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    Salt free + shark free 🌊 📍Lake Michigan If Salt free + shark free 🌊

📍Lake Michigan

If you’ve never been to the Great Lakes, you have no true understanding of just how huge these freshwater lakes are! People are stunned whenever they first visit that they can’t see the other side of the lakes. Not even close.

Between the surf, strong currents, shipwrecks, unique marine life and vastness, the Great Lakes truly feel like oceans.

The different? No salt to sting your eyes and (arguably more importantly) no scary sharks. 🦈 

Have you ever been to the Great Lakes?
    A different kind of grief. 📍Mount Fremont Fire A different kind of grief.

📍Mount Fremont Fire Lookout in Mount Rainier National Park
    I’m tired. 😭😂 Okayyyy so this all may be I’m tired.

😭😂

Okayyyy so this all may be true, but without Instagram, I never would have started my travel blog over at indigosahara.com, which has had over a MILLION readers.

And I am so thankful for that.

But yeahhh I’m tired. 💀

Follow @indigosahara for daily travel tips + destination guides!! 🤣
    I am girls. 🧺 I am girls. 🧺
    Those are happy tears btw. ✈️ Just booked a b Those are happy tears btw. ✈️

Just booked a business class lay-flat seat from the USA to Japan for $32.69. Yes, really. 🤯

How?

Easy.

First, I opened one new travel credit card with flexible points and responsibly earned the card’s opening bonus.

Then, after I got a @thriftytraveler email alert for Delta One award availability from the USA to Japan, I transferred those flexible points to an airline transfer partner (in this case, Flying Blue to book a Delta One flight through Air France).

Boom. 89,500 points (which is a bargain, by the way) + $32.69 out of pocket later…

I got myself a biz class flight worth $7000 for less than the cost of our Chipotle order. 💸

Want access to my free beginner guide to points and miles? Comment “Beginner” and I’ll send it over ASAP.
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Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Complete Guide To Your Dream Trip

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: June 1, 2022 | Updated: October 31, 2023

Bora Bora vs Hawaii… Which is better? Which is more affordable? Is Bora Bora or Hawaii better for a honeymoon?

Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Complete Guide To Your Dream Trip

Perhaps you’re planning your honeymoon or once-in-a-lifetime dream beach vacation. After all the time, money and energy you’ll spend during the trip planning process, you won’t want any regrets!

Here, you’ll explore the main differences between Bora Bora vs Hawaii (like beach quality, activities, geography, cost and accessibility) so that you can make an informed destination decision on which tropical vacation spot is best for you.

bora bora vs hawaii
bora bora honeymoon
Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Complete Guide To Your Dream Trip

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Are Bora Bora And Hawaii The Same Thing?
  • Is Bora Bora Close To Hawaii?
  • Bora Bora Vs Hawaii Cost
  • Is Bora Bora Or Hawaii Easier To Get To?
  • Is Hawaii Better Than Bora Bora?
  • Which Has Better Beaches, Bora Bora Or Hawaii?
  • Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Which Is Best Overall?
  • More On Bora Bora And Hawaii
  • Save This Guide For Later

Are Bora Bora And Hawaii The Same Thing?

No, Bora Bora and Hawaii are not the same thing. Hawaii (part of the United States) is located in the center of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of North America; whereas, Bora Bora (part of French Polynesia) is located south of Hawaii off the coast of South America.

In addition to the geographical and continental differences of Bora Bora and Hawaii, there are also various other significant differences to traveling to Bora Bora and Hawaii, such as cost, accommodations, activities, languages, beach quality and more.

(Bora Bora on the left, Hawaii on the right.)

bora bora photography
fiji islands

Is Bora Bora Close To Hawaii?

Although Bora Bora is located directly south of Hawaii, these two island regions are not close. Bora Bora is 2527 miles (4066 kilometers) away from Hawaii.

You can’t island hop between Bora Bora and Hawaii without a five-hour flight. So, in terms of planning your dream tropical island trip, it may be logistically best to make two separate vacations out of the two destinations.

(Bora Bora shown below.)

dream vacations

Bora Bora Vs Hawaii Cost

In short, Hawaii is definitely cheaper than Bora Bora.

There are a couple of reasons for this. One, Hawaii is much more accessible than Bora Bora, which we’ll discuss next. Two, the accommodations in Bora Bora are much more luxurious, which means that the accommodations in Bora Bora are also much more expensive on average.

That being said, it is possible to visit Bora Bora on a budget, and even to find affordable overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, so don’t rule this island out quite yet.

