South Pacific Journey. Honolulu to Pape'ete with Hawaiian Airlines. Tahiti French Polynesia. April 2025

 12th April 2025
Hawaiian Airlines operates a weekly flight to Pape'ete, the capital of French Polynesia. 

Honolulu Airport serves as the main hub for Hawaiian Airlines, and they've recently opened a sleek new terminal. 

We returned our car to Sixt 🚗 and checked in for our flight in Economy Comfort. As this was an international journey, we were allowed one piece of luggage to be checked in as hold baggage.
Hawaiian Airlines' IT system is quite advanced. We checked in using the kiosks, received our boarding passes 🎫 and luggage tags 🏷️, and then dropped our bags off at the designated area. 

Our luggage was weighed, and that’s when things got tricky. My suitcase had weighed 22.5 kg on the last three flights, two of which were with Hawaiian. But now, it was showing 24 kg ⚖️. When I questioned why it was heavier despite the contents being the same, I was met with a blank stare 😐 and a prompt to pay an extra US$50.00 💳. 

The phrase “Hawaii is an expensive island, expect it” was again repeated, just as we’d heard at the Sixt car rental counter. While we’d enjoyed our time in Hawaii, this attitude really soured the experience 😤 and left a bad taste.

On a more positive note, the airport terminal itself was lovely 😍, with a fantastic burger restaurant staffed by some very friendly people—such a refreshing contrast to the cold, indifferent baggage worker.

Hawaiian Airlines Aircraft at Honolulu 

Our flight was on a brand-new Airbus A300-200 ✈️. The seats were very comfortable with ample legroom. There wasn’t any seat-back entertainment, but each seat had a place to clip in your own tablet, plus USB ports and free Wi-Fi. We were offered a complimentary snack and a choice of soft drinks. All in all, the flight was smooth and enjoyable, though it was unfortunate that it started on such a sour note.
Upon arriving at Pape'ete Airport, things got a bit chaotic 😬. With only two customs booths open for three international flights, we waited in line for over an hour and a half. When we finally got to the counter, we were stamped with a standard European passport stamp .
We then took a taxi  to our accommodation, the Grand Large Apartment. It was absolutely stunning 😍—spacious with a fully-equipped kitchen, a large bed 🛏️, a great bathroom, and an amazing outdoor dining and sitting area. The apartment also had a lovely pool, which we took full advantage of the next day.

Tahiti, French Polynesia 

13th April 2025
I stepped onto the balcony with my morning cup of tea ☕ and was greeted by the most breath-taking view.  The apartment really exceeded all expectations.
It was a hot 15-minute downhill walk 🚶‍♀️ to the Carrefour supermarket. Since it was Sunday, I wasn’t sure if any restaurants would be open, so we decided to grab supplies for dinner. 

Carrefour is a French supermarket, so it felt just like being back in France—with a fantastic selection of cheeses and fresh baguettes 🥖. The walk back was definitely more challenging, given the steep uphill climb. After a refreshing swim, we strolled into Pape'ete town and wandered along the promenade , soaking in the French atmosphere in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. 

Discovering the Charm of Papa tee: A Hidden Gem Beyond the Guidebooks

When I first mentioned I was heading to Tahiti and Papatee, I was met with a surprising number of raised eyebrows and cautious warnings. The guidebooks, which I poured over in preparation for my trip, are pretty harsh on this island. Words like "overcrowded," "dirty," and "not a paradise island" seemed to pop up again and again. So I was pleasantly surprised and I completely disagree with those descriptions. In fact, I absolutely loved it!

A First Glimpse of Papatee

Papatee, often mistaken for a typical overcrowded tourist trap, has so much more to offer than what the guidebooks would have you believe. Yes, it’s true that it's more developed than some of the more remote islands of the Pacific. Yes, the streets can get a little busy and yes, there’s definitely an urban vibe in some parts of town. But I’d argue that these elements only add to the island's character.

As I walked through the bustling streets on my first day, I felt the pulse of a real, living, breathing community. This was no sterile, picture-perfect postcard island, but rather a place where people live, work, and play—a contrast to the usual "untouched paradise" that’s often sold to tourists.

The Real Papatee: Imperfections Make It Beautiful

One of the most striking things about Papatee is how honest it is. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. Sure, some areas could use a bit of tidying up here and there, but it’s all part of the charm. The little stalls, the vibrant street markets, and the hum of daily life on the island all felt so authentic. It was easy to see that the island’s character wasn’t crafted for tourists but had developed naturally over time.

Papatee is far from being a perfect, polished tourist destination, but that’s exactly what I loved about it. The rough edges give the island an edge of realness, something that’s often missing in other over-polished resorts. The people here, with their genuine warmth, are what make the island feel like home.

Overcrowded? Not So Much

Many travellers may argue that Papatee is overcrowded, but I didn’t find that to be the case at all. Yes, there are areas where people gather, like the downtown market area, but it never felt uncomfortably packed or overwhelming. Even during the busiest times of the day, there was an easy flow to things, with plenty of quiet corners to escape to. I found a few beautiful, less-traveled beaches that were completely serene, with hardly a soul in sight.

If you’re after total isolation, sure, you might need to head to a more remote spot, but if you want an island that feels alive and full of energy, Papatee strikes that balance perfectly.

The Hidden Treasures of Papatee

What really won me over was the little moments—the stuff the guidebooks won’t tell you about. Take the time to wander around, talk to the locals, and explore beyond the usual tourist spots. I stumbled upon a local bar by the harbor that served the most delicious drinks. The owner, an elderly lady with a twinkle in her eye, shared stories about the island's history while I sipped my brew, feeling like I was part of something much bigger than just a tourist passing through.

Embracing the Papatee Experience

Papatee isn't the postcard-perfect destination that some travelers might expect, but that's what makes it special. It’s a reminder that true paradise isn’t always about glossy beaches and perfectly manicured resorts. It's about experiencing life as it happens, flaws and all.

So, for those who are looking for an adventure beyond the pages of a guidebook, I say: go to Papatee with an open mind. Ignore the harsh reviews and discover the magic that lies beneath the surface. This island isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity. And trust me, that’s something worth traveling for.

For me it was Love at First Sight and I wish I had elected to stay longer 💖