After an amazing wedding, we set off on our dream honeymoon to French Polynesia! We visited Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Rangiroa, each island offering its own stunning landscapes and adventures. Here’s a recap of our incredible journey:

We flew from Honolulu to Tahiti on Hawaiian Airlines, and thanks to using miles, our tickets only cost us $11! We landed in Papeete around 9 PM and began going through customs—only to realize that everyone had a form to fill out that we somehow missed! Lesson learned: always double-check for paperwork when arriving in a new country.

After clearing customs, we spent the night in Tahiti before continuing our journey to Bora Bora the next morning.

After an early flight, we arrived in Bora Bora and were taken by boat to the Four Seasons, immediately in awe of the unreal blue waters. Our overwater bungalow was everything we imagined, with breathtaking views and water so clear we could see fish swimming below. The resort itself was a paradise with countless picturesque spots perfect for soaking in the island's beauty.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with champagne and snacks, setting the tone for a luxurious stay. Throughout our time here, we received more champagne from friends and even won an extra bottle after we both made a hole-in-one during putt-putt! We also played pickle ball, went snorkeling in the hotel’s lagoon, and enjoyed the hot tub at the spa.

For adventure, our jet ski tour took us on a full loop around the island, with our guide showing us her favorite spots along the way. We even saw a few stingrays! The water was so vibrant and clear that it felt surreal. Whether exploring by jet ski or simply lounging on our bungalow deck, the beauty of Bora Bora was unforgettable.

The next day, we flew back to Tahiti and took the ferry to Moorea, just a short 30-minute ride away. Moorea had a completely different vibe—lush, mountainous, and perfect for adventure. Here, we stayed at a scenic villa with a plunge pool on the balcony!

While on Moorea, we did an ATV tour through the jungle, which took us to stunning viewpoints and even past freshwater eels (yes, we pet them!). We also stopped at a juice factory to try local tropical flavors and went on a hike to a beautiful swing through the island’s lush landscapes.

Another highlight was our fishing charter, where we hand-lined two good-sized albacore tuna and a skipjack tuna (Bri may or may not have struggled to lift the big tuna for a picture!). To finish the day, our fishing captain took us to swim with sharks and stingrays. Initially, we planned to take the last ferry back to Tahiti, but our guide kindly offered to prepare our fresh catch for us, so we decided to stay an extra night. It was absolutely worth it—the freshest tuna we’ve ever had! We also had some amazing food, including parrot fish stuffed with crab, escargot, steak from New Zealand, and a burger topped with foie gras and duck breast, all of which were highlights of our culinary adventure.

Next, we flew to Rangiroa, where our wonderful Airbnb host greeted us and gave us a quick tour of the island. The following morning, we set off on a boat excursion, stopping first at Tiputa Pass to watch dolphins jumping in the waves. Then, we visited a small private island at the Blue Lagoon, where there were tons of sharks swimming around. For lunch, the tour guides grilled BBQ chicken, coconut bread, fresh fish, and more which was absolutely delicious. To end the day, we snorkeled at "the aquarium," where we saw lots of vibrant fish swimming.

Afterward, our Airbnb host arranged a special Valentine’s Day dinner for us at the Mai Tai hotel. The meal was a romantic 3-course feast that was the perfect way to celebrate our love. Our Airbnb host was so incredibly helpful throughout our stay. She not only helped us book excursions and dinner reservations but also made us breakfast each morning. The only challenge was the significant language barrier, but it was clear that she went above and beyond to make our honeymoon special.

Finally, we headed back to Tahiti, where we spent some time walking around downtown Papeete and bought beautiful Tahitian pearl jewelry.

The next day, we rented a car and drove around the island. First, we visited the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, where we learned a lot about the local culture. Then, we explored the Mara'a Grotto, the Venus Lighthouse, and checked out the famous Teahupoo surf spot, where the 2024 surfing Olympics were held. Thankfully, this was the only day it rained, as it was the rainy season (low season), and it was supposed to rain the whole following week, so we felt extremely lucky!