words by Oceania Cruises

You’ll hear the strum of ukuleles and smell the sweet bloom of tropical tiare flowers long after you leave. The aquamarine blues of the lagoon, the piquant lime of fresh poisson cru, and the warm smile of locals will be alive in your mind long after your journey ends. French Polynesia is one of those far corners of the world that has a deep-rooted culture and spirit all its own – mana – that’s alive and thriving. When you visit, you can’t help but take a piece of it home with you.

In 2025, there are so many ways to experience the unique mana, culture, and cuisine of French Polynesia on their new exotic voyages in the South Pacific. A cruise is the ultimate way to enjoy these stunning destinations that offer a utopia of cultural encounters, memorable adventures, and pristine natural surroundings. Even better, four of the seven new journeys link French Polynesia to the stunning Hawaiian Islands.

The new cruises will visit French Polynesia and Hawaii during the ideal months of August, September, and October, when the regions experience abundant sunshine, pleasant, balmy temperatures, and lower humidity. Itineraries span the gorgeous blue lagoon of Bora Bora, the black sand beaches of Tahiti, the colorful coral reefs of Raiatea, the soaring mountains in the verdant jungles of Nuku Hiva, and more.

Sailing from Tahiti or Honolulu, the seven new voyages range from 10 to 18 days, allowing you plenty of time for exploration, adventure, and relaxation in these stunning regions of the world. While Tahiti may feel worlds away, the gateway of Papeete is readily accessible to visitors by flight from New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Sydney, with convenient 8-hour non-stop flights from Los Angeles and 5-hour non-stop flights out of Auckland. Similarly, Honolulu is just a 6-hour direct flight away from Los Angeles and an 8 ½-hour direct flight from Auckland.

What are you waiting for?

JOURNEYS TO MANA: NEW SUMMER SAILINGS IN 2025

Polynesian Dreams: 15 days from Honolulu to Papeete aboard Regatta
Departs August 1 and September 15, 2025, which offers the itinerary in reverse.
Soak up the soothing sunlight and balmy breezes of Hawaii and French Polynesia, where gin-clear lagoons lap at the foot of luxuriantly verdant mountains. With an overnight stay in Bora Bora, immerse yourself in a pearlescent Pacific paradise.

Tahitian Legends: 10 days from Papeete to Papeete aboard Regatta
Departs August 16, 26, and September 5, 2025.
In the South Pacific, there is a legend that after the gods created the earth, they created the islands of the South Pacific to be their home. Discover heaven on earth on this incredible exploration of paradise that features an overnight stay in Bora Bora as well as Papeete.

Divine Pacific Oases: 15 days from Honolulu to Papeete aboard Regatta
Departs September 30, 2025.
Bask in the bliss of the Pacific’s verdant volcanic islands and surreal atolls, which boast translucent lagoons, roaring waterfalls, and enthralling Polynesian traditions. In iconic Bora Bora, relish an overnight stay in this heaven on earth.

Song of Polynesia: 18 days from Papeete to Los Angeles aboard Regatta
Departs October 15, 2025.
For over two sun-drenched weeks, immerse yourself in the spellbinding culture and landscapes of Hawaii and French Polynesia. Hike to secluded waterfalls, marvel at moonlike lava fields, float in aquamarine lagoons, and relax during ample days at sea.

Eat Your Way Through French Polynesia & Hawaii
One of the best ways to delve into the local island culture is through food, and visitors will find that both French Polynesia and Hawaii serve up some mouth-watering specialties, famous foods, and exotic dishes.

Try poisson cru: French Polynesia’s version of ceviche; this dish features local raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice, often with vegetables. You’ll have plenty of chances to try it on a variety of excursions, and you’ll regularly see it on local menus.

The mahi mahi burger and a mai tai at Bloody Mary’s in Bora Bora are not to be missed. The thatched-roof restaurant with sand floors has served well-known faces, including Jimmy Buffet, Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones, and movie star couple Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell – it’s an experience to remember.

Don’t pass on the breadfruit: Called uru in Tahitian, this strangely versatile starch will appear on the table prepared in more ways than you can keep track of and is quintessentially French Polynesian. A staple form on Nuku Hiva involves roasting it over hot coals and then mashing it with coconut milk to create a dish called kaka.

You can’t visit Hawaii without trying traditional poke; a raw fish bowl favored for its simplicity and freshness. Though all sorts of variations have become famous dishes the world over, try ahi poke or tako poke – octopus – in its birthplace for a true taste of the classic dish.

A must-have at luaus, kalua pork is another Hawaiian favorite you’ll find across the islands. The traditional method of slow roasting the pork in an imu, or underground pit, and seasoning it with local sea salt results in a succulent, smoky meat typically paired with rice and sauteed cabbage or coleslaw.

Which Polynesia journey will lead you to mana in 2025? Explore more South Pacific voyages here.