Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

It's one of the worst hotels that I've ever stayed in. The guy who greeted us looked like he was forced to say welcome, and it was our honeymoon. His face looked annoyed as he threw some beats at us as he yawned. The hotel is falling apart and needs...

It's one of the worst hotels that I've ever stayed in. The guy who greeted us looked like he was forced to say welcome, and it was our honeymoon. His face looked annoyed as he threw some beats at us as he yawned. The hotel is falling apart and needs to be gutted, and the dining area looks like a prison. The bungalows are not stable. The food was terrible. Stay away.

This resort is a true gem in this diver's paradise! You have everything you'll need to pamper you for your stay. Whether you're off to do some hard core scuba diving or snorkeling, this is the place to book. Just a note too that this is the only resort that...

This resort is a true gem in this diver's paradise! You have everything you'll need to pamper you for your stay. Whether you're off to do some hard core scuba diving or snorkeling, this is the place to book. Just a note too that this is the only resort that operates on the island. That does not mean they are limited to what they have to offer. They have scooters (electric even) and bikes to rent if you want to tour the 6-mile wide part of the island. They also have a shuttle that takes you to Tiputa pass close to sunset to watch the dolphins "play" in the pass. THe best part of this resort is its proximity to the Aquarium which is full of fish as it is aptly named. They also have good restaurant and bar. We've found also that the Polynesian show that they offer during weekends is one of the better ones. They comprise of a group from the local dance troupe and is a very local and Rangiroan's interpretation of their culture. WE say that coz we've seen a few from Hawaii and Bora Bora. We like this one best. Other than that, if you're looking for endless sea and sky, this place is the one to stay at.

Very nice place in great shape, either recently remodeled or very well maintained. Our room was large with a nice plunge pool and private fenced in patio area, very relaxing. The resort setting is a large grassy coconut grove, with a beach and view into the lagoon and anchored sail...

Very nice place in great shape, either recently remodeled or very well maintained. Our room was large with a nice plunge pool and private fenced in patio area, very relaxing. The resort setting is a large grassy coconut grove, with a beach and view into the lagoon and anchored sail boats. A classic South Seas island scene. Perfect location near the dive operators if you are diving in the nearby pass. Staff friendly and helpful. The Polynesian dinner and show was charming. Some reviews take issue with food and service. I think you need to realize and take into account that Rangiroa is a remote island - we felt service and food was on par with what we had in the more developed parts of French Polynesia. As the only higher end resort on Rangiroa, definitely recommend if you want to do the island in style,

What a beautiful resort. Clean, friendly and picturesque. We thoroughly enjoyed this resort as our homebase for a diving trip in world-famous Rangiroa (it did not disappoint). Booked the gorgeous villa through John at Venture Tahiti, 100% would use their service again. Easy booking and seamless transfers made this vacation...

What a beautiful resort. Clean, friendly and picturesque. We thoroughly enjoyed this resort as our homebase for a diving trip in world-famous Rangiroa (it did not disappoint). Booked the gorgeous villa through John at Venture Tahiti, 100% would use their service again. Easy booking and seamless transfers made this vacation very enjoyable

I've seen some bad reviews about this resort. I have to question what people expected. This is a tiny island with limited resources. They do their best to run this resort. Y'all have to remember this is in a tropical area, yes there are mosquitoes, bugs, roaches...there are those things...

I've seen some bad reviews about this resort. I have to question what people expected. This is a tiny island with limited resources. They do their best to run this resort. Y'all have to remember this is in a tropical area, yes there are mosquitoes, bugs, roaches...there are those things in the USA also..The service, food, hospitality, was in my opinion, great! We went for the BBQ and dance, what fun. And there was literally a "boatload" of fresh oysters!! We stayed in a oceanfront bungalow and the view was amazing! For a small island like this, this IS luxury. Stat away if you don't like bugs..but don't bash the place because of it. We were looking forward to seeing the dolphins in the pass, went out twice. Didn't see any, but the captain sure tried his hardest. He went back and forth several times for us. We also took a lagoon fishing tour. What a great experience, we were visited by 2 tiger sharks.. Thank you Kia Ora for an amazing week!!

