Nous partons pour Hawaii dans quelques jours pour 16 jours. A force de lire les commentaires des gens, je ne sais plus trop si l’itinéraire prévu fait du sens… Nous passerons les 4 premières nuits à Honolulu, est-ce trop long? Nous voulons aussi aller à Big Island, probablement 5-6 nuits. Même si Hilo et Kona ne sont qu’à 3 heures de distance, serait-ce préférable de prévoir 3 nuits à Hilo et 3 nuits à Kona? Je pensais aussi aller à Kauai, pour 3 jours. Quels sont les meilleurs endroits à voir? Est-ce préférable d’aller à Kauai avant Big Island, ou l’inverse? Nous utiliserons l’autobus à Honolulu, mais nous prévoyons louer un véhicule à Big Island et Kauai. Est-ce que ça vaut le coût d’opter pour un 4x4? Nous sommes dans la cinquantaine, actifs mais modérément marcheurs. Nous sommes surtout intéressés par les paysages, les plages (pour les voir et non pour s’y étendre longtemps). Et bien sûr, les volcans. Des suggestions de lieux insolites? Pas très intéressés par les hôtels touristiques, des suggestions pour des gites qui sortent de l’ordinaire (fermes, jungle, vergers, etc.). Merci à l’avance! Linda
Itinéraire de 16 jours à Hawaï
by Roylinda
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour
Nous partons pour Hawaii dans quelques jours pour 16 jours. A force de lire les commentaires des gens, je ne sais plus trop si l’itinéraire prévu fait du sens… Nous passerons les 4 premières nuits à Honolulu, est-ce trop long? Nous voulons aussi aller à Big Island, probablement 5-6 nuits. Même si Hilo et Kona ne sont qu’à 3 heures de distance, serait-ce préférable de prévoir 3 nuits à Hilo et 3 nuits à Kona? Je pensais aussi aller à Kauai, pour 3 jours. Quels sont les meilleurs endroits à voir? Est-ce préférable d’aller à Kauai avant Big Island, ou l’inverse? Nous utiliserons l’autobus à Honolulu, mais nous prévoyons louer un véhicule à Big Island et Kauai. Est-ce que ça vaut le coût d’opter pour un 4x4? Nous sommes dans la cinquantaine, actifs mais modérément marcheurs. Nous sommes surtout intéressés par les paysages, les plages (pour les voir et non pour s’y étendre longtemps). Et bien sûr, les volcans. Des suggestions de lieux insolites? Pas très intéressés par les hôtels touristiques, des suggestions pour des gites qui sortent de l’ordinaire (fermes, jungle, vergers, etc.). Merci à l’avance! Linda
Nous partons pour Hawaii dans quelques jours pour 16 jours. A force de lire les commentaires des gens, je ne sais plus trop si l’itinéraire prévu fait du sens… Nous passerons les 4 premières nuits à Honolulu, est-ce trop long? Nous voulons aussi aller à Big Island, probablement 5-6 nuits. Même si Hilo et Kona ne sont qu’à 3 heures de distance, serait-ce préférable de prévoir 3 nuits à Hilo et 3 nuits à Kona? Je pensais aussi aller à Kauai, pour 3 jours. Quels sont les meilleurs endroits à voir? Est-ce préférable d’aller à Kauai avant Big Island, ou l’inverse? Nous utiliserons l’autobus à Honolulu, mais nous prévoyons louer un véhicule à Big Island et Kauai. Est-ce que ça vaut le coût d’opter pour un 4x4? Nous sommes dans la cinquantaine, actifs mais modérément marcheurs. Nous sommes surtout intéressés par les paysages, les plages (pour les voir et non pour s’y étendre longtemps). Et bien sûr, les volcans. Des suggestions de lieux insolites? Pas très intéressés par les hôtels touristiques, des suggestions pour des gites qui sortent de l’ordinaire (fermes, jungle, vergers, etc.). Merci à l’avance! Linda
Bonjour à vous,
