How to Get to Bora Bora From Hawaii [2025 Guide] ✈️
To get to Bora Bora from Hawaii, you must first fly from a Hawaiian airport, such as Honolulu (HNL), to Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, as Bora Bora does not have an international airport.
If you’re living in or vacationing in Hawaii and dreaming of hopping over to the stunning lagoons of Bora Bora, you might be wondering: Is there a direct flight? While there are no direct flights from Hawaii to Bora Bora, the journey is quite straightforward with just a couple of connections.
In this 2025 guide, I’ll break down the easiest routes, flight times, costs, and tips so you can plan your tropical escape from Hawaii to Bora Bora.
✈️ Step 1: Fly From Hawaii to Los Angeles or San Francisco
Your first step is catching a flight from Honolulu (HNL) or another Hawaiian island to a West Coast hub, usually Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).
- HNL → LAX
- Duration: ~5 hrs 30 mins
- Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, United, American
- Cost: $250 – $500 one-way
- HNL → SFO
- Duration: ~5 hrs 10 mins
- Airlines: United, Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines
- Cost: $240 – $480 one-way
LAX is the most popular and reliable connection point for flights to French Polynesia.
✈️ Step 2: Fly From Los Angeles or San Francisco to Tahiti (PPT)
Next, you’ll fly to Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, the main entry point to French Polynesia.
- LAX → PPT
- Airlines: Air Tahiti Nui, United, Delta, Air France
- Duration: ~8 hrs
- Cost: $750 – $1,200 one-way
- SFO → PPT
- Airlines: United, French Bee
- Duration: ~8 hrs 30 mins
- Cost: $700 – $1,100 one-way
Most travelers choose the LAX → PPT route because it offers daily flights.
✈️ Step 3: Fly From Tahiti to Bora Bora (BOB)
Your final leg is a short domestic island flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora.
- Route: PPT → BOB
- Airline: Air Tahiti
- Duration: ~50 minutes
- Cost: $250 – $400 one-way
- Frequency: Multiple daily flights
If you arrive in Tahiti late at night, it’s common to stay overnight in Papeete and take the morning flight to Bora Bora.
Total Travel Time Hawaii → Bora Bora
- Via Los Angeles: ~18–20 hrs (with layovers)
- Via San Francisco: ~19–21 hrs
Estimated Round-Trip Costs (2025)
- Economy Class: $1,600 – $2,400
- Premium Economy: $2,500 – $3,300
- Business Class: $4,000 – $6,000
Booking flights 3–6 months in advance gives you the best deals.
⛵ Transfers in Bora Bora
Once you land at Bora Bora Airport (BOB) on Motu Mute island, you’ll need a boat transfer to your resort:
- Luxury Resorts (Four Seasons, St. Regis, Conrad, InterContinental): Private speedboats ($100 – $250 per person).
- Budget Resorts & Guesthouses: Shared boats and ferries are available at lower prices.
Best Time to Visit Bora Bora From Hawaii
- Dry Season (May – October): Sunny, low humidity, and perfect for water activities.
- Wet Season (November – April): Hotter, more rainfall, but cheaper hotels and fewer tourists.
If you want the best weather, travel between June and August, which also coincides with Hawaii’s busy summer season.
Summary Table – Hawaii to Bora Bora
| Route | Duration (One-Way) | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| HNL → LAX → PPT → BOB | 18–20 hrs | $1,600 – $2,400 |
| HNL → SFO → PPT → BOB | 19–21 hrs | $1,700 – $2,500 |
❓ FAQs – How to Get to Bora Bora From Hawaii
Q1. Are there direct flights from Hawaii to Bora Bora?
No, you’ll need at least two connections (HNL → LAX/SFO → PPT → BOB).
Q2. What’s the fastest route from Hawaii to Bora Bora?
The quickest is HNL → LAX → PPT → BOB, taking ~18 hrs total.
Q3. How much does it cost to fly from Hawaii to Bora Bora in 2025?
Expect round-trip economy fares of $1,600 – $2,400.
Q4. Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Bora Bora?
No, U.S. travelers can stay in French Polynesia up to 90 days visa-free.
Q5. How long is the flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora?
Just 50 minutes with Air Tahiti.
Q6. Can I use Hawaiian Airlines to get part of the way?
Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers flights from HNL → LAX or HNL → SFO, which connect perfectly with flights to Tahiti.
✨ From the aloha vibes of Hawaii to the paradise lagoons of Bora Bora, the journey is long but completely worth it once you’re relaxing in an overwater bungalow surrounded by turquoise waters.