This experience is from July 2024. We stayed in the same resort in 2016, 8 years ago. Nothing has changed, even the table layout in the restaurant is the same. Although the location is still amazing, the resort is now old and used, it should be renewed to match the...

This experience is from July 2024. We stayed in the same resort in 2016, 8 years ago. Nothing has changed, even the table layout in the restaurant is the same. Although the location is still amazing, the resort is now old and used, it should be renewed to match the price level which is very high. No water available without payment (50ml daily in the room), shabby room, unpleasant odors in the garden... This resort has lost its Polynesian character, people are not smiling anymore, employees keep distance with the guests, the service is impersonal, bordering on unpleasant. We felt iron management, harsh and contrary to the Polynesian spirit. Our experience 8 years ago was wonderful, our experience in 2024 is disappointing. We faced an unusual strike at Rangiroa Airport, we waited a complete day in the lobby for news and updates with +/- 50 other guests (no flights available), the management of the hotel was unable to react properly, no water for the guests, only the intervention of a few guests made it possible to receive snacks for the children and water for the adults. Last but not least, the guests of Kia Ora found a solution to unlock the airport by paying a private flight from Tahiti with ground airport service people, allowing flights to land and take off, we never did hear anything from the hotel management... CONCLUSION : Sitting on its status of only 4* hotel on the island, Kia Ora does not deliver the level of services we should expect regarding the price charged. We stayed in 5 different resorts in 2024 and Kia Ora Rangiroa is, from far, our most deceiving experience. We are convinced we will find a better place to stay for our next travel in the Tuamotu Islands. NB : for interested people, we have pictures available.

Food: All the food was fantastic and we will miss the morning French toast with Coconut Jam, the vanilla fish sauce and mixing the shrimp curry dish with the pesto pasta. The beach room with jacuzzi ocean view and close distance to the restaurant and reception was great. Bungalow 3...

Food: All the food was fantastic and we will miss the morning French toast with Coconut Jam, the vanilla fish sauce and mixing the shrimp curry dish with the pesto pasta. The beach room with jacuzzi ocean view and close distance to the restaurant and reception was great. Bungalow 3 was perfect. Anything further (that our friend had in #4 had less wifi. Unique bathroom design with coral. It was wonderful to have daily water deliveries, and wine and cookies the first day to return to the room. Diving: Our travel agent booked us with 6 passengers instead of Velvet Divers. However Velvet divers uses 6 passenger boats so it probably would have been better to just use Velvet for pick up and drop off at the dock. We wouldn't have to rush for a 7:20 pick up, and wait for a transport back, or have had to deal with the restaurant that didn't open until 7 am. Note: I'm giving 5 stars but should have given less due to the service experience of just 1 person.....Sylvie (not Sylvia). We were told to speak to the restaurant manager to be able to have our full breakfast that was included in our package at 6:45 so we would have adequate time to eat before getting picked up. Sylvie was the restaurant manager we were told. She wasn't there when we arrived so we spoke to the assistant manager and he assured us he would relay it to the manager. The next morning she seemed upset we were there so early, we told her we let the assistant manager know we needed an early breakfast and she said they don't do that. The opposite of what we were told. That night. I got to the desk and Sylvie just got on the phone and started an animated happy conversation with someone while I waited patiently. For 5 minutes I waited for her to get off while others came up and asked if they could help. I let them know I needed to talk to her. She clearly noticed this and ignored me. Once she got off the phone she seemed impatient to talk to me. I asked her for an early breakfast for our group of 4 like we were told and she said they don't offer that. I told her that we were told to talk to the manager for this as it's provided for divers. She said she had no control over this. Confused at this point, I asked who did have control, did she have a manager? She seemed shocked that I asked for her manager and said they weren't there. I'm not sure if this was true but it looked like a switch was turned since she did an absolute 180 turn to being sickly sweet and provided eggs and coffee from there on along with a positive laughing attitude like all her distasteful attitude had never occured. ALL other staff were exceptional aside from that first experience with her alone. They were ALL friendly and wonderful between the groundscare, servers, bartenders, etc. The reception staff was wonderful as well. They allowed us a later check out too so that was very nice to still be able to use our room until 1pm and hang up things to dry more before our flight out to Tahiti. For the dry day we went to the Blue Lagoon with a fellow that didn't speak English. When we tour it's really nice to be able to ask the tour guides all about their wonderful islands. But since he didn't speak English we didn't know what the whole tour was to be to know how to time what we were doing. We didn't know that there was a snorkel option with the baby sharks first, then walk into the lagoon while you're in the water with different places to see once you're in there. We had a short window of time , relayed several times we wanted to be back by noon but were delayed due to him wanting us to spend more time there at last minute to go visit the birds. With increased wind on the return we got back late and had to ask for an additional later check out time. If you do book a private tour to visit this beautiful site it's best for a translation to occur between the front desk and the operator what is expected to ensure this won't happen to you. If you have all the time then no worries and stay out as long as you like as it is a beautiful area.