Beaucoup de questions, pas évident non plus de répondre à tout, je ne connais que Oahu et Kauaï. je ne trouve pas que 4 nuits à Honolulu soient de trop, la célèbre plage de waikiki et son immense centre commercial à ciel ouvert surtout le soir sont à voir au moins une fois, si vous louez un véhicule sur cette île vous allez pouvoir vous rendre compte à quel point cette île est magnifique, différents sites très spectaculaires comme Diamond head ou la vu est grandiose, Hanauma bay, le nord est célèbre pour ses plages ou les vagues en plein hiver atteignent des hauteurs vertigineuses... Pour l'hébergement allé voir sur le site air bnb. Pour Kauaï, là j'ai envie de vous dire que 3 jours me paraît juste, vous qui aimez les paysages, c'est ma préféré, on l'appelle l'île jardin, il y a dans le nord la célèbre Napali cost, pour ce qui est des plages elles sont toutes magnifiques avec un coup de coeur pour la plage de poipu beach(sud de l'île) qui permet de faire du farniente du snorkelling voir des tortues des phoques pourvoir pique niquer en arrière de la plage à l'ombre et aussi sur l'autre côté de la baie aller s'amuser dans les vagues tout en regardant les surfeurs. Il y a aussi le waimea canyon, alors ici tout est spectaculaire, la route qui vous y mène, les différents points de vue, de multiples randonnées, la végétation, c'est juste magique, alors si j'avais un conseil à vous donner c'est d'accorder un peu plus de temps à Kauai. Pour Oahu nous avons logé chez l'habitant au pied du volcan diamond head. Pour Kauaï nous avons logé à Kappa (air bnb) et il n'y a pas besoin de 4x4 pour ces 2 îles et parfois les agences de locations de voitures à votre arrivé à l'aéroport vous propose des promotions pour louer des véhicules assez haut de gammes, genre ford mustang décapotable, en temps normal je ne suis pas fan mais découvrir l'île avec le visage au vent c'est relativement sympas. Bon voyage
Beaucoup de questions, pas évident non plus de répondre à tout, je ne connais que Oahu et Kauaï. je ne trouve pas que 4 nuits à Honolulu soient de trop, la célèbre plage de waikiki et son immense centre commercial à ciel ouvert surtout le soir sont à voir au moins une fois, si vous louez un véhicule sur cette île vous allez pouvoir vous rendre compte à quel point cette île est magnifique, différents sites très spectaculaires comme Diamond head ou la vu est grandiose, Hanauma bay, le nord est célèbre pour ses plages ou les vagues en plein hiver atteignent des hauteurs vertigineuses... Pour l'hébergement allé voir sur le site air bnb. Pour Kauaï, là j'ai envie de vous dire que 3 jours me paraît juste, vous qui aimez les paysages, c'est ma préféré, on l'appelle l'île jardin, il y a dans le nord la célèbre Napali cost, pour ce qui est des plages elles sont toutes magnifiques avec un coup de coeur pour la plage de poipu beach(sud de l'île) qui permet de faire du farniente du snorkelling voir des tortues des phoques pourvoir pique niquer en arrière de la plage à l'ombre et aussi sur l'autre côté de la baie aller s'amuser dans les vagues tout en regardant les surfeurs. Il y a aussi le waimea canyon, alors ici tout est spectaculaire, la route qui vous y mène, les différents points de vue, de multiples randonnées, la végétation, c'est juste magique, alors si j'avais un conseil à vous donner c'est d'accorder un peu plus de temps à Kauai. Pour Oahu nous avons logé chez l'habitant au pied du volcan diamond head. Pour Kauaï nous avons logé à Kappa (air bnb) et il n'y a pas besoin de 4x4 pour ces 2 îles et parfois les agences de locations de voitures à votre arrivé à l'aéroport vous propose des promotions pour louer des véhicules assez haut de gammes, genre ford mustang décapotable, en temps normal je ne suis pas fan mais découvrir l'île avec le visage au vent c'est relativement sympas. Bon voyage
Bonjour,
Peut être, êtes-vous déjà partis mais je vous amène quelques éléments de réponse en fonction de mon voyage, il y a quelques semaines de cela.
