Huahine : garden of Eden

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.
Water activities show Huahine in its magnificent natural setting: lagoon trips; fauna and underwater flora exploration (reef drop-offs, caves full of fish, coral gardens); sunset cruises, deep sea fishing and surfing on the best waves in French Polynesia.

Health: 1 infirmary

Banks: 1 “Banque de Polynésie”, 1 “Banque Socredo”, 1 “Banque de Tahiti”

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