Is Bora Bora or Hawaii good? The most stunning location I’ve ever visited is Bora Bora (and I do actually travel a lot). Go to Moorea or Bora Bora if you want to experience the most unbelievable water around you that is a color that doesn’t even look real (not a massive fan of Tahiti, itself).
The price will be high, but it will be well worth it. You need to spend some time on the island; I personally wouldn’t do this while on a cruise because it’s so wonderful. I adore the Hawaiian Islands as well, having said that.
There’s a lot more to do in Hawaii, but I think they’re beautiful (more rugged, not the same water, but pretty in its own way) and if you’ve never been to French Polynesia, it wouldn’t be an issue.
FP will cost you more (but you’ll never forget it), and Hawaii is fantastic, with each Island having a lot of things to do. I don’t think you can go wrong either way (you can get better deals for this since there is more competition).
Table of Contents
- What can you do in Bora Bora?
- Hawaii vs. Bora Bora: Complete Comparison.
- What can you do in Hawaii?
- Conclusion: Where to choose from Hawaii and Bora Bora?
What can you do in Bora Bora?
Northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, there is a tiny island called Bora Bora in the South Pacific. It is renowned for its scuba diving and is surrounded by sand-fringed Motus (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef.
It’s also a well-known luxury resort area where some of the guest bungalows are elevated above the water. Mt. Otemanu, a 727-meter-tall dormant volcano, rises in the middle of the island.
Matira Beach
As the largest beach in Bora Bora with public access, Matira Beach is very well-liked by tourists. The sand is soft and downy, and the water is crystal clear. Matira Beach is a convenient place to spend the majority of the day because it is dotted with hotels, shops, and restaurants.
4×4 Jeep adventure.
Jeep safaris take you off the beaten path (and frequently up into the mountains) for an unforgettable day or two of exploration in some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. They are the best way to see everything that the area has to offer.
There are itineraries to suit all tastes, ranging from half-day tours that circle the island and provide a quick but thorough highlights reel to all-in-one adventures that also include a few hours on a jet ski or a boat.
Coral Gardens
A stunning coral reef can be found on a small islet east of the main island, directly across from the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort.
The majority of tourists use a tour guide to help them swim and snorkel among the coral and other marine life, including sting rays, moray eels, and blacktip reef sharks.
The Coral Gardens was a “must-do” for many past visitors. One recent visitor advised against swimming off on your own while snorkeling and instead suggested sticking with the group. Although they don’t frequently act aggressively, sharks and sting rays can become so, especially with a lone snorkeler.
Shark/Stingray Feeding
The surrounding waters of Bora Bora are so clear that it is simple to see the local wildlife. Consider signing up for a tour for a closer look.
Snorkeling excursions as well as shark and stingray feedings and encounters are provided by outfitters like Moana Adventure Tours and Pure Snorkeling by Reef Discovery. Native blacktip reef sharks and stingrays will be available for you to interact within their natural environments.
Additionally, you can still take pleasure in snorkeling the reefs and viewing the abundance of rainbow-colored fish even if you don’t feel comfortable feeding the stingrays and sharks.
Visit Sharks.
Do not be concerned; these tiny creatures are not harmful to people. Additionally, you can stand in the waters where you snorkel.
We held onto a rope alongside other snorkelers and observed as a guide threw out chum. Black-tipped reef sharks were zoomed in to tear at the fragments of fish as they darted around.
Hawaii vs. Bora Bora: Complete Comparison.