Pour ce qui est de 4 nuits à Honolulu, si vous n'êtes pas véhiculés, je pense que c'est un peu long et qu'il vaudrait mieux passer plus de temps sur Kauaï qu'Honolulu dans ces conditions. Nous prenions également les transports en commun et avons fait 3 nuits et 2 jours plein à Honolulu avec 1er jour: Diamond Head matin et waikiki beach aprem et 2e jour: Pearl Harbor matin et Downtown aprem.
Pour l'ordre, je dirais que c'est bien, vous finirez par Kauaï qui est le clou du voyage, une île vraiment magnifique et peut être plus "authentique" que les autres.
Concernant Big Island, il faut vraiment 2 logements. On se dit que 3h de route, ce n'est pas grand chose mais avec du trafic et des travaux on met un peu plus de temps et surtout on fatigue vite selon le rythme des visites. Du côté de Kona, proche de Captain Cook, je vous suggère le Ka'a wa loa Plantation, un B&B exceptionnel avec une vue magnifique, un de nos meilleurs du séjour. Ensuite suivant le temps, vous pouvez aussi loger près du parc des volcans, ce que nous avons fait et avons passé 2 jours plein dans le parc, en faisant pas mal de marches mais c'est l'intérêt de la chose aussi. Sinon du côté d'Hilo mais nous avons beaucoup moins aimé hormis la Waipio Valley sinon non.
Pour ce qui est du 4x4, je ne suis absolument pas de l'avis de mon prédécesseur. Sur Big Island c'est incontournable si vous voulez descendre la waipio valley ou monter au Mauna Kea, c'est interdit aux véhicules non 4 roues motrices donc même certains SUV ne peuvent pas, le mieux louer une Jeep c'est une des voitures que tous les loueurs ont en masse sur leurs parkings et sur Kauaï il nous aura été grandement utile pour aller à Polihale Beach sans aucun problème ou suivre des locaux sur des pistes et trouver de magnifiques plages désertes...Après on a vu des touristes aller dans ces endroits avec des berlines en roulant à 5km/h et en touchant de partout les bas de caisse, chacun voit midi à sa porte mais personnellement nous nous sommes sentis en sécurité et surtout n'avions pas peur de rendre la voiture avec un problème quelconque car il faut savoir que normalement les pistes sont interdites aux véhicules.
Enfin en terme d'hébergement sur Kauaï, pour votre durée le mieux est de prendre plutôt à l'Est. Nous nous avions choisit 2 hébergements pour limiter la route au maximum.
Les meilleurs endroits étant le waimea Canyon, la Napali Coast, les plages qui sont partout toutes plus belles les unes que les autres. Une belle façon de découvrir la Napali Coast peut être par bateau ou faire un vol hélicoptère (cher malheureusement) au dessus de l'île, on a donc un aperçu de toute la richesse de kauai en 1h et après on peut approfondir si le temps le permet les endroits qui nous ont plu.
Notre B&B à 10min de Kapaa, perdu au milieu d'une rain forest était le Kauaï Country Inn qui est un B&B de 4 appartements immenses avec tout le confort dont on peut rêver. C'était également un coup de coeur.
Cordialement
Amandine
Peut être, êtes-vous déjà partis mais je vous amène quelques éléments de réponse en fonction de mon voyage, il y a quelques semaines de cela.
Pour ce qui est de 4 nuits à Honolulu, si vous n'êtes pas véhiculés, je pense que c'est un peu long et qu'il vaudrait mieux passer plus de temps sur Kauaï qu'Honolulu dans ces conditions. Nous prenions également les transports en commun et avons fait 3 nuits et 2 jours plein à Honolulu avec 1er jour: Diamond Head matin et waikiki beach aprem et 2e jour: Pearl Harbor matin et Downtown aprem.
Pour l'ordre, je dirais que c'est bien, vous finirez par Kauaï qui est le clou du voyage, une île vraiment magnifique et peut être plus "authentique" que les autres.