Conclusion: This is a great 3-4 star resort. It has an amazing location at the beach, where you have a great view. Restaurant is really good. The villas was ok, but it could need an upgrade. I will love to come back. Review: I stayed 3 nights in Kia Ora...

Conclusion: This is a great 3-4 star resort. It has an amazing location at the beach, where you have a great view. Restaurant is really good. The villas was ok, but it could need an upgrade. I will love to come back. Review: I stayed 3 nights in Kia Ora resort. I have asked the hotel to set up the transfer and it took 5 min from the airport to the hotel. I did not see many taxis in the airport, so I will recommend to set up the transfer in advance. The check in process was a bit strange and it took some time. The hotel is located directly at the beach - the view at the sea can not be better. The spot where you can watch dolphins is 1 km away and you will find some local restaurant 2 km away. The is also a very small supermarket close hotel. You can rent bikes and scooters at the hotel. I have booked a deluxe villa directly at the beach. The villa was huge and overall it was a great villa, but it an upgrade could make it even better. It had a great sundeck with two sun chair and private pool, but there are some trees next to the deluxe beach villas, which cover for the sun from time to time. There also sun chairs on the beach just out side the villa. The cleaning of the villa was ok, but the wifi was slow. I had breakfast in the restaurant and some days I had lunch and dinner there as well. The breakfast was really good and dinner was amazing. The service in the restaurant a bit slow from time to time, but the staff was really kind. The bar has a good location with a great view at the sunset. The hotel has a pool area, but I did not use it, because I used the sundeck at the villa. You can not go directly into the water from the beach, but you can use the brige to get into the water. The is a lot fishes in water around the hotel, so it is a great spot for snorkeling.

We just came back from a six night stay at this resort. We were delighted! Very sorry that we had to leave. We were in a villa with pool and loved it! Already at the airport , we were warmly greeted with a Lei and did not have to care...

We just came back from a six night stay at this resort. We were delighted! Very sorry that we had to leave. We were in a villa with pool and loved it! Already at the airport , we were warmly greeted with a Lei and did not have to care about our luggage at all. At our arrival at the resort , we were Welcomed with a big smile , a fresh towel and a fresh juice!. The staff is great, friendly and will do everything to make you feel at home. The villa was fantastic, nicely furnished and gave us privacy, to hear our music and my husband could smoke his cigars without disturbing anyone. Outdoor bathtub and outdoor shower, how awesome! The room is big and spacious and you have your own sunbeds and a separee with couch and chairs to stay in-the shade or to sit nicely, safe from the rain. Coffeemaker in the room and everyday fresh water in-the fridge. The restaurant is great, food excellent. We had a romantic dinner on the beach. Exceptional! Food and service as well! The staff is so friendly and heart warming. Buffets are great and many varieties of different dishes, very yummy and for each pallet. The dances ( Polynesian nights) a must to see. The bar at the end of a jetty, just wonderful with great sunsets and glass bottom to see the bountiful fish and little sharks. Drinks are pricey. It would be great, if there would be a happy hour to save your budget. The resort is very remote and the street full of holes and in my opinion not safe at dawn or in the dark to drive or ride a bike. So going to another restaurant is not really an option. We would come again and can only recommend very warmly, the Kia Ora. Dive shop is on -site and also here the people are very friendly and professional. The pool is top and beach is stunning and great to swim. Direct access from the beach or from the ladder of the jetty. The colours of the sea - unbelievable and too good to be true. We were very happy and had our best wedding anniversary in 29 years!

