For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to spend the night in an overwater bungalow. It’s been a huge bucket list item for me since I first created my bucket list, but realistically, I had no idea how to accomplish it as a wheelchair user. In the past, I had researched overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, the Maldives, and Bora Bora, but they either weren’t wheelchair accessible or they were way too complicated to reach (involving small seaplanes or flights, which couldn’t even hold my heavy power wheelchair).
But finally, I discovered a potential accessible option on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. It took several months to figure out all of the accessibility logistics, but I eventually felt comfortable enough to book the trip. I was so beyond excited for this adventure and in November 2025, my mom, our friend Kayla, and I began our journey to Moorea!
Over the next ten days, we had the trip of a lifetime. From seeing Polynesian dance shows to swimming in the clearest water we’ve ever seen and relaxing in a beautiful (and wheelchair accessible!) overwater bungalow, Moorea truly blew us away. And I’m so thrilled that it was possible as a wheelchair user!
Below, I am sharing all of the details about my trip. If you want to learn about wheelchair accessible transportation options, the great resort we stayed at, or accessible activities in Moorea, it’s all covered below. By the time you finish reading this article, I’m sure you’ll be itching to book a trip to Moorea, French Polynesia yourself!
Wheelchair Accessible Transportation in French Polynesia
When we landed at Faa’a International Airport (Papeete Airport) in Tahiti, I was honestly a bit nervous about how we would make it to Moorea with my power wheelchair. Thankfully, I had booked an accessible transfer with a local driver named Robert Carpentier, and he immediately put me at ease. He met us right outside of baggage claim with a smile and a van equipped with portable ramps. The ramps are on the steeper side, but I was able to get in and out with some help, and it was such a relief to have an accessible option waiting for us.
From the airport, Robert drove us to the nearby ferry terminal so we could take the car ferry to Moorea. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and is surprisingly accessible. I needed to exit the vehicle for the crossing, but the crew helped guide us to the indoor seating area where there was plenty of space to relax and enjoy the views. The ferry also had an accessible restroom onboard, which was so helpful and allowed me to feel comfortable for the entire ride.
Once we arrived on Moorea, we exited the ferry and reunited with Robert on the other side. He handled the ferry tickets for us, so we did not have to worry about logistics at all. From there, he drove us directly to our resort, and that first glimpse of the island already made the months of planning feel worth it. If you are a wheelchair user planning a trip to Moorea, I highly recommend reaching out to Robert for accessible transportation. He was kind, knowledgeable, and made our journey feel completely stress free. You can contact him by emailing carpentier.r59[AT]gmail[DOT]com
During our time on Moorea, we also learned about another accessible vehicle option owned by a local woman named Gisele. She can be reached on WhatsApp at +689 87 31 16 90. Her portable ramps are different from the ones Robert uses, and for my 400 lb power wheelchair, I personally did not feel they were the safest option. However, Robert left his ramps with Gisele during our tours, and that setup worked out well for us. It is just something to be aware of so you can decide what feels safest for your own chair and comfort level.
Where to Stay: Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
For our trip, we chose to stay at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, and it could not have been a more perfect choice for an accessible trip to French Polynesia. Our home for ten nights was a wheelchair accessible overwater bungalow, and yes, it was just as dreamy as it sounds.
The overwater bungalow had one king sized bed that was 29 inches tall with enough clearance underneath for a hoyer lift. There was also a sofa bed, and the entire bungalow was very spacious. One of my favorite features was the glass floor section in the bedroom, where we could watch fish swimming underneath our bungalow throughout the day.
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The bathroom was very accessible and thoughtfully designed. There was a large roll in shower with grab bars, a pull under sink, and the resort provided a shower seat for me to use.
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The private deck deserves its own mention because it was absolutely stunning. It was wheelchair accessible and offered beautiful views of the lagoon and beach. From the deck, there were steps and a ladder leading down into the water, which I could not personally use, but it was still an incredible place to relax and take in the scenery.
Throughout the resort, there are smooth paved paths that made it easy for me to get around in my power wheelchair. The upper part of the beach has hard packed sand, and I was able to roll on it fairly easily. The resort does not have beach wheelchairs, but the staff went above and beyond to help me enjoy the water.
They carried me from my wheelchair into the lagoon using my Perfect Lift transfer sling, and it worked flawlessly. The staff was always willing to assist, and their help made a huge difference in my experience. You do need to bring your own transfer sling with you.
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The pool is zero entry, which is great for accessibility, but there is no pool lift available. The staff offered to help me into the pool if I wanted (by using the transfer sling again), which made me feel welcomed.
I also spent time at the spa during our stay. The main entrance is not wheelchair accessible, but there is an accessible side entrance. I enjoyed a couple of facials, and they were fantastic. The staff made sure I was comfortable and relaxed the entire time.
There are multiple restaurants and bars throughout the resort, and all of them are wheelchair accessible. My favorite spot was Toatea Creperie, where we enjoyed delicious sweet and savory crepes while watching sharks swim in the lagoon below our table. Rotui Bar & Grill was another favorite, serving Tahitian dishes, great seafood, and also burgers and pizza.
Several nights each week, the resort hosts dinner shows with a large buffet and traditional Polynesian entertainment. The food had plenty of options, and the performances were excellent. Watching the dancing and listening to the live music was such a fun way to end the day and made our evenings at the resort feel extra special.