Concernant Big Island, il faut vraiment 2 logements. On se dit que 3h de route, ce n'est pas grand chose mais avec du trafic et des travaux on met un peu plus de temps et surtout on fatigue vite selon le rythme des visites. Du côté de Kona, proche de Captain Cook, je vous suggère le Ka'a wa loa Plantation, un B&B exceptionnel avec une vue magnifique, un de nos meilleurs du séjour. Ensuite suivant le temps, vous pouvez aussi loger près du parc des volcans, ce que nous avons fait et avons passé 2 jours plein dans le parc, en faisant pas mal de marches mais c'est l'intérêt de la chose aussi. Sinon du côté d'Hilo mais nous avons beaucoup moins aimé hormis la Waipio Valley sinon non.
Pour ce qui est du 4x4, je ne suis absolument pas de l'avis de mon prédécesseur. Sur Big Island c'est incontournable si vous voulez descendre la waipio valley ou monter au Mauna Kea, c'est interdit aux véhicules non 4 roues motrices donc même certains SUV ne peuvent pas, le mieux louer une Jeep c'est une des voitures que tous les loueurs ont en masse sur leurs parkings et sur Kauaï il nous aura été grandement utile pour aller à Polihale Beach sans aucun problème ou suivre des locaux sur des pistes et trouver de magnifiques plages désertes...Après on a vu des touristes aller dans ces endroits avec des berlines en roulant à 5km/h et en touchant de partout les bas de caisse, chacun voit midi à sa porte mais personnellement nous nous sommes sentis en sécurité et surtout n'avions pas peur de rendre la voiture avec un problème quelconque car il faut savoir que normalement les pistes sont interdites aux véhicules.
Enfin en terme d'hébergement sur Kauaï, pour votre durée le mieux est de prendre plutôt à l'Est. Nous nous avions choisit 2 hébergements pour limiter la route au maximum.
Les meilleurs endroits étant le waimea Canyon, la Napali Coast, les plages qui sont partout toutes plus belles les unes que les autres. Une belle façon de découvrir la Napali Coast peut être par bateau ou faire un vol hélicoptère (cher malheureusement) au dessus de l'île, on a donc un aperçu de toute la richesse de kauai en 1h et après on peut approfondir si le temps le permet les endroits qui nous ont plu.
Notre B&B à 10min de Kapaa, perdu au milieu d'une rain forest était le Kauaï Country Inn qui est un B&B de 4 appartements immenses avec tout le confort dont on peut rêver. C'était également un coup de coeur.
Cordialement
Amandine
Wow! Un gros merci pour toutes vos précisions. C'est toujours intéressant d'avoir différentes opinions, des éclairages différents. Nous partons à la fin de la présente semaine et j'apporte toutes ces notes dans mes bagages, je pourrai m'y référer au besoin. J'ai tellement hâte!! Merci!
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**Zone 2: ALICE SPRINGS – ULURU – August 23 to 30 (8 days)** Car rental Activities & visits: Alice Springs (1 day), West MacDonnell Ranges (1 day), Watarrka National Park, Uluru (3 days) Flight to Cairns on the 31st
**Zone 3: CAIRNS – August 31 to September 9 (10 days)** Car rental from the 31st to the 6th Activities & visits: Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mount Quincan, Herberton Historic Village, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Bus to Townsville on the 10th
**Zone 4: TOWNSVILLE – NOOSA – September 10 to 26 (17 days)** Activities & visits: Magnetic Island Bus to Airlie Beach on the 13th Activities & visits: Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef Car rental from the 17th to the 20th Activities & visits: Eungella National Park Overnight bus from Mackay to Hervey Bay (20th to 21st) Activities & visits: K’gari (Fraser Island) Bus to Noosa on the 25th Activities & visits: Noosa National Park Bus to Brisbane on the 27th
**Zone 5: BRISBANE – September 27 to October 1 (5 days)** Car rental from the 29th to the 1st Activities & visits: Brisbane, Glass House Mountains, Springbrook National Park, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Bus to Coffs Harbour on the 2nd
**Zone 6: COFFS HARBOUR – October 2 to 4** Car rental from the 3rd to the 4th Activities & visits: Dorrigo National Park Overnight bus to Sydney (4th to 5th)
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**Zone 10: PERTH – October 24 to 27 (4 days)** Activities & visits: Rottnest Island, Wave Rock, Perth Flight to Paris on the 28th
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**Zone 6: COFFS HARBOUR – October 2 to 4** Car rental from the 3rd to the 4th Activities & visits: Dorrigo National Park Overnight bus to Sydney (4th to 5th)
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I'm retired, so I've got plenty of time... If you can help, it would mean the world to me. Thanks everyone! !
