Papeete Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Windward Islands, French Polynesia
Is Airbnb profitable in Papeete in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Papeete, Windward Islands, French Polynesia to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Papeete, based on AirROI data from February 2025 to January 2026, reveals key trends in the niche market of 43 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Papeete, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Papeete Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Papeete Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Papeete (2026)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Papeete is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Papeete is typically September, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Papeete across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,477+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,544 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,584 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $994, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Papeete
Papeete Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Papeete STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Septembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Papeete:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 72%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 55% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 36%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 23% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Papeete
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Papeete (2026)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Papeete involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Papeete typically peaks in December and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $241+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $165 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $132 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $111 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Papeete
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Papeete (2026)
Peak Season (September, July, November)
- Revenue averages $2,303 per month
- Occupancy rates average 49.4%
- Daily rates average $151
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,644 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 34.8%
- Daily rates hold near $150
Low Season (February, March, April)
- Revenue drops to average $0 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 0.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $144
Seasonality Insights for Papeete
- The Airbnb seasonality in Papeete shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Papeete's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,432, occupancy reaching a high of 52.1%, and ADRs peaking at $160.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $0, occupancy could drop to 0.0%, and ADRs may adjust down to $137.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Papeete.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Papeete seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Papeete (2026)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Papeete? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Papeete City Center | The bustling heart of Papeete, rich in culture and commerce, Papeete City Center offers visitors easy access to shops, restaurants, and local markets, making it an ideal location for tourists looking to experience Tahitian life. | Municipal Market, Papeete Harbor, Bougainville Park, Place Vaiete, Papeete Cathedral, Robert Wan Pearl Museum |
| Point Venus | Famous for its historic lighthouse and beautiful beaches, Point Venus is great for guests looking for tranquility and stunning natural beauty without being far from the city's amenities. | Point Venus Lighthouse, Venus Point Beach, Taruru Waterfall, Black Sand Beach, Cultural Center |
| Arue | A peaceful seaside suburb of Papeete, Arue is ideal for those wishing to relax by the coast while still being close to city attractions. It boasts beautiful scenery and a local, picturesque atmosphere. | Bain de Vaima, Arue Beach, Faaroa River, Marae of Taputapuātea, Teva I Uta |
| La Péninsule | A scenic coastal area providing stunning views and watersports opportunities, La Péninsule attracts both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind by the ocean. | Belvédère de la Péninsule, Taurere Beach, Snorkeling spots, Kayaking excursions, Hiking trails |
| Mahina | Known for its laid-back ambiance and beautiful beaches, Mahina offers guests a taste of local life and access to nature, making it a great retreat. | Mahina Beach, Bora Bora Lagoon, Local eateries, Nature trails, Aquatic activities |
| Faaa | Just a short drive from Papeete, Faaa offers a quieter environment while being near the capital. Guests can enjoy beautiful parks, local markets, and less touristy experiences. | Fa'a'ā International Airport, Parc Vairai, Local craft shops, Religious sites, Scenic viewpoints |
| Teahupo'o | World-renowned for its surfing, Teahupo'o attracts adventure tourists and beach lovers. The natural beauty and adrenaline rush of surfing here make it a unique Airbnb opportunity. | Teahupo'o Beach, Surf competitions, Scenic viewpoints, Local surf schools, Marine activities |
| Moorea (ferry access from Papeete) | Although it's an island itself, Moorea is a short ferry ride from Papeete and offers breathtaking landscapes, luxury stays, and outdoor activities, making it perfect for tourists looking for island life. | Belvedere Lookout, Moorea Beach, Tropical Gardens, Snorkeling and diving spots, Water sports |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Papeete (2026)
Yes, Papeete, Windward Islands, French Polynesia enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2026 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Papeete to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 95% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Papeete (2026)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Papeetebased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Villa Nati
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Fare Ariihau -City Center - Private Pool
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Fully Air conditioned Suite near Moorea Ferry Term
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Tropical cocoon with 2 bedrooms in the city center
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Matavai One