(Hawaii shown below.)

moorea french polynesia
bora bora vs hawaii

Is Bora Bora Or Hawaii Easier To Get To?

Hawaii is typically easier to get to than Bora Bora, but it really depends on where you are coming from.

If you are coming from the United States, Hawaii is obviously easier to get to because it is a U.S. state. Flights are widely available from all over the U.S., and no passports are required for entry.

If you are coming from the Australia, Bora Bora is easier to get to because it is geographically much closer than Hawaii. However, you will need a passport, and there may be a language barrier.

Lastly, if you are coming from the U.K., unfortunately neither Hawaii or Bora Bora are very easy to get to. Either destination will likely solicit over 20 hours of flight time.

You can read all about the logistical difficulties of flying to Bora Bora (i.e. strict luggage policies, etc.) in my Bora Bora honeymoon packing guide.

(Hawaii shown below.)

bora bora honeymoon

Most of my readers are from the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, so that’s why these specific regions are covered here. If you’re coming from elsewhere, here are some other factors to consider when thinking about accessibility.

One, the majority of the resorts in Bora Bora are located on private islands, meaning you will need a boat transfer to and from the airport (most resorts have their own transfers). This also means that food is expensive because you won’t have easy access to a main island grocery store.

tahiti vs hawaii
bora bora honeymoon

Two, there are various islands in Hawaii, so don’t settle for the Big Island without doing research. In fact, the most popular Hawaiian islands to visit are off of the Big Island (Maui and Oahu, for example). Luckily, all of these popular islands have airports, so no boat transfers are required.

Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: A Complete Guide For Your Dream Trip
bora bora vs hawaii
Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Complete Guide To Your Dream Trip

Is Hawaii Better Than Bora Bora?

If you prefer jungle adventures to a relaxing beach scene, you will think Hawaii is better than Bora Bora. But, if you’re anticipating the beach vacation of a lifetime, you’ll will think Bora Bora is better than Hawaii.

When it comes to Bora Bora vs Hawaii, the best destination for you depends on your travel activity interests.

If the thought of trekking through bamboo forests, seeing friendly faces, plunging into waterfall pools, surfing, bodyboarding and hopping from ice cream shop to ice cream shop excites you, go to Hawaii — particularly the island of Maui.

bora bora honeymoon

If you’re craving a week of complete relaxation, featuring bright aqua water, thatched-roof bungalows, total seclusion, an occasional dip in the resort infinity pool, snorkeling with rainbow fish, and resort staff to wait on your hand and foot, go to Bora Bora.

bora bora photography

Which Has Better Beaches, Bora Bora Or Hawaii?

Again, it depends on what type of beach activities you’re looking for.

Hawaii offers fantastic beaches for swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and turtle sighting. Moreover, Hawaii is also home to incredible black sand beaches, green sand beaches and red sand beaches that are truly out of this world.

Bora Bora, on the contrary, boasts photogenically blue water, gentle waves, perfectly white sand beaches and fewer shark attacks than Hawaii.

is hawaii better than bora bora?

Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Which Is Best Overall?

Overall, despite the price and inaccessibility, Bora Bora wins the Bora Bora vs Hawaii debate.

Bora Bora is truly unbeatable. Very few places in the world can compete with Bora Bora’s jaw-dropping blue water, luxurious resort property and romantic seclusion.

It’s true that Hawaii is usually a lot cheaper and easier to get to than Bora Bora; however, like many aspects of life, you get what you pay for. And, remember, it is possible to plan a trip to Bora Bora for the same price (if not cheaper) than a trip to Hawaii.

bora bora vs hawaii cost

Which island destination sounds best to you? Have any more questions? Leave a reply below or send me a DM over on my Instagram. Let’s chat!

More On Bora Bora And Hawaii

Bora Bora Travel Guides

How To Do Bora Bora On A Budget
What To Pack For Your Bora Bora Honeymoon
How To Score Cheap Overwater Bungalows In Bora Bora
Is Bora Bora Worth It? A Place Better Than Bora Bora

Hawaii Travel Guides

27 Maui Instagram Spots For Iconic Photos (With Map And Photos)
What To Pack For Maui During The Winter Months
How To Pick A Foolproof Road To Hana Outfit
Where To Take Photos On The Road To Hana (With Map)
13 Best Beaches In Maui To Swim

Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Complete Guide To Your Dream Trip

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By: Indigo Sahara, M.A.

About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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Comments

  1. James Giuffrida says

    December 26, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    Is Bora Bora a practical and affordable place to live full time?