Hi,
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On December 26th, I’m flying to Tahiti, then Moorea, and finally Bora-Bora.
Since I’ll be staying in Bora-Bora for several days, I’d love to take a day trip to another island: either Maupiti or Tahaa-Raiatea (my top picks...).
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**Option 1: Day trip to Tahaa-Raiatea** - Morning departure at 7:00 AM to Tahaa from Vaitape (I’ll be staying on a motu, so I need to check if there’s a shuttle connecting the motu to Vaitape early enough). - Arrival at 8:15 AM in Poutoru, Tahaa. Tour of the island, visit to a vanilla plantation. - Hire a "private" boat to Raiatea around 12:00–1:00 PM. - Tour of Raiatea. - Departure at 4:00 PM from Uturoa (Raiatea) back to Bora-Bora.
**Option 2: Day trip to Maupiti** - Morning departure from Bora-Bora at 8:30 AM. - Arrival in Maupiti at 10:05 AM. Visit the island and the motus. - Return in the evening at 4:00 PM.
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If you can shed some light on this, I’d be so grateful!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and advice!
**Option 1: Day trip to Tahaa-Raiatea** - Morning departure at 7:00 AM to Tahaa from Vaitape (I’ll be staying on a motu, so I need to check if there’s a shuttle connecting the motu to Vaitape early enough). - Arrival at 8:15 AM in Poutoru, Tahaa. Tour of the island, visit to a vanilla plantation. - Hire a "private" boat to Raiatea around 12:00–1:00 PM. - Tour of Raiatea. - Departure at 4:00 PM from Uturoa (Raiatea) back to Bora-Bora.
**Option 2: Day trip to Maupiti** - Morning departure from Bora-Bora at 8:30 AM. - Arrival in Maupiti at 10:05 AM. Visit the island and the motus. - Return in the evening at 4:00 PM.
My questions: - Will I have enough time to explore Tahaa-Raiatea from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM? - Car rental? Bike rental? For all three islands... - Time lost during rentals? - Distance between rental shops and the ports where I arrive? - For Tahaa and Raiatea, should I hire a guide? Would that be better organized, meaning no car rental needed, to save time or explore the island on my own? - Finally, what do you think of these three islands and their points of interest? Which would you choose between Maupiti and Tahaa-Raiatea?
If you can shed some light on this, I’d be so grateful!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and advice!
Hello! We’re heading to the Marquesas in July-August and I’d love to know if it’s possible, for a fee, to do a leg of the journey on the Aranui—like from Hiva Oa to Fatu Hiva, or Nuku Hiva to Ua Pou, or even Ua Pou to Ua Huka? Sure, there are shuttles twice a week with Codim connecting these islands, but the schedules won’t be known until two months in advance, and I need to book flights and hotels much earlier than that. So, what’s the best way to handle this?
Looking forward to your replies—thanks in advance! Elisabeth Marcel babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr
Looking forward to your replies—thanks in advance! Elisabeth Marcel babeth.marcel@yahoo.fr
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Hi there,
I’ve blocked out 3 weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide while following the coast.
