Papeete

As of June 2026, Papeete, Bora Bora, Moorea have 1,495 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 24% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Papeete generates XPF3.2M per year. High-performing properties earn XPF7.0M/year, while low-performing properties earn XPF1.2M/year. Despite supply contracting significantly year-over-year, overall revenue declined, suggesting demand softened faster than hosts could exit the market. The wide performance gap at 40% occupancy indicates highly uneven competitive positioning rather than market-wide strength.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Papeete. Average annual revenue is XPF3.2M with 40% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to XPF7.0M/year. Declining supply and flat revenue over two years suggest tightening market conditions, while the 2.2x gap between high and average performers indicates significant differentiation in execution rather than broad market constraints.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Papeete is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of XPF23K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of XPF6K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Papeete, with annual revenue of XPF7.6M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Papeete market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Papeete area. Papeete: Lenient. Registration with tourism office recommended, business license suggested. Minimal enforcement, many operate informally. Bora Bora: Lenient. Tourism registration advised, tax declaration expected. Light enforcement due to tourism economy reliance. Moorea: Lenient. Similar to Papeete - registration recommended but not strictly required. Minimal enforcement, informal operations common across French Polynesia. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Papeete Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 24% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 12%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The significant gap between high-performing properties ($7M+) and average revenue ($3.2M) suggests market bifurcation, where differentiated offerings command premium positioning despite modest 40% occupancy rates.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak fall season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -20% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (February-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Papeete listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (83%), Washing Machine (82%), Air Conditioning (80%), Private Yard (58%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Bbq, Air Conditioning, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 53% more (XPF7.6M/year vs XPF5.0M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Papeete over the last 12 months: May: XPF171K, June: XPF170K, July: XPF181K, August: XPF149K, September: XPF166K, October: XPF187K, November: XPF180K, December: XPF190K, January: XPF147K, February: XPF151K, March: XPF197K, April: XPF249K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Papeete is XPF23K, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average XPF16K/night, 2-bedroom properties average XPF26K/night, 3-bedroom properties average XPF43K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average XPF68K/night. Rates peak in April and are lowest in May.

Guests in Papeete book an average of 43 days in advance, down 19% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 40 days, 2-bedroom: 45 days, 3-bedroom: 47 days, 4+ bedroom: 49 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Papeete Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 24%, revenue per listing decreased 12%, occupancy fell 3%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 19%. The sharp supply contraction outpacing the modest occupancy decline suggests improving demand fundamentals, though the significant gap between top performers ($7M+) and average listings ($3.2M) indicates highly concentrated market success.

In Papeete, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 12% higher occupancy than weekdays.