| Feature | Bora Bora | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Time to travel | Travel to Bora Bora is at its most enjoyable in November and April. The pleasant weather during these brief shoulder seasons ranges from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. The peak travel period, from May to October, is when there are few rainstorms and a large influx of visitors. | Hawaii is at its most beautiful between March and September. The islands experience the highest temperatures and the least amount of rain during this time. The beach or the water are ideal to enjoy at this time. |
| Cost | A 7-day vacation to Bora Bora costs, on average, $3,100 for a single traveler, $5,700 for a couple, and $10,700 for a family of four. The average cost of a night in a hotel in Bora Bora is $350, while the majority of vacation rentals cost between $120 and $799 per night for the whole house. | We calculated that a similar mid-range trip to Hawaii in 2019 would cost a family of four $10,100. The same journey cost $8,900 in 2021. A family of four will pay $12,200 for a 10-day trip to Hawaii in June 2022 if you make your reservations now. |
| Time takes to visit. | We advise you to stay in Bora Bora for 3–4 days. This gives you lots of time to discover this charming island and all the various emerald hues the sea has to offer. | While most vacations last between five and seven days, we advise staying in Hawaii for at least ten days in order to fully appreciate your trip. It takes about 3 days to fully get used to the time change, which is initially difficult. Therefore, it’s crucial to give yourself a few days to recover from jet lag. |
| Language | Although English is the primary language of instruction for most locals, French and Tahitian are also widely spoken on the island. The majority of tourists to Bora Bora are from the United States, Japan, or Europe. | Hawaiian is one of the two official languages of the US state of Hawaii, along with English. In 1839 and 1840, King Kamehameha III drafted the first constitution in Hawaiian. |
| Safety | With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Bora Bora is one of the safest travel destinations. Even though there is hardly any crime on this stunning island, there is still a chance of thefts like bag snatching and pickpocketing. | It is regarded as one of the safest cities in the US. Hawaii is generally a safe place, but theft does happen, particularly auto theft and theft of unattended property. |
| Transport | Island to island varies in terms of transportation options. Bus tours are a popular way for tourists to conveniently explore the Islands. You can also travel around the majority of islands using a shuttle, taxi, ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, or public transportation. | Island to island varies in terms of transportation options. Bus tours are a popular way for tourists to conveniently explore the Islands. You can also travel around the majority of islands using a shuttle, taxi, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or public transportation. |
| Nightlife | Some resorts in Bora Bora provide live entertainment in their bars or on the beach, which uplifts guests’ spirits. Grab a 2-for-1 cocktail before dinner if you can, as some resorts offer happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. | The island of Oahu has a wide range of nightlife options, from intimate neighborhood bars to upscale lounges and wild dance clubs. Visitors looking for a good time need look no further than Honolulu and the surrounding areas, which stake a claim to having the best and widest selection of nightlife on all the islands. |
What can you do in Hawaii?
The island of Oahu has a wide range of nightlife options, from intimate neighborhood bars to upscale lounges and wild dance clubs.
Visitors looking for a good time need look no further than Honolulu and the surrounding areas, which stake a claim to having the best and widest selection of nightlife on all the islands.
Whale Watching.
On your upcoming trip to the Pacific Islands, plan a whale-watching tour to experience one of Hawaii’s most enchanted activities.
Whale watching is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Hawaii and a priceless adventure that you won’t soon forget! Experience Mother Nature up close by watching the magnificent North Pacific Humpback Whales during their yearly migration to Hawaiian waters.
Dive with Manta Rays
Take a nighttime snorkel or scuba dive with manta rays on the Big Island if you’re looking for something to do in Hawaii.
On the Big Island, a bay to the north of Kailua-Kona is where manta rays regularly come to feed at night. Manta rays are the largest of the rays, with a wingspan that can reach 18 feet/5.5 meters. For adventures in Hawaii, you can’t do better than this.
Golf Experiences
Golfers of all skill levels travel from all over the world to play on Hawai’i’s championship-caliber courses with their breath-taking scenery, one-of-a-kind signature holes, and breathtaking views.
The islands offer a wide range of unforgettable courses, from greens bordered by black volcanic rough to breathtaking seaside water hazards. Finding the ideal course for you won’t be difficult with more than 70 golf courses at your disposal.
Diamond Head.
The most famous landmark in Hawaii is renowned for its historic hiking trail, breathtaking coastal views, and military heritage.
The interior and exterior slopes of the crater are included in the more than 475 acres that make up Diamond Head State Monument.
Sightseeing
It’s impossible to avoid becoming completely engrossed in Hawaii’s breathtaking beauty while visiting the Hawaiian Islands.
Everywhere you look, you’ll see imposing mountain ranges, turquoise and deep azure ocean scenes, tropical valleys, varied topography, and natural wonders.
Conclusion: Where to choose from Hawaii and Bora Bora?
I adore Hawaii; there are so many things to do and sights to see there. The most beautiful place on earth, in my opinion, is Tahiti, specifically Bora Bora.
Hawaii also has a decidedly American vibe, with only a faint hint of a Polynesian vibe. FP feels very Polynesian, in contrast. In conclusion, my trip to Hawaii only made me yearn to return to French Polynesia. Combine Bora Bora with some of the other magical islands if it’s too small to keep you interested for very long.
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