We stayed at the Kia Ora 7 years ago. We loved it so much that we wanted to stay here again. The first time, I booked through a travel agent, but this time I booked directly with the hotel and Sylvia was amazing. She was so accommodating and helpful, even...

We stayed at the Kia Ora 7 years ago. We loved it so much that we wanted to stay here again. The first time, I booked through a travel agent, but this time I booked directly with the hotel and Sylvia was amazing. She was so accommodating and helpful, even when we had to change our dates. When we arrived at the Kia Ora it looks just as beautiful as we remembered. We stayed in the pool villa and yes, the villa itself is dated and some of the deck is deteriorating with age, but that did not take away from our incredible experience! The hotel is aware and we actually met Gerry, the hotel manager. Somehow he knew exactly who we were when we ran into him in the reception area on our last day! Don’t even ask how that is possible, they are that good :) Back to the pool villa - the room is outstanding with its private pool, bathtub, seating area and lounge chairs. If you stay here, make sure you book enough days to actually enjoy the room! We spent several days diving, but one day we did rent bikes from the hotel and rode into town. We also went to watch the dolphins at the pass when we were not underwater watching them play. If you love dolphins, you mush come here! The food at the restaurant is delicious despite being the same menu each day, and the bar has the most beautiful ocean views. With all this beauty however, it is their staff that truly make your stay remarkable. Everyone is kind and pleasant and incredibly helpful, especially Teapua, Moerava and Tania at the front reception. When we left, it was like saying goodbye to family! Thank you Kia Ora for another wonderful stay. We will be back again :)

We were staying at a local airbnb and decided to walk over for supper. They accommodated us. Supper was great. Smoked salmon as an appetizer, shrimp for meal and a lava cake that was to die for! Staff was attentive and friendly. Nice atmosphere.

Anniversary stay made perfect by the attentive staff. The resort offers pristine grounds, fun excursions, local snorkeling, delicious snack sandwiches and cocktails at the bar, included breakfast in the lovely on site restaurant. Totally Paradise Rangi-Style. A flower lei upon arrival and a shell lei on departure are book-ends to...

Anniversary stay made perfect by the attentive staff. The resort offers pristine grounds, fun excursions, local snorkeling, delicious snack sandwiches and cocktails at the bar, included breakfast in the lovely on site restaurant. Totally Paradise Rangi-Style. A flower lei upon arrival and a shell lei on departure are book-ends to a stay that will fulfill desires for activity, discovery, recreation, relaxation, and romance. I started our visit with a request for the Flower Bed amenity to delight my wife. Twice we rented a car for 2 hours to shop and discover Snacks in the Avatoru village area. The resort offers (some free, some cost) excursions such as a visit to the nearby dolphin viewpoint. I visited the fitness center every other day for a workout in the coconut groves, and my wife had a luxurious head massage with monoi oil treatment. There is an on-site dive shop, but there is easily accessible snorkeling in the calm lagoon area in front of the Resort. The Kia Ora Resort staff are the super-power of this venue, with gentle and capable care from Mr. Fisher at Activities, Ms. Ghislaine at Reception, confident and ever smiling Mr. Cisco for Shuttle. All staff were so friendly and capable speaking both English and French. Kia Ora Rangiroa has an on-site desalination system to ensure clean water for all guests. We stayed in a beach bungalow this time; capable aircon ensured our sleep comfort. There is a game room with a billiards table and small lending library, and quite handy WiFi in the lobby, at the Fitness Center, also reaching to our bungalow. A 20 minutes walk will bring you to dolphin viewing and the Magasin Henriette small store to help stretch the food budget; there are also ~5 Snacks (small restaurants) within that walk along the Tiputa pass side of this motu, great for local poisson dishes or cold boissons like a Hinano beer. Usually I am the strong shoulder of support for my wife on departure day, but this time ... we both struggled with shared sadness at having to depart the Paradise of Kia Ora Resort in Rangiroa. We were comforted by the care of Ghislaine and Fisher and all the staff. Some tips: 1. Breakfast is buffet style, generally the same daily dishes but you can request your preferred egg dish daily for variety. The resort made coconut jam is delicious. 2. Check Google for cruise ship arrivals during your stay, as local handicraft artisans set up shop for tendered cruise passengers; yhere is also dancing and drums. 3. Try the vanilla tea at breakfast. It will become your new favorite hot bevvie. And a Hinano at the overwater bar in the evening may get you a tasting plate of olives, savory coconut, and tortilla crisps. 4. Each bungalow has a kettle, perfect for some REI/camping/dehydrated meals, should someone (kiddo/partner) need a quick meal. 5. Linger in the lobby during the evening hours and chat with staff; you'll learn so much about life in Rangiroa, and it will be true cultural enrichment plus exchange. 6. My wife loved the Gambier-sourced pearls at Ikimasho (and so did i as i found a unique bolo tie piece with pearls and carved-bone skull ). 7. On the in room TV, watch the TNTV channel across the day, you'll likely catch some beautiful F. P. Music Videos or a local surfing competition.

