Seattle–Tahiti Flights, Aranoa's Austral Debut and Cruise Perks

There is a lot moving in French Polynesia at the moment, from a new long-haul link to the North American mainland to a fresh itinerary reaching one of the region's most remote islands. Here is what has caught our eye, with the details as published.

A New Way In from the Pacific Northwest

Hawaiian Airlines, part of Alaska Air Group, has announced year-round nonstop service between Seattle and Papeete, operating three times a week with Airbus A330 aircraft from 11 June 2027. The schedule lists Wednesday, Friday and Saturday departures, and the airline notes same-day connections onward to Bora Bora and Moorea. To mark the launch, introductory round-trip fares are being offered from US$999 to Papeete, subject to availability, and the routes remain subject to government approval. You can read the full announcement here: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines expand global network. Flight-level detail, including the late-evening departure and next-morning arrival, is set out in this route summary, and the introductory fare is also covered by Travel Daily Media.

Aranoa Heads for the Australs and Rapa

Aranoa has announced an inaugural 13-day Austral Islands with Rapa cruise, sailing 6–18 March 2027, with a 20% launch special attached. Rapa is about as far off the usual circuit as French Polynesia gets, so an itinerary built around it is worth watching. Details are currently listed by Tahiti Tourisme.

Cruise Offers Currently on the Table

PONANT's Tempting Tahiti offer gives US$1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom or suite on select Le Jacques Cartier French Polynesia sailings. The 14-night Polynesian Bliss: Marquesas and Tuamotu cruise, 14–28 November 2027, is listed from US$12,430 per person, double occupancy, including port taxes and fees, subject to change and availability. The credit is issued through PONANT's Americas office in USD; the offer details give the full picture.

Separately, PONANT and Paul Gauguin announced on 27 October 2026 reduced cruise deposit rates for new bookings completed by 31 January 2027, with a secondary deposit of 15%. That is a recent change worth knowing about if you are weighing a booking; the report sets out the terms.

Hotel Savings and Island Stays

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is currently offering up to 25% off with its Advance saver rate, plus up to 10% extra for ALL members, as listed on its early-booking page.

Over on Bora Bora, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has a listed offer of US$100 per night on premium rooms when staying two nights, detailed on Marriott Bonvoy's Bora Bora offers page.

Hilton Hotel Tahiti currently lists savings of up to 10% or 20% depending on advance purchase pricing, and up to 20% off the Stay Longer in Paradise package at select properties; see the hotel's offers page. Sister property Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa lists up to 20% off with the Honors Tahitian Escape offer on its hotel page, and publishes festive-season pricing of XPF 25,000 or XPF 35,000 per adult, with children 5–11 at 50% off and infants 0–4 free, on its festive season page.

For something more secluded, Vahine Private Island by Pearl Resorts lists low-season rates from €1,900 per night, according to TourMag.

Getting Around the Islands

Air Moana is offering 10% off Premium fares across Tahiti and the Islands with promo code PREMIUM10, for travel until 10 January 2027, as shown on its offer page.

Keep dreaming, and keep planning — the islands have a way of rewarding both.