Kangaroo Island is a bit of a question mark for me. If I go, I can dedicate 2.5 days to it. Is it worth the time and the cost? I’ve read plenty of travel journals highlighting the landscapes and wildlife, but I’m sure I’ll see plenty of that along my route anyway. I’m not factoring in the financial side (which isn’t negligible for KI), but I’d rather not be disappointed. What are the real added values of KI, especially since the island has been affected by fires? I’ve also come across people online calling it a tourist trap. For example, I ruled out Phillip Island because it felt too organized and structured. Sorry if I’m opening Pandora’s box here!
Thanks for your feedback.
I’ve blocked out 3 weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide while following the coast.
Kangaroo Island is a bit of a question mark for me. If I go, I can dedicate 2.5 days to it. Is it worth the time and the cost? I’ve read plenty of travel journals highlighting the landscapes and wildlife, but I’m sure I’ll see plenty of that along my route anyway. I’m not factoring in the financial side (which isn’t negligible for KI), but I’d rather not be disappointed. What are the real added values of KI, especially since the island has been affected by fires? I’ve also come across people online calling it a tourist trap. For example, I ruled out Phillip Island because it felt too organized and structured. Sorry if I’m opening Pandora’s box here!
Thanks for your feedback.
Hi! I just spent a month in New Caledonia (backpacking/tent) and I know some of you were looking for info on accommodations and itineraries, so feel free to reach out if you want me to share my little experience. Just to say—New Caledonia is AMAZING!!!
Hi there,
I just got back from two weeks in Fiji, and I noticed the forum discussions here are a bit outdated (the most recent ones are from 2017).
So feel free to ask if you'd like an update!
Hi,
I’m heading to Viti Levu, the main island, for a few days’ vacation.
I usually rent a two-wheeler to keep some independence.
On several forums, people advised against it—first because it’s not really the local culture, and also because of the road conditions and local driving habits.
But I’m a bit wary of English-language forums where the typical vacation is just airport-resort-airport with a taxi in between.
Can you confirm if it’s really that risky compared to, say, Southeast Asia? What are the alternatives? Buses, taxis?
Thanks!
We're heading to Tahiti in October and want to rent a car at the airport to then head to Moorea. Any tips for the rental? Thanks
Hi everyone,
I’m planning and budgeting a trip to Australia for August 2026, lasting 40 days.
Here’s the current itinerary: Arrival at Port Macquarie Airport in New South Wales and return from Cairns Airport in Queensland. - South West Rock - Cap Ridge Park - Springbrook Park - Stradbroke Island - Maleny - Noosa - Rainbow Beach - K’Gari - Gladstone - Heron Island - Airlie Beach - Townsville - Magnetic Island - Cairns - Cape Tribulation
My main issue is transport to cover all of this.
The first leg is already tricky—I haven’t found a way to rent a car in Port Macquarie and drop it off in South West Rock. And if we keep the vehicle until Cleveland (8 days) before taking the ferry to Stradbroke Island, it’s already around 1000 €.
- Are there any systems where we could buy a vehicle in Port Macquarie and be sure it’s bought back at the end of the trip in Cairns?
- Do you know of any Australian online car rental sites?
As for trains, they’re not really an option for our stay in New South Wales. In Queensland, I found the Queensland Rail Travel website with a Brisbane–Cairns line, but trains don’t run every day.
- Do you know of any other train companies in Queensland that connect coastal cities from Brisbane to Cairns?
For flights, I checked Queensland with Qantas, and most routes require a stopover in Brisbane, which wastes a lot of time, and the prices are still high.
Do you know of any low-cost airlines for domestic flights in Australia?
Thanks for your tips!
I’m planning and budgeting a trip to Australia for August 2026, lasting 40 days.
Here’s the current itinerary: Arrival at Port Macquarie Airport in New South Wales and return from Cairns Airport in Queensland. - South West Rock - Cap Ridge Park - Springbrook Park - Stradbroke Island - Maleny - Noosa - Rainbow Beach - K’Gari - Gladstone - Heron Island - Airlie Beach - Townsville - Magnetic Island - Cairns - Cape Tribulation
My main issue is transport to cover all of this.
