The allure of French Polynesia is intoxicating. It’s the beat of pahu drums, the smell of tiaré flowers on the wind, the vivid blues of the sea, and swaying palms with a breeze that ever-so-perfectly tickles your skin.
Here, days may range from those on a lounge chair, ordering another rum punch, to ones spent trekking past coconut trees in the presence of Ancient Polynesian temples. You may even surf the region’s infamous waves—however you choose to divide your time, French Polynesia has decidedly more to offer than most people give it credit for. (No wonder Marlon Brando was so enamored he bought an entire atoll here in the ’60s—it’s now home to the dreamy Brando resort.)
This diversity of experiences is a large part of what drew me to plan a trip, yet determining what to pack for French Polynesia was another story. With such a rich itinerary, and little puddle-jumper planes the go-to mode of transportation from one island to the next (translation: it’s a real headache for everyone if you overpack), knowing what to bring and what to wear each day was an art I had to refine in real time. Plus, when visiting such a bucket list destination, getting your packing plan on lock is simply due diligence.
Now as I close my suitcase, leaving The Brando’s Tetiaroa after jaunts in Bora Bora and Tahiti as well, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to pack for French Polynesia—especially if you’re hopping between more than 1 of the 118 islands, which most travelers are. Below are the outfits I wore again and again, strategically missing the block heels and long skirt that withered at the back of my suitcase. Oh and don’t worry: A desire to look half as fabulous as these sceneries was always in the back of my mind, especially since every inch of land is worth documenting—your camera will be out at all times.
Where I stayed:
The private atoll of Tetiaroa lies just 30 miles north of Tahiti, but it may as well be worlds away for its privacy and unspoiled beauty.
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Outfits for daily excursions
On most islands, including Tetiaroa, a mix of water and land excursions are on offer. I learned to always wear a bathing suit under my clothes—the opportunity to get in the water usually manifests—and to lean into waterproof shoes (why risk getting your nice leather sandals soggy?). Bathing suits should fit well, so you can dive off the back of a boat without your bikini top sliding around, but opt for looser clothes, especially if you’re asking for a sunburn or visiting during the sticky summer.
Courtesy of Megan Spurrell
Courtesy of Megan Spurrell
For exploration by land
Everlane The Crochet Knit Tank
This crochet set is breezy and super comfy. It doubles well for inter-island travel days, too.
Everlane The Crochet Knit Short
Sometimes I wore these shorts alone when temperatures rose.
Prada Rubber Logo Chunky-sole Fisherman sandals
Waterproof sandals are essential—especially during the rainy season.
Vanessa Mooney The Sadie bikini top and bikini bottom
This bikini is flattering, and stays in place—the strapless top even has a sleek add-on strap.
Vitamin A Playa Linen Boyfriend Shirt
Always bring a breathable extra layer, in case you get sunburnt or winds pick up (especially when boating back from an adventure).
For snorkeling and scuba adventures
Montce Silk Dye Euro Bow bikini top
Montce makes the best swimsuits. I love this set—it holds up during any activity.
Montce Silk Dye Lulu bikini bottom
Montce’s bottoms come in various coverage options, and the bikini is the middle of the road.
Havaianas Brazil Logo flip-flops
If you don’t have rubber flip-flops in French Polynesia, you’re out of place. I wore them whenever I was headed onto a boat and knew I’d need to be able to easily take them on and off.
Zodiac Watch Super Sea Wolf ceramic watch
Lots of resorts will let you borrow a snorkel and explore solo—but make sure you keep track of time out there.
For boat tours
Mara Hoffman Emma One-Piece
The right swimsuit can function as a top, even out of the water—and Mara Hoffman’s are always comfortable and flattering.
Mara Hoffman crinkled cotton pareo
Some people say all you need to pack for French Polynesia is a pareo—a long skirt, wrap dress, and towel in one.
Krewe Troy polarized lenses
My Krewe sunglasses are so light, yet stayed on during windy boat rides while protecting against harsh ocean glare.
Bruna Borchia necklace
My latest take is that pearls turn a swimsuit into an outfit. I love these (relatively affordable) strands from Bruna, which sources from Tahiti.
For grabbing lunch
Free People Full Of Sunshine cotton-linen mini dress
A loose linen dress won’t rub against sunburns, air breezes through, yet the look is effortlessly chic.
Romualda Spathulata Salvia Grande hat
I’ve loved these ridiculously oversized Romualda hats for years. Flip the brim down when you don’t want to make small talk with anyone.
