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Q: Where are you?

 

A: If you mean The Hotel Kaveka ... we are on the island of Moorea in the South Pacific region known as French Polynesia. We are a little over 10 miles across The Sea of The Moon, west of the island of Tahiti. We are slightly more than 3,800 miles from Los Angeles (less than 8 hours flight time) and 2400 or so miles from Auckland, New Zealand.

 

Q: Do we need to bring our own linens and beach towels?

 

A: No. Some travel publications mention such for local lodging that provides only a room for rent. The Hotel Kaveka is a hotel with all of that you need. Beach towels are available at our front reception desk for guest use at the hotel.

 

Q: Can I get my Email at the hotel?

 

A: Yes. The Hotel Kaveka provides Internet access in our main lobby at nominal fees for hotel guests. For security reasons you will need an account with Hotmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc. as we can not provide you use of Outlook of Netscape mail programs that require your local POP and SMTP settings. If you have to receive an important message, just have them Email: guest (last name)@hotel kaveka.com and we'll get the message to your bungalow.

 

Q: How big is Moorea?

 

A: Moorea is about 40 miles around in a winding road around the bays and lagoons. We can boast there are no stop lights and less than a handful of gas stations.

 

Q: What is the public transportation like?

 

A: Moorea has very limited public transportation and it's less than reliable for tourists. Le Trucks or old buses circle most of the island to match ferry service but they are often full or late.

 

Q: What are the taxi rates?

 

A: From the airport or ferry dock half-way around the island, you can expect to pay at least $35 each way, late at night it can be at least twice as much.

 

Q: We are thinking about a car rental, how much is gas?

 

A: The exchange rate changes often these days ... right now it's over $5.50 a gallon and going higher with additional taxes. Locals pay the same rate and Americans are often surprised at the cost of fuel.

 

Q: Are there refrigerators and coffee makers in the rooms?

 

A: Yes and No. Our very traditional Tahitian bungalows were never intended for the storage of food or a place for eating. Our tropical environment is conducive to many insects and vermin when food particles are left in the rooms. The consumption of food in your room is strictly prohibited. Mini refrigerators for liquids are in each bungalow and ice buckets are available at the front desk for hotel guests. Local fire codes preclude cooking appliances in our bungalows.

 

Q: Can I use my hair dryer with a converter?

 

A: Possibly. Check at the front desk first. Many such converters don't work with our 220vac 60 Hz system and blow the bungalow electrical breakers.

 

Q: My camera needs a 110volt outlet, do you have one?

 

A: Yes. In the main lobby we have a special regulated 110vac junction for hotel guest to use for their cameras.

 

Q: Do your rooms have TVs and radios?

 

A: Yes and No. We do provide televisions with local reception in each bungalow but no radios or telephones.

 

Q: Does Moorea have cash machines?

 

A: Yes. Bank cash machines are located in three main locations around the island. Only the main banks in the district of Maharepa can provide cash advances on your credit card.

 

Q: What is Moorea's time zone?

 

A: Moorea is in the same time zone as Hawaii in the United States. We are 3 hours from the west coast of the U.S. during the summer and 2 hours during non-daylight savings time.

 

Q: Can I call long distance from your hotel?

 

A: Yes, but our surcharge is expensive. We suggest you purchase a local pre-paid calling card that can be used in all phone booths around the island for less than a dollar a minute.

 

Q: Does Moorea have many tourists?

 

A: Not so as you could say. To compare, in an average year Moorea might see perhaps 100,000 tourists. Hawaii sees on average a quarter of a million tourists in a week!

 

Q: How many people live on Moorea?

 

A: It changes from year to year but official figures are between 10,000 and 15,000 fulltime residents. About 75% are Polynesian the balance are mostly European and Chinese.

 

Q: If we want to stay longer, how long can we stay?

 

A: At the Kaveka we would have to help you find other rooms as we are most always booked in advance. As a tourist from America you are limited to a month without a special visa.

 

Q: What's the truth about tipping?

 

A: Tahitians do not expect a tip for their services. It's a proud tradition. We do suggest there are times when extraordinary service deserves a tip and Tahitians will not be offended with a discreet offering from you.

 

Q: How many people can we get in a bungalow?

 

A: Standing up? Just kidding, it's a common question. All of our bungalows have a double and a single bed. A few bungalows have space for two single beds if you are bringing along children.

 

Q: We get into Tahiti late at night, what’s the best way to get there?

 

A: There isn't a way. You'll need to spend the night in Tahiti and then catch a fast ferry or Air Moorea flight to Moorea the next day.

 

Q: Do you provide snorkel gear or should we bring our own?

 

A: We have snorkel masks available for our guests but no fins. You don't really need them as the fish come to you in the lagoon around the Kaveka.

 

Q: What kind of tours do you offer?

 

A: The Kaveka doesn't do tours itself; instead we use only the most professional providers that meet our high standards of service and value. We'll share with you out Top Ten List of Must Do Tours when you check into the hotel.

 

Special Notes:

 

Many of our international guests arrive late at night at the airport in Tahiti and query us as to late night ferry service to Moorea. There is no ferry service at night from Papeete to Moorea and you will need to arrange for overnight accommodations in Tahiti.

 

Some late night international flights connect with Air Moorea but these flights are booked in advance. Check with your Travel Professional for availability on late night Air Moorea flights. Normal Air Moorea service ends around 6:00PM.

 

Secured room safes for your valuables are available for a nominal fee from the front desk. You may also store your valuables in our office safe.

 

We recommend bottled water for all of our guests and suggest you carry it with you on all of your excursions. Our hot, sometimes humid climate can contribute to dehydration and heat exhaustion if liquids are not replenished frequently.

 

Tahitian Tattoo Artists are famous around the world and we have a recommended list of Moorea’s best artisans.

 

Our library in the main lobby is filled with paperback books from around the world donated by Kaveka guests and Tahitian locals. Please feel free exchange books at your leisure.

 

Beautiful Tahitian stamps and post cards are available at nearby shopping areas and you can mail them from the local post office or leave them at the front desk for forwarding.

 

The Kaveka provides free local shuttles to local Protestant and Catholic churches every weekend, just reserve a ride at our front desk when you inquire as to service times.

Ia orana from the entire staff of The Hotel Kaveka. Moorea's Best Value for more than 30 years!