SD › Tahiti › Hibiscus Review
Updated: January 19, 2021
By Santorini Dave
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The outdoor pool at Hotel Hibiscus is surrounded by lush greenery.
Hotel Hibiscus – Exquisite bungalows and adorable beach, with pool and convenience.
Handily midway along the village of Hauru, this perennially popular resort offers detached bungalows spread across vast lawns dotted with palms, but only one directly faces the sea. Featuring kitchenettes and an alluring traditional design, they’re all individually decorated inside. Some comfortably fit in extra beds, while the single Family Studio sleeps up to five, and most have air-conditioning. Less appealing – but still serviceable – are the motel-style rooms facing the sizable pool. The petite cove of white sand leading to blue-green waters is more inviting than beaches at most other nearby hotels, with an additional raised section created by a breakwater.
Hotel Hibiscus – The Basics
- Location: In the center of the village of Hauru along the northwest coast of Moorea Island. About 25 km from the airport and 30 km from the ferry terminal for services to Tahiti.
- Guests: Most guests seem to be older, with many returning year after year.
- Beach: The beach is clean, sandy, and shady. Considerably better than those at other resorts.
- Views: Only 1 bungalow faces the sea with perfect unobstructed views. Others are among the gardens, and a few of these may offer glimpses of the water.
- Wi-Fi: Not provided for free to guests.
- Parking: Plenty of free and secure parking near the entrance.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: (689) 40 56 12 20
- Email: hibiscus@hotel-hibiscus.pf
- Website: hotel-hibiscus.pf
Hotel Hibiscus – Amenities
- Pool: Large enough for the limited number of guests, but not much shade, and would be better alongside the beach.
- Spa & Fitness Center: Not expected or provided at this sort of midrange cluster of bungalows.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: Not expected or provided.
- Activities: Rental of kayaks available, but not for free.
Hotel Hibiscus – Food and Drink
- Restaurant & Bar: Le Sunset offers open-air and undercover seating facing the sea and a vibrant décor. The chef is French, but happily prepares local specialties and Italian food. Also buffet breakfasts (which are available to the public).
- Breakfast: Not included, but a buffet breakfast can be ordered for an extra cost. Half/full board options also available including breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner.
- Room Service: Not available.
Hotel Hibiscus – Rooms
- Room Types: Bungalow with Garden or Lagoon Views • Superior Lagoon View Bungalow • Air-conditioned Room • 1 Family Studio
- Smoking Rooms: Not permitted in or near the rooms, but no one stops guests from puffing away on the beach or in the gardens.
- Best Room: Superior Lagoon View Bungalows feature a traditional design but are contrastingly modern inside. The solitary bungalow facing the sea is the one to book.
- For families: Most bungalows and rooms can squeeze in an extra single bed, while the Family Studio can fit up to 5.
Hotel Hibiscus – What’s Nearby?
Best Nearby Restaurants & Bars
These places are within a short walk along the main road.
- La Plantation – All-day dining for French and vegetarian meals at the Sofitel hotel. Gorgeous garden location and extensive wine list. Try the tofu stuffed with mango. 300m north.
- Le Lézard Jaune Café – Classy bistro for cuisine gustative and Tahitian food. Lounge bar and children’s meals. 400m south.
- Le Coco D’isle – Hugely popular despite (or because of) the sandy floor. Tahitian, French, and Chinese food and pizza. Evenings only, and takeaways available. Next to Le Lézard.
- Sea You Soon Moorea – Le QG – In Le Petit Village about 500m to the north. Open-air, friendly and inexpensive for pizza, grills, and paninis. Expat hangout and congenial bar.
- Le Motu – Laidback and eclectic menu: pizzas, tacos, crêpes, sandwiches, burgers, and Chinese food. More affordable than rivals, with daily specials. Just past Le Petit Village.
Nearby Market or Grocery
- There are a few convenience stores in the village about 500m to the north.
Local Transport
No public transport around Moorea Island, but 4 or 5 buses run daily between Hauru village and the ferry terminal (but not the airport) to tie in with arrivals/departures. Ask the reception for details. The village is close enough to walk. For further afield, organize an unmetered taxi, or rent a car/motorbike.
Hotel Hibiscus – The Hotel
The Hibiscus is about halfway along the village of Hauru on the west coast of Moorea Island.
The bungalows are spread across lawns with a hilly backdrop.
The pool lacks shade but is a decent size considering there aren’t that many guests.
The hotel is alongside the beach and backs onto undeveloped hills.
A breakwater in front of the hotel creates a raised section of sand.
The raised section of sand doesn’t offer much shade but is broad and clean.
The hotel faces a petite cove of white sand more inviting than most other beaches in the region.
Le Sunset restaurant at the hotel provides seating inside or facing the sea.
The décor in Le Sunset is colorful, and the extensive menu focuses on French and Italian food.
The bar at Le Sunset offers signature cocktails and a vibrant décor.
Almost all bungalows are located in the gardens, with little or no views of the sea.
Some bungalows are clustered together and not as appealing.
The Superior Lagoon View Bungalows are closest to the sea for views, and are more modern inside.
The Air-conditioned Rooms are in a less appealing block near the pool.
Bungalows are spacious, with plenty of wooden furniture and a lofty thatched roof.
The sofa can convert into a single bed for one extra guest.
About 400m south of the hotel, Le Coco D’isle is a popular and casual eatery.
In Le Petit Village, about 500m north of the hotel, QG is a popular hangout for expats and renowned for grills, burgers, and pizza.
La Plantation, about 300m to the north, is another classy bistro for French cuisine.
Le Motu is a laidback café with an extremely varied menu, about 600m north of the hotel.
The best way to explore the west coast of the island is by rented bicycle.
In the center of Hauru village is a sizable park offering shade and views.
Along the west coast of Moorea, the sunsets around Hauru are legendary.
Much of Hauru is pleasingly undeveloped.
About 500m north of the hotel is Le Petit Village, a cluster of likable shops and cafés.
The selection of shops at Le Petit Village is modest but should satisfy most.
All Tahiti Hotel Reviews
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- Fare D’hôtes Tutehau
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- Hotel Kaveka
- Hotel Les Tipaniers
- Hotel Sarah Nui
- Hotel Tahiti Nui
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About Santorini Dave