For dinner at the resort
Naked Cashmere Fabiola reversible cashmere kaftan
I didn’t pack a single sweater for my trip, but when nights got breezy, I was grateful to have this soft-as-a-lamb dress to wear to dinner.
Malist adjustable spaghetti strap cami dress
Take that cashmere kaftan from cover-up to dinner dress with a nude slip under. The best one I’ve ever owned is this $15 number from Amazon.
Crap Eyewear The Void Pixie
My indestructible sunnies are a pair from Crap that I can toss around with no case. I love them. The lenses are lighter, making them perfect just before sunset when the sun isn’t so bright.
Everlane The City Crossover Sandal
Even though I think rubber sandals are key on an island trip, a pair of soft leather sandals can be a nice break when you’re going to dinner.
For hikes (and the gym)
Brooks Running Ghost 16 women’s sneaker
In French Polynesia’s winter, I loved running around the Brando’s island—then jumping in the ocean straight after.
Balega Ultraglide running socks
If you’ll be doing some hiking, make sure to bring blister-protection socks—they also make a good barrier against burs and rocks slipping into my shoes.
Fanka SpeedCool Flow Jacket
This windproof jacket does double-duty on breezy boat rides, and is a nice layer for hikes or runs (just don’t consider it your rain jacket—you’ll be wet in seconds).
Fanka SpeedCool Flow 2-In-1 shorts
Matching shorts mean your gym outfit can still feel pulled together. These were nice and airy, with pockets perfectly sized for holding a hotel room key.
For travel days
Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean
It’s sounds impossible, but these jeans are comfortable enough to take a 12-hour flight in.
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
The Baggu crescent bag does it all—take it on excursions and to dinner, then use it as a personal item.
Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max with front pocket
The only carry-on you’ll ever need.
Must-pack toiletries
When it comes to toiletries, the best hotels in French Polynesia are going to have big dispensers of fabulous shampoo and conditioner, and maybe even reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray. But with so much exposure to sun, sand, and sea, it’s nice to make sure you have products you know you love, easily on hand—and remember, the spaciousness of island resorts means you don’t want to be running back to your room every hour for something.
For your day-bag
Kinfield Cloud Cover
A reliable, reef-safe, mineral body sunscreen that actually rubs in.
Kinfield Golden Hour wipes
A less-mess alternative to bug spray.
Colorscience Sunforgettable Face Shield Glow
This sunscreen blends to your skin tone, offering solid mineral coverage and a lovely smoothing effect.
For your Dopp kit
760 Skin Dew or Dry facial moisturizer
Pack a moisturizer that won’t make you sweat when the climate gets humid.
Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
My cure-all for dry skin (leave it on overnight), quick makeup removal after swimming, and even parched hands on the plane over.
Glossier lip liner
When you want that no-makeup makeup look, a nude lip liner and moisturized skin goes a long way.
Other essentials
You really could just pack a bikini and pareo and call it a day—but hey, if you’re already filling a suitcase, a few creature comforts can’t hurt. You’re already in paradise, why not make sure you have the exact things you need to settle in?
Athletic Greens Travel Packs
On every trip where I refuse to get sick or let anything hold me back, I pack Athletic Greens for a dose of nutrition in the morning. This helped balance my diet of poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk) and little else.
Yogi Tea Sweet Strawberry digestive support tea bags
Likewise, I love winding down a day of good vacation eating with a calming tea that aids digestion (plus, very few hotels reliably have decaf tea in the room, so I always bring my own).
Canon Sure Shot 80u 35mm date camera
While any camera could capture those vibrant ocean blues, I know the memories will feel extra special on film.
Fujifilm Fujicolor 200 color negative film
Pack plenty of extra film for your camera so you can snap away without a care.
Swell: A Sailing Surfer’s Voyage of Awakening by Captain Liz Clark
Stoke your adventurous side with this book about Liz Clark’s sailing from the US to French Polynesia.
The Limits by Nell Freudenberger
Or tuck into a novel set half on the island of Mo’orea, which gave me both historical and cultural context for the area, along with a great plotline I couldn’t step away from.
Sea to Summit lightweight dry bag set
You will be living in bathing suits here—and there will never be enough time for them to try before you have to pack up and head to your next destination. These bags make it easy to seal your wet suit away in the meantime.
Davek The Davek Mini
During the rainy season, a 10-min downpour can always strike—keep a tiny umbrella in your bag just in case.
