabins are spacious, with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. Air Tahiti Nui also offers 11 different meal types, so it’s easy to find something to satisfy your palate.
Air Tahiti Nui has daily flights from Los Angeles to Papeete and CDG. These flights serve as an intermediate stop between Paris and Tahiti. In fact, they set a record for the longest nonstop flight between PPT and CDG, and they also have flights to Auckland and Tokyo NRT.
There are four major airlines that serve Tahiti Nui. One is Air Tahiti Nui, which is owned by the French government and serves the French Polynesia region. Besides direct flights to Papeete, Air Tahiti Nui also has codeshare agreements with a number of other airlines and operates flights to a range of destinations.
Air Tahiti Nui has three cabin classes. Economy and Premium economy class have 31 inches of legroom, while Business class has 36 inches of legroom and seats that can recline. Business class seats have large cushions and are decorated in a tropical style. The seats on the flight are reclinable, and they feature USB power ports.
Public transportation is available in Tahiti. The local bus system is the cheapest option, while taxis are available at the airport and ferry terminal. Alternatively, you can hire a private vehicle or charter a bus or a helicopter. Regardless of mode of transportation, it is recommended to book your transportation in advance.
Hawaiian Airlines
The best way to travel to Tahiti is by taking a flight on Hawaiian Airlines. The flights depart from Honolulu, Hawaii, once a week, and take about 5 hours, 50 minutes. Depending on the time of year, you can travel first class or economy. There is no Premium Economy fare on Hawaiian Airlines, however.
The airline has been the leading carrier for Hawaii-Tahiti air travel since 1987. However, Hawaiian has suspended PPT service until March 2020. During this time, new tests and pre-travel regulations have been implemented. Governor David Ige of Hawaii and President of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch, have been instrumental in getting Hawaiian back into the air.
If you’re traveling to Tahiti from Honolulu, you must be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination. You must also present a physical vaccination card that you can carry in your carry-on. Those who are unvaccinated need not show their vaccination card, but must complete all other steps to ensure that they’re healthy enough to travel. Also, passengers age 2 and older must complete CDC passenger forms, which can be completed at home and/or at airport check-in.
Hawaiian Airlines has one-way awards to the South Pacific starting at 50,000 miles in economy class. The airline is also known for its frequent flyer program, which offers ample award space. In addition, Hawaiian Airlines allows transfer of points from other programs such as Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. The company also offers a 1:1 award transfer ratio between these three rewards programs.
Cargo cruises
Cargo cruises to Tahiti are available in several forms. Some ship cargo only, while others can take both passengers and cargo. Some are private, while others are public. There are both small and large vessels available. Cargo cruises to Tahiti can be a great way to see the island.
If you are looking for a cargo cruise to Tahiti, consider the Aranui. This cargo ship sails to the Marquesas every three weeks, delivering essential supplies and food to the islands. It also provides accommodation for 200 passengers and islanders returning home. These cruises are not suitable for those looking for a glamorous trip, but for those seeking the authentic feel of a Polynesian culture, cargo cruises to Tahiti offer an authentic adventure.
Cargo cruises to Tahiti are ideal for travelers who are on a tight budget. These small ships offer convenient amenities like an outdoor swimming pool and a spacious dining room where you can sample French and Polynesian cuisines. They also have massage rooms and a fitness center. You can socialize and meet other travelers during the cruise.
Various cruise lines offer cargo cruises to Tahiti. The Aranui 3 can accommodate up to 200 passengers and 65 crew. The route of the voyage depends on the amount of freight that the ship can take. The crew, most of whom are heavily tattooed, work around the clock, and even during the night. However, the passengers are unaware of these activities, but they are an essential part of the voyage.
Aranui Cruises offers basic shore excursions at each stop. Depending on the language of the passengers, there are also PADI dives and snorkelling available for a nominal fee.
Hotel shuttle
If you’re flying into Tahiti, you’ll find several transportation options to get you to and from your hotel. Airport shuttles are convenient and can be booked ahead of time. Air Tahiti offers connecting flights to other islands, and there are also passenger ferries to Moorea and other islands from Papeete’s waterfront.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is located near the port and the airport. This property features an onsite spa and two outdoor pools. You can also enjoy the spa’s two restaurants, and you’ll have amazing views of the ocean. Guests can cancel their reservation for free up to 48 hours before the transfer.
If you are staying at an IHG property, they can arrange roundtrip airport shuttle service. This property is 1.5 miles or 2.4 km from the Papee International Airport. The Papee Airport Transfer Service offers transportation from the airport to the hotel, and it runs seven days a week. The service prioritizes safety, comfort, convenience, and efficiency.