The resort could benefit from some renovation work, but let's face it : Rangiroa is a pacific version of the world's end and this hotel causes a wow effect at every moment of the stay. The settings are mindblowing and sipping a cocktail in the infinity pool is as cool...

The resort could benefit from some renovation work, but let's face it : Rangiroa is a pacific version of the world's end and this hotel causes a wow effect at every moment of the stay. The settings are mindblowing and sipping a cocktail in the infinity pool is as cool an experience as falling asleep in one of their extra-ordinary rooms on stilts, or tasting the tuna's carpaccio from their main restaurant (their chinese dishes are tasty too !). And again, as often in Polynesia, this insolent version of high end hospitality would be nothing without the staff : they make the magic happen at every minute.

Overall the hotel was a pleasure with great food, drinks and ambiance. Our pleasure was diminished, however, by a storm that brought debris throughout our unit. We woke up with twigs, and various insulating fibers completely across the bed and most of the rooms. The storm also created cloudy water,...

Overall the hotel was a pleasure with great food, drinks and ambiance. Our pleasure was diminished, however, by a storm that brought debris throughout our unit. We woke up with twigs, and various insulating fibers completely across the bed and most of the rooms. The storm also created cloudy water, so snorkeling was dismal; even before the storm, the snorkeling is nothing compared to Bora Bora or similar. However, the island has large pelagic species of shark, rays, etc. While snorkeling, i happened on several large rays resting on the floor and a few swimming nearby. There is a channel quite near the hotel to see many types of sharks, including rarer hammerheads. We wanted to dine elsewhere one night but it was difficult setting up. The island is very small so those looking for a lot of diverse things to do might be disappointed; for us, relaxation was paramount and outside of the storm, we enjoyed the property.

We came here on a four night stay as a part of our honeymoon but left after two nights very disappointed. Ants at breakfast is totally unacceptable. We lost trust after that! The yoghurt is hot due to the ice in the bowl, not being replaced regularly. There are no...

