Lulled by the rhythm of the ocean waves and the legendof Hiro, the giant demigod of thieves who cut the island in two with his canoe, Huahine-Nui (the big island), and Huahine-Iti, (the small island), lie dormant on a bed of coral.
Huahine, also called “the Woman Island”, overflows with a savage allure that makes her exceptionally attractive: her velvet slopes draped in exuberant tropical vegetation, her mirror-like lagoon reflecting the phosphorescent coral formations that lay scattered in their silent abode and her numerous snowy white sand beaches that envelope her in virginal modesty.
It takes three and a half hours to go around the island, a mystical tour due to a tormented relief. Rich in archaeological relics such as traditional dwellings and “maraes” (traditional temples built for sacrifices in honour of the gods), the island still vibrates from a mysterious past. A visit to the temple of Orohaehae or of the sacred lake of the ancient wizard kings is a wonderful occasion for the visitor to experience the untouched and enchanting authenticity of Huahine.
Fare, the main village located on Huahine-Nui and rooted in ancient Polynesian lifestyle, looks asleep in the shade of “badamier” (local chestnut tree) and acacia trees, awakening upon the arrival of cruiseships and cargo-schooners from Papeete. The inhabitants welcome visitors as they experience the aromas of vanilla, coconuts, bananas, watermelons and even melons, while fresh colorful fish from the lagoon hang from the trees.
Wild and enticing nature: luxuriant vegetation, untouchedbeaches, deserted coves, idyllic “motus” (islets), abundant fruit trees and colorful enchanted lagoons these are the sorts of features available to from visitors experienced local guides who take pride in sharing their heritage. A mysterious past: the most extensive and best-preserved archaeological remains in French Polynesia: the Maeva sites, the Orohaehae Temple and the marae (places of sacrifice to the gods) and the landscape molded by myth and legend. Tourist and cultural centers: flourishing local arts and crafts; fish parks; villages with authentic fishermen; visit the sacred eels at Faie; and splendid gardens for botanical enthusiasts.
Getting To and Around Huahine
Huahine is served by Air Tahiti with frequent 35-minute flights from Papeete, daily flights from Moorea, and 20-minute flights from both Raiatea and Bora Bora. The airport is a 15-minute drive from the main village of Fare. Transport from the airport to the hotels can be reserved by your preferred travel professional or with the resort or hotel. A ferry service operated by Aremiti also connects Huahine with Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Papeete, but runs infrequently. Taxi service is available, and the public transit system, Le Truck, has daily routes from the six outlying villages to Fare. Roads can be explored by hired excursion or by renting a car or bicycle. Motorboats and sailboats can be rented with or without a guide.
For the visitor, the unspoiled environment of Huahine can be experiences in many ways:
- Exploration of the huge network of restored ancient royal sites with an archaeological tour among the hills and shores. - Enjoyment of the clear lagoon waters by snorkeling, boating, and jetskiing. - Enchantment from the charming villages and vanilla farms with a relaxing trip around the islands by car, tour, or even bicycle. - Discovery of the underwater world by diving or aboard a glass-bottomed boat. - Adventure into the curls and share a wave with globe-trotting surfers. - Relaxation among the serene setting of an isolated and beautiful resorts.
Some of the popular activities and sites for visitors include: Circle-Island Tour The quiet roads and waters around Huahine are perfect for leisurely exploration. By boat or jetski, the lagoon and bays greet you as you glide over the bright waters with stops anywhere along the way for snorkeling. By car or bus tour, the scenic roads wind through verdant forests and up to breathtaking vistas. It's easy to fill the day with visits to the villages, walks among the historical sites, and stops at scenic beaches and fruit stands.
Fare Village The largest town in Huahine is concentrated within only a few blocks. The village comes alive each day with the arrival of the ferry and when the fishing boats display their daily catch. Most of the island activities begin here including land and lagoon tours, car and bike rental, guided historical tours, glass-bottom boat tours, diving, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, etc. Most of the restaurants favored by the locals are also located here.
Historical Sites The largest concentration of pre-European marae (ancient temples) are located in Huahine. The local guides are very knowledgeable and enjoyable to hire for guided walks among these religious and mythical sites.
Jet Skiing Huahine's lagoon is famous for exploration by jetski. The shallow waters, large secluded bays, and quiet shores give couples and small groups the feeling of true freedom and adventure. There are several companies that offer full-and half day programs that circle both islands. Guided tours are complete with frequent stops to picnic on your own private beaches and islands.
Hawaiki Nui Va'a Canoe Race Huahine hosts the start of what is best described as the "Super Bowl" of canoe races. The Hawaiki Nui Va'a is the world's largest and longest international open-ocean canoe race and covers a grueling 77 miles between Huahine and Bora Bora. The start and finish are celebrated with a great festival of food, music, and dance.
Diving Huahine's dive sites are less discovered than other islands and present a quiet underwater world perfect for beginning and intermediate divers. Sites feature yellow coral gardens and concentrations of reef fish, eagle rays, tuna, and grey reef sharks. Other activities and sites on Huahine include: Bicycle rentals for flat rides on the lightly-traveled roads. Snorkeling at the many quiet beaches. For expert surfers, the passes are world famous. Belvedere lookout on Mount Turi overlooking Maroe Bay. The blue-eyed eels of Faie. Ancient fish traps of Lake Fauna Nui. Vanilla plantations and fruit gardens along the road on both islands. Guided walking trips. Sail boat charters and motor boat rentals.
Dining on Huahine
The resort restaurants are among the best in the Pacific and feature lavish and traditional Polynesian shows and music performed by the island's best musicians. These restaurants include the Omai at Sofitel Heiva Huahine, and the beautiful Arii at the Te Tiare Beach Resort. Other restaurants include Te Nahe at Relais Mahana offering a charming local atmosphere of the isolated southern island, while Te Marara, Tiare Tipanier, and Te Manava in Fare feature waterfront settings, South Seas ambience, and Polynesian, French, and International cuisine favored by the locals. The village of Fare also offers a few roulottes and snack shops perfect for informal settings and picnics.
An Open-Air Museum Although "crowded" seldom comes to mind in describing the islands of Tahiti, the word perfectly describes the density of Huahine's historical sites. In fact, the famous archaeological site near the village of Maeva has the largest concentration of pre-European marae in Polynesia. Now, almost fully restored, 200 archeological stone structures have survived centuries of natural destruction. These structures lie within yards of one another along the shore of Lake Fauna Nui and on the sacred and scenic Matairea Hill and include marae of island chieftains, dwellings, horticultural developments, and religious and ceremonial monuments. Here, overlooking the ancient stone fish traps and the ocean beyond, visitors follow a footpath among royal marae and immense fortification walls as well as stone foundations for homes of island chiefs and priests. Other important historic finds have shown that Huahine has the oldest recorded date of human occupation among the Society Islands. Discoveries at the recently uncovered sites date from A.D. 850 to 1200 and include ancient workshops for the construction of canoes and assembly of fish hooks.
Health: 1 infirmary
Banks: 1 “Banque de Polynésie”, 1 “Banque Socredo”, 1 “Banque de Tahiti”
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