    Reply
    • Indigo Sahara says

      December 27, 2022 at 3:12 pm

      Hi James! Although Bora Bora is absolutely beautiful, I have to say that Hawaii is a much more practical place to live full-time. Neither are necessarily affordable in terms of cost of living, but Hawaii has a lot more resources/conveniences for locals.

      Reply
  2. Mele Luau says

    May 8, 2023 at 6:19 am

    I enjoyed reading your comparison between Bora Bora and Hawaii. Both destinations are truly breathtaking and offer unique experiences for travelers. As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or preferences, but I can provide some additional insights.

    Hawaii is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. With its pristine beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Hawaii offers a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking to hike through lush rainforests, surf some of the world’s best waves, or simply relax on a secluded beach, Hawaii has something to offer.

    On the other hand, Bora Bora is a remote paradise in French Polynesia that offers a more exclusive and luxurious experience. It is renowned for its crystal-clear lagoon, overwater bungalows, and romantic ambiance. Bora Bora is perfect for couples looking for a secluded and intimate getaway, or for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    In terms of logistics, Hawaii is much more accessible and easier to reach, with a wide range of direct flights from major cities around the world. Bora Bora, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging to get to, with limited flights and a more complicated travel itinerary.

    Ultimately, the choice between Bora Bora and Hawaii comes down to personal preferences and travel style. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, culture or luxury, both destinations offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

    I hope this additional information is helpful for you and your readers. Safe travels!

    Reply
    • Indigo Sahara says

      May 8, 2023 at 6:49 pm

      Agreed, 100%! Thank you for your insight!

      Reply
  3. Mele Luau says

    May 9, 2023 at 3:21 am

    Thank you for your informative article comparing Bora Bora and Hawaii. As a language model, I have never been to either destination, but I can certainly understand the appeal of both locations.

    It’s great to see that you have highlighted the unique characteristics of each destination, making it easier for readers to choose between the two. Bora Bora seems to offer a more luxurious, secluded and romantic experience, while Hawaii has a wider variety of activities, attractions and accommodations.

    One thing that stood out to me was your mention of the environmental impact of tourism in Bora Bora, particularly in regards to the overwater bungalows. It’s important to consider the long-term sustainability of these types of accommodations and their effects on the local ecosystem.

    Overall, I think it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of vacation experience you are looking for. Whether it’s a relaxing, intimate getaway or an adventurous, action-packed trip, both Bora Bora and Hawaii have something to offer.

    Thank you for sharing your insights on this topic. I’m sure it will be helpful for those trying to decide between these two beautiful destinations.

    Reply

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I'm Indigo, a 27-year-old full-time travel blogger who's on a mission to make travel accessible to all through budget travel tips and bucket list destination guides.

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Salt free + shark free 🌊 📍Lake Michigan If Salt free + shark free 🌊

📍Lake Michigan

If you’ve never been to the Great Lakes, you have no true understanding of just how huge these freshwater lakes are! People are stunned whenever they first visit that they can’t see the other side of the lakes. Not even close.

Between the surf, strong currents, shipwrecks, unique marine life and vastness, the Great Lakes truly feel like oceans.

The different? No salt to sting your eyes and (arguably more importantly) no scary sharks. 🦈 

Have you ever been to the Great Lakes?
A different kind of grief. 📍Mount Fremont Fire A different kind of grief.

📍Mount Fremont Fire Lookout in Mount Rainier National Park
I’m tired. 😭😂 Okayyyy so this all may be I’m tired.

😭😂

Okayyyy so this all may be true, but without Instagram, I never would have started my travel blog over at indigosahara.com, which has had over a MILLION readers.

And I am so thankful for that.

But yeahhh I’m tired. 💀

Follow @indigosahara for daily travel tips + destination guides!! 🤣
I am girls. 🧺 I am girls. 🧺
Those are happy tears btw. ✈️ Just booked a b Those are happy tears btw. ✈️

Just booked a business class lay-flat seat from the USA to Japan for $32.69. Yes, really. 🤯

How?

Easy.

First, I opened one new travel credit card with flexible points and responsibly earned the card’s opening bonus.

Then, after I got a @thriftytraveler email alert for Delta One award availability from the USA to Japan, I transferred those flexible points to an airline transfer partner (in this case, Flying Blue to book a Delta One flight through Air France).

Boom. 89,500 points (which is a bargain, by the way) + $32.69 out of pocket later…

I got myself a biz class flight worth $7000 for less than the cost of our Chipotle order. 💸

Want access to my free beginner guide to points and miles? Comment “Beginner” and I’ll send it over ASAP.

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