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Villa Orov Guest House w view
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Papeete (2026)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Papeete based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanel | 3 | $59,516 | 47 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Vatea | 4 | $55,375 | 36 | 4.70/5.0 |
| Heiani Elisa | 1 | $47,103 | 13 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Pierre | 1 | $34,100 | 24 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Moorea Tahiti Vacation Rentals | 1 | $33,618 | 17 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Léa & William | 2 | $31,210 | 25 | 4.86/5.0 |
| Moehau | 1 | $30,350 | 19 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Hugues | 4 | $23,344 | 6 | Not Rated |
| Iaorana Agency | 2 | $21,815 | 4 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Rainui | 1 | $20,285 | 12 | 4.75/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Papeete.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Papeete STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Papeete. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsPapeete Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Papeete
- The Papeete Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 86% of the 43 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Papeete, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (67.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 27.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique (combined 4.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Papeete Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Papeete
- The dominant room capacity in Papeete is 1 bedroom listings, making up 48.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 67.4% of the active Airbnb listings in Papeete, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Papeete Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Papeete
- The most common guest capacity trend in Papeete vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (39.5%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Papeete STR market, accounting for 60.4% of listings.
- 16.3% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Papeete.
- On average, properties in Papeete are equipped to host 3.0 guests.
Papeete Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Papeete
- The most common availability pattern in Papeete falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 55.8% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 95.3% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Papeete (39.5%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 4.7% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Papeete Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
19 listings
44.2% of total
2 Nights
7 listings
16.3% of total
3 Nights
1 listings
2.3% of total
4-6 Nights
2 listings
4.7% of total
30+ Nights
14 listings
32.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Papeete is 1 Night, adopted by 44.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (60.5%) of the Papeete Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (32.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Papeete, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 44.2% of Papeete hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 32.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Papeete.
Papeete Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
2.3% of total
Limited
2 listings
4.7% of total
Flexible
17 listings
39.5% of total
Moderate
9 listings
20.9% of total
Firm
13 listings
30.2% of total
Strict
1 listings
2.3% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Papeete
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Papeete is Flexible, used by 39.5% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (60.4%) and stricter (32.5%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (2.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 39.5% market standard in Papeete.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 2.3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Papeete.
Papeete STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Papeete
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Papeete is 27 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during November (average 37 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in April (average 0 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Fall (35 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (1 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (27 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Papeete.
- During April, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (0 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Fall season well in advance (at least 35 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Papeete averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Papeete (2026)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Papeete
- Essential amenities in Papeete that guests expect include: Kitchen, Air conditioning. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Washer, Wifi, TV are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Papeete: Kitchen, Air conditioning.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Kitchen, Air conditioning.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Washer or Wifi to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Papeete to stay competitive.
Papeete Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Papeete
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Papeete consists of predominantly international visitors (81%), with top international origins including French Polynesia, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
- Domestic travelers account for 18.8% of guests.
- Key international markets include France (35.1%) and French Polynesia (18.8%).
- Top languages spoken are English (38.9%) followed by French (34.1%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from French Polynesia.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Papeete Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moorea-Maiao | 612 | $3,549 | $273.74 | 49% |
| Pāʻea | 67 | $3,031 | $213.94 | 55% |
| Moorea-Maiao | 48 | $2,648 | $289.04 | 47% |
| Punaʻauiʻa | 290 | $2,393 | $210.03 | 49% |
| ʻĀrue | 35 | $2,309 | $199.35 | 45% |
| Puna'auia | 16 | $1,962 | $198.81 | 51% |
| Taiarapu-Ouest | 89 | $1,788 | $195.53 | 35% |
| Teva I Uta | 15 | $1,780 | $231.17 | 33% |
| Māhina | 37 | $1,653 | $169.96 | 44% |
| Faʻaʻā | 114 | $1,575 | $138.71 | 45% |