Overall, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa exceeded every expectation I had. It proved that an overwater bungalow experience can be wheelchair accessible, and I would return in a heartbeat.
Watch my short video below about accessibility at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort –
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Accessible Things to Do on Moorea
While on Moorea, we wanted to get out and experience some of the island’s best sights. Gisele and her team drove us around the island, using Robert’s portable ramps. If you use a manual wheelchair, the ramps that Gisele already has would likely be completely fine, but if you use a heavier power wheelchair like me, you’ll need to check to see which ramps will be best for you to enter/exit the vehicle.
These are five accessible experiences I personally loved and would recommend in Moorea:
Tiki Village Moorea
We had an amazing evening at the Tiki Village dinner show. From the moment we arrived, the music, dancing, and storytelling made the entire place feel alive with Polynesian culture.
Dinner was a total feast. We had pig that was smoked in the ground and unbelievably tender, vegetables cooked in traditional style, tons of sides, and an entire table full of desserts. There were so many options that I honestly wanted to try everything.
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After dinner, the show was incredibly entertaining, with traditional dancing, fire stunts, and beautiful Polynesian music. The show lasted about 90 minutes and I was thoroughly entertained the entire time. We had a perfect view from our accessible seats as well.
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Much of the ground throughout the village was sand, but it was hard packed enough that I could roll around fairly easily in my wheelchair. It was truly an unforgettable evening and one of my favorite experiences on Moorea.
Manutea Tahiti Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery
Visiting the Manutea Tahiti Rotui Juice Factory and Distillery was one of my favorite stops on Moorea. It was a great mix of culture, local flavors, and an easy experience from an accessibility standpoint.
We started with a guided tasting, where I sampled a variety of their juices and liquors. Everything was clearly explained, and it was really interesting to learn how the products are made using local fruits from French Polynesia. The tasting area was wheelchair accessible, and I never felt rushed, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
One thing I really appreciated is that this stop is just as fun for people who do not drink alcohol. In addition to the liquors, they offer a wide range of juices, so everyone can fully participate. That makes it a great option for families or mixed groups.
After the tasting, we spent time browsing the onsite store. It was spacious enough for my wheelchair, and I picked up a few bottles to bring home as souvenirs. If you are looking for a uniquely Polynesian gift that is easy to transport and genuinely local, this is a fantastic place to shop.
Snack Mahana
Snack Mahana was one of my favorite meals on Moorea and a place I would absolutely return to. It is a casual beachfront restaurant with incredible food and a relaxed island vibe that feels very authentic.
The restaurant itself is wheelchair accessible, but the tables are set directly on the beach in sand. I chose one of the tables closest to the building, where the sand was more hard packed, and I was able to manage it in my wheelchair without too much difficulty. It is something to be aware of, but it did not take away from the experience for me.
I ordered the poisson cru, and it was phenomenal. The fish was incredibly fresh, perfectly seasoned, and unlike anything I have had elsewhere. It was easily my favorite dish on Moorea and one of those meals I will be thinking about long after the trip.
Between the ocean views, the laid back atmosphere, and the unforgettable food, Snack Mahana is a must visit if you are looking for an authentic and accessible dining experience on the island.
Belvedere Lookout Point
Belvedere Lookout Point is one of the most iconic viewpoints on Moorea, and I am so glad we were able to stop here. The drive up alone is beautiful, winding through lush greenery and opening up to some truly jaw dropping scenery.
Once you arrive, there is a paved viewing area that made it easy for me to access the lookout in my wheelchair. I was able to roll right up to the viewpoint and take in the sweeping panoramic views without feeling limited or excluded.
From the lookout, you can see deep green mountains, dramatic peaks, and the surrounding bays all in one stunning view. It is the kind of place where you want to pause, take photos, and just soak in how beautiful Moorea really is.
If you are visiting Moorea as a wheelchair user, Belvedere Lookout Point is an absolute must. It is one of the few elevated viewpoints on the island that is truly accessible, and it offers some of the most incredible scenery you will see anywhere in French Polynesia.
MATE Tattoo Moorea
I have been tattooed in some pretty amazing places around the world, including Thailand and Ireland, and I was thrilled to add a Moorea tattoo to the list.
Mate, the tattoo artist, created a piece for me featuring Polynesian symbols for turtle, sun, whale, and shark, and I absolutely love it. He was fantastic, and I would highly recommend him if you are considering getting tattooed while on the island.
There was one step to get into his studio, but our driver had portable ramps that worked perfectly. Mate also told us that he plans to look into getting a ramp for future customers, which is really encouraging to hear.
Moorea may be a small island, but with the right planning and support, it offers some truly memorable and accessible experiences.
Moorea completely changed what I believed was possible as a wheelchair user. For years, an overwater bungalow felt like an unrealistic dream. But sitting on that deck, watching the water beneath our bungalow, swimming in the lagoon with help from incredible people, and exploring the island showed me that with the right planning and support, even the biggest bucket list dreams can become reality.
If you are a wheelchair user who has ever wondered whether French Polynesia could work for you, I hope this guide helps answer that question and gives you the confidence to start planning. Accessible travel takes extra effort, but experiences like this are proof that it is worth it. Moorea is far more accessible than I ever imagined, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
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