1. Can you introduce Vaeara’i and explain its core mission and role within the economic landscape of French Polynesia?
Vaeara’i was created in 2018 by our CEO, who is also an experienced captain who has sailed throughout French Polynesia and the Pacific. In the early 2010s, there was effectively a monopoly on freight and passenger transport between Tahiti and Moorea. He believed there was room for a new kind of vessel, one that could carry both cargo and passengers while offering a more human, culturally rooted experience.
He started with a small passenger boat, competing successfully against established operators; the local population was eager for another operator on the line. When Vaeara’i launched its main ship in 2021, it was designed as a prototype, there is no other vessel like it. It was built specifically for our waters, with stabilizers for comfort and flexible loading capacity for trucks and cars. It connects Moorea during the week and serves the Leeward Islands, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and even Maupiti, on weekends of school holidays.
Our philosophy is simple: help island families return home affordably, bringing their cars and belongings for extended stays. Many residents of Tahiti originally come from these islands. Our CEO himself is from Raiatea and wanted to serve that community. We are not just transporting people, we are reconnecting families and strengthening local economies.
Despite launching during the COVID-19 crisis and facing early shareholder challenges, we rebuilt our brand in 2023 with a new name and a bright yellow identity that immediately caught public attention. Over time, passengers began to understand that Vaeara’i is more than transport, it is a Polynesian experience at sea.
2. How does Vaeara’i differentiate itself in its sector and maintain a competitive edge in a Pacific island environment?
Competition is intense, especially between Tahiti and Moorea. What differentiates us is adaptability, culture and responsibility. We can adjust our schedules quickly based on demand. During the week we focus on Moorea, and on weekends we serve outer islands, and even remote destinations such as Makatea and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Islands.
We also place strong emphasis on sustainability. From the beginning, we adopted an ecological approach with the dematerialization of tickets, reducing paper use, and a strict no-plastic policy on board. We also prioritize the sale of locally manufactured products, especially those from the Leeward Islands, supporting small producers and artisans and reinforcing the local circular economy.
At the same time, we create a genuine onboard experience. Our ship features a restaurant and bar areas, including the Quinn’s Bar at the back, with live music and cocktails on Fridays. Guitars and ukuleles are available for passengers to play any time. People sing, study and relax. It feels like home. We say it is not just a trip. It is an experience and our staff is just happy when the passengers tell them how much they enjoy their crossing and will come back.
While we fully respect safety and environmental requirements, and our ship exceeds many standards with onboard treatment systems, we sometimes face bureaucratic rigidity that limits innovation. Entrepreneurship in French Polynesia requires resilience and creativity.
3. As CFO overseeing public relations and marketing, how do you align financial performance with brand positioning and corporate image?
It has been challenging, especially after COVID and internal restructuring. But every difficulty became a branding opportunity. When we changed our name and colors, we leaned into storytelling.
The name Vaeara’i comes from Polynesian mythology. It refers to the sacred site above Taputapuātea in Raiatea, one of the most important ancient marae in the Pacific. According to tradition, it is the place where Taaroa nui, the Tahitian god first set foot on earth, the foot of the sky. Stones from Vaeara’i were carried across the Polynesian triangle to establish sacred sites as far as New Zealand, Hawaii and Rapa Nui. In the same spirit, our ship travels and connects islands.
Before beginning operations, the captain followed tradition and stopped at Taputapuātea for a blessing ceremony. That spiritual and cultural grounding is central to our brand and we often say that we can feel the Polynesian “mana” on board, especially on rough times. Financially, we grow steadily and sustainably while reinforcing this strong cultural identity.
4. What investment priorities are currently shaping Vaeara’i’s development strategy?
Our primary priority is acquiring a second ship. Demand on the Moorea line has grown significantly. A complementary vessel would allow daily service to Moorea while freeing Vaeara’i to expand services to other islands.
We are also uniquely positioned in logistics. Because our vessel allows trucks to roll on and off directly, we can transport containers door to door, even to islands lacking heavy unloading equipment. In places like Huahine, Taha’a and Maupiti, we have supported construction and development by delivering containers that were previously difficult to transport.
We are growing carefully and step by step. Our ambition is steady expansion, maintaining quality and community focus rather than pursuing rapid, high risk growth. In a rapidly evolving world, our flexibility, adaptability, and resilience have allowed us to recover and move forward. This progress is made possible by our entirely Polynesian team, who remain at the center of our priorities. When they feel valued and fulfilled, our guests sense it, and it is one of the reasons they choose to return on board.
5. What operational challenges do you face in an island economy?
Island logistics are complex, but our ship was designed precisely to adapt to local constraints. Rather than asking authorities to modify docks, we built a vessel with flexible ramp systems that can operate in varied port conditions. In that sense, we are part of the logistical solution rather than a victim of logistical challenges.
6. What opportunities do you see for partnerships with foreign investors, especially in the United States?
At the moment, we are not actively seeking outside investment. However, we remain open to strategic opportunities that align with our long term vision. Our focus now is stabilizing operations and strengthening our foundation before considering larger partnerships.
7. Finally, what message would you like to share with Los Angeles Times readers about Vaeara’i’s vision and future ambitions?
First, come visit the islands of French Polynesia. And if you travel to Moorea or the Leeward Islands, come aboard Vaeara’i. From the moment you step on the ship, especially on a Friday afternoon with live music and ocean views, you feel on vacation.
We want every passenger, local or visitor, to feel at home in a Polynesian home at sea. We have warmth, culture and happiness to share. That is our mission and that is our future.
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