We came here on a four night stay as a part of our honeymoon but left after two nights very disappointed. Ants at breakfast is totally unacceptable. We lost trust after that! The yoghurt is hot due to the ice in the bowl, not being replaced regularly. There are no covers so all the breakfast items are getting flies on them including ants! Some staff simply just don't want to be there and their attitude shows it clearly. No mosquito plugs in the villa and we were bitten several times. Was told there are no cockroaches only to find two lively ones in a night! Gym is a non starter. No water. No treadmill. Bike didn't work either. Very dated tiny gym. The furniture is tired with several marks all over the villa. Dirty marks on the bed and duvet. Shower handle broken. Toilet paper handle broken. Wallpaper ripped in places. Own branded toiletries low quality. No smart tv but a laptop screen tv instead which is very dated. Never seen a tv screen like this in a $300 a night room let alone a $700 a night villa. Noise from the water pump kept us up on our first night. Overall there is no way this a $700 a night villa. Seems the hotel are just looking to profit to the maximum whilst giving poor value to the client. Even the iron had sellotape on it. Rust on the toilet brush holder. Was told the hotel would be a soon a Marriott branded hotel. As an Ambassador Elite Marriott Bonvoy member I can assure you the hotel has a long way to go to get under that brand. Leaving after two nights wasn't our plan but the hotel was just simply not up to the standard for the price charged so we moved on. More care should be taken into the cleanliness at the breakfast. So disappointed!

Charming bungalows (we stayed in a pool villa) with strong A/C. I'd say the service was inconsistent. Some employees helpful and friendly, others not as much. One experience we found quite disconcerting was the trip to Reef Island that the hotel recommended. Because of the weather (very stormy) the ride...

Charming bungalows (we stayed in a pool villa) with strong A/C. I'd say the service was inconsistent. Some employees helpful and friendly, others not as much. One experience we found quite disconcerting was the trip to Reef Island that the hotel recommended. Because of the weather (very stormy) the ride to Reef Island and back was harrowing (even dangerous). The tour operator (and the hotel) should have recognized this and cancelled the tour. I'm an experienced boat driver and I was uncomfortable/anxious the whole time

We had a nice bungalow facing the beautiful lagoon We had a good size private pool and deck on the beach We had a decent size resort - big enough for privacy and yet small enough to walk to the restaurant, bar & spa. (No need for electric car rides)....

We had a nice bungalow facing the beautiful lagoon We had a good size private pool and deck on the beach We had a decent size resort - big enough for privacy and yet small enough to walk to the restaurant, bar & spa. (No need for electric car rides). The service in the resort was excellent. (quick check-in, fast service during our stay, quick check-out) The food is the one area that could have been better (compared to other similar resorts in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Tikehau, etc.). Once you add it all up, we are talking about a sweet spot between privacy, comfort and value.

We traveled to Rangiroa for our 3rd trip to French Polynesia and booked the pool villa at the Hotel Kia Ora. The vibe is laid back lux. It is quiet and serene, and if that is what you are looking for, book now. Our villa was #24 OpaOpa and it...

We traveled to Rangiroa for our 3rd trip to French Polynesia and booked the pool villa at the Hotel Kia Ora. The vibe is laid back lux. It is quiet and serene, and if that is what you are looking for, book now. Our villa was #24 OpaOpa and it was very spacious! Vaulted ceilings, king bed, A/C, ceiling fan, double vanily, 2 sliders to the outside walled private area, 2 lounge chairs, a palapa, a table for al fresco snacking, outdoor shower and an outdoor tub with shower hose and we used that the most besides the plunge pool. Totally private. It is hard to put an experience like visiting the islands of Tahiti into a paragraph, but Hotel Kia Ora offers everything you will need to experience FP in an authenic, and beautiful setting. The STAFF is top notch, nothing is out of the realm of (sensible) possibility. I need to drop some names: Imiau in the bar/restaurant is a fabulous addition to the staff! We loved him, and he does everything to please you and make your stay one you will treasure. In the Front Desk there is Ghisaline, Tania and Teapua.....remarkable women who steer the ship!! The general manager Jerry is always around checking on guests, and making sure evryone's stay is just as they expected. Rainbows are an everyday occurence on Rangiroa...the beach and house coral heads are fantastic...enoght to keep you busy between the many excellent excursions offered by the hotel. Their staffs and guides are native Rangiroa or Tahitian Island peoples...and they love their island, and want to share it with us. The excursions are 100% worth the price....don't hesitate. Plan on taking all meals at the resort as Rangiroa is less developed than Mo'orea...and certainly less than Bora Bora, which is exactly what we were looking for. 8 staight days of snorkeling the South Pacific and the 2nd largest lagoon on Earth. Can't argue that!! Take the trip!