The first leg is already tricky—I haven’t found a way to rent a car in Port Macquarie and drop it off in South West Rock. And if we keep the vehicle until Cleveland (8 days) before taking the ferry to Stradbroke Island, it’s already around 1000 €.
- Are there any systems where we could buy a vehicle in Port Macquarie and be sure it’s bought back at the end of the trip in Cairns?
- Do you know of any Australian online car rental sites?
As for trains, they’re not really an option for our stay in New South Wales. In Queensland, I found the Queensland Rail Travel website with a Brisbane–Cairns line, but trains don’t run every day.
- Do you know of any other train companies in Queensland that connect coastal cities from Brisbane to Cairns?
For flights, I checked Queensland with Qantas, and most routes require a stopover in Brisbane, which wastes a lot of time, and the prices are still high.
Do you know of any low-cost airlines for domestic flights in Australia?
Thanks for your tips!
Hello, and happy New Year to all travelers!
2025 is shaping up to be amazing, as I’m lucky enough to be planning a 6-week trip to Polynesia. I wanted to buy the *Guide du Routard* (my favorite), but I discovered there isn’t one for this destination. And the *Lonely Planet* is from 2022, which I feel is already a bit outdated. So I’m looking for other resources: in your opinion, what’s the best paper guide, and most importantly, what online resources have you used to prepare a trip to Polynesia?
Thanks!
2025 is shaping up to be amazing, as I’m lucky enough to be planning a 6-week trip to Polynesia. I wanted to buy the *Guide du Routard* (my favorite), but I discovered there isn’t one for this destination. And the *Lonely Planet* is from 2022, which I feel is already a bit outdated. So I’m looking for other resources: in your opinion, what’s the best paper guide, and most importantly, what online resources have you used to prepare a trip to Polynesia?
Thanks!
Hi there,
My wife, our 3-year-old son, and I are planning a trip along Australia’s East Coast, leaving in early October and returning in mid-November. The plan is to do a 4-week road trip in a campervan, then settle down for about ten days.
The question I’m asking myself is: which way should we go? From Sydney to Cairns or the other way around? Despite all the documentation I’ve read, I’m still struggling to decide the best direction based on the climate at that time and swimming conditions.
Up north, the weather will be warmer, and the water too, unlike the south. However, in the north, there are swimming restrictions, especially because of jellyfish, whereas in the south, there seems to be less danger (apart from sharks, maybe). Are there many protected beaches in the north where we can swim safely? Also, I should consider that in the south, the Great Barrier Reef no longer protects the beaches, so I imagine there are fewer calm spots for swimming?
I’d love any tips or advice you can share, and thanks in advance!
A dad keen to make this trip a success
My wife, our 3-year-old son, and I are planning a trip along Australia’s East Coast, leaving in early October and returning in mid-November. The plan is to do a 4-week road trip in a campervan, then settle down for about ten days.
The question I’m asking myself is: which way should we go? From Sydney to Cairns or the other way around? Despite all the documentation I’ve read, I’m still struggling to decide the best direction based on the climate at that time and swimming conditions.
Up north, the weather will be warmer, and the water too, unlike the south. However, in the north, there are swimming restrictions, especially because of jellyfish, whereas in the south, there seems to be less danger (apart from sharks, maybe). Are there many protected beaches in the north where we can swim safely? Also, I should consider that in the south, the Great Barrier Reef no longer protects the beaches, so I imagine there are fewer calm spots for swimming?
I’d love any tips or advice you can share, and thanks in advance!
A dad keen to make this trip a success
What to do in Perth, Australia in March?
Hi there,
for a 6-month trip to Australia and NZ starting in NOVEMBER, I’d like to visit PNG and the Solomon Islands. Has anyone already explored these two countries?
How can you travel solo there—transport, accommodation, banking, safety—and what’s the best way to get there from AUS?
Thanks for any tips! Are there any French-language sites about these destinations?
Cheers,
jps
Hi there,
I’m leaving on March 4th for Australia from Réunion Island, landing in Perth, then a road trip down to Melbourne before flying out to Vietnam on April 15th.
I’d like to visit Perth and the surrounding area, then head southwest to Margaret River, Albany, Esperance, and back to Perth to catch a flight to Adelaide. From there, I’ll make my way to Melbourne.
1/ What do you think of this itinerary?
2/ For flights, are there any domestic airlines worth prioritizing for good prices?
3/ I’m planning to rent a car after exploring Perth and the area—I’m traveling solo. Any rental companies you’d recommend, as well as nice hotels, B&Bs, or hostels?
4/ Any tips, good deals, or info are welcome—don’t hesitate to share!
Thanks in advance.
Hello!
I’m planning a solo trip from April 16th to June 2nd!
I have to work for 3 weeks in Papeete when I arrive in French Polynesia, so I can only explore on the weekends (3-day weekends). For my first weekend, I’ll visit Tahiti; my second weekend will be dedicated to Moorea, and the last weekend to Huahine.
After my work period, I’ll continue with my vacation and keep exploring:
Maupiti - 4 nights
Raiatea - 3 nights (including a day trip to Tahaa)
Bora Bora - 3 nights
Rangiroa - 4 nights (could do 3)
Tikehau - 2 nights (could do 3)
Fakarava - 3 nights
For activities, I’m mostly interested in discovering the islands, hiking, and observing wildlife.
I’m not a diver, but I plan to do a beginner’s dive once I’m there. I love snorkeling, though, and I’m wondering if I’m spending too much time in the Tuamotus, which are famous for diving from what I’ve seen.
For travel between the islands, I’ve already looked into the Bora Tuamotu Max pass, which seems like the best option, but I’d love advice on replacing it with one or more ferries.
What do you think? I’m struggling to finalize my itinerary.
Can’t wait to read your replies!
Thanks!!
Celia
I’m planning a solo trip from April 16th to June 2nd!
I have to work for 3 weeks in Papeete when I arrive in French Polynesia, so I can only explore on the weekends (3-day weekends). For my first weekend, I’ll visit Tahiti; my second weekend will be dedicated to Moorea, and the last weekend to Huahine.
After my work period, I’ll continue with my vacation and keep exploring:
Maupiti - 4 nights
Raiatea - 3 nights (including a day trip to Tahaa)
Bora Bora - 3 nights
Rangiroa - 4 nights (could do 3)
Tikehau - 2 nights (could do 3)
Fakarava - 3 nights
For activities, I’m mostly interested in discovering the islands, hiking, and observing wildlife.
I’m not a diver, but I plan to do a beginner’s dive once I’m there. I love snorkeling, though, and I’m wondering if I’m spending too much time in the Tuamotus, which are famous for diving from what I’ve seen.
For travel between the islands, I’ve already looked into the Bora Tuamotu Max pass, which seems like the best option, but I’d love advice on replacing it with one or more ferries.
What do you think? I’m struggling to finalize my itinerary.
Can’t wait to read your replies!
Thanks!!
Celia
We’ll be in Adelaide from February 24th to March 4th and we’d like to spend 3 days and 2 nights on Kangaroo Island.
Any recommendations?
We always travel with simple accommodations
Hi everyone, we're heading to Australia next month. We have 7 days to go from Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. Should we visit Kangaroo Island or not? We can't decide! Thanks for your advice.
We really want to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat.
We really want to see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to NZ at the end of January.
It’s peak season—do you think it’s necessary to book activities in advance (like a cruise to Milford Sound), or is it not essential?
Thanks
We’ll be in New Zealand starting March 15th. We’re considering renting a car from Christchurch to Auckland. We’ve read that a lot of ferries have been canceled—is that true? Would it be better to rent one car in the South Island and another in the North Island? Thanks, and happy New Year!
Hi,
When I hear our French friends talk about them, they’re the most beautiful islands in the world.
For those of you who’ve traveled extensively, is that really the case?
Are the prices for accommodation, even basic ones, justified? Isn’t a room in a family-run guesthouse at 150/200 € a bit much?
Are there other islands in Polynesia (non-French) that are just as "paradise-like" but more affordable?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.






