Huahine

Located 175km northwest of Tahiti, the island is divided into two parts connected by a bridge of a hundred meters: Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti. It is said that Hiro, the god of thieves, would have split the island with its canoe after falling asleep. When he awoke, he tried to stop the ship by throwing his hook on the ground and lost his paddle during the sinking. Even today, these two elements can be seen on a cliff of the Maroe Bay.

Real Eden, the island is a haven for anyone seeking tranquility and calm. White sand beaches and coral islets have been sprinkled on a blue lagoon that could recall the Bermuda sky. A lush nature marvels the visitors and the island embodies the Polynesian beauty.

Like the small creeks scattered around the island, Huahine wants to be secret, fragile and silent. Only archaeological remains attest to the wealth of ancestral heritage. But perhaps you will be able to make the stones speak and lift the mystery that hangs over the “island of the woman”. Huahine abounds with food and fruit crops, the locals kindness can be read on every smile and in every look.

The island is famous for its generous shapes that look like a pregnant woman, lying on her back. Overlooking the great Huahine from its 669m, the Mount Turi dominates the Mounts Tapu to the north, Paeao and Vahi to the south. Moua Toru is distinguished by its three peaks, what a playground for hikers! The best thing to do is to climb to the summit by quad or at least to go to the belvedere of Faie to contemplate the breathtaking view over the bay of Maroe.

Polynesian specificity, fish parks are the premise of aquaculture. Ancestral technique used for centuries, it consists in playing with the current so that the fish rush and cannot come out of the trap. Made from stones and coral blocks, they allow easy fishing and help with animal reproduction.

Symbol of Polynesia, the “Tahiti Black Pearl”, as it is generally called, is an exceptional souvenir that many like to bring back from their vacations. Next to Faie, the “Huahine Pearl Farm” offers a small canoe to allow you to access it for free. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the manufacturing process and do some shopping: pearls are mounted or sold as they are. And if you’d like a quick summary, check out our article on pearl farms.

Art lovers will be delighted to linger in this colorful gallery while enjoying a tasty taro ice cream.

The tourist attractions of the island are not limited to the landscape and stones. There is also this creativity, remarkable dexterity, this sense of detail, this craft specific to the Leeward Islands. Do not hesitate to take a walk in the markets, you will find some pieces of exception.

Dance is without a doubt, the second area in which the inhabitants excel. If you visit the island in July, you will have the opportunity to attend a performance of ote’a mau during the tiurai festivities. This dance is unique to Huahine and is reserved exclusively for men.

Huahine remains a wild paradise where it is good to bask on the hot sand. Here, you will not encounter any difficulty in finding a corner to put your towel, the majority of beaches are uncrowded, not to mention deserted. Near the channel, is the beach of the former Sofitel Hotel from which you can swim to motu Mahare.

Why not discovering the island from the lagoon? Embark on a traditional canoe or a comfortable boat and retrace the most memorable legends of the island. Be amazed by the local fauna and flora, endemic species, fish-filled caves and coral gardens. Most of the time, you will be taught how to make a basket of pandanus leaves. Attend the preparation of the famous raw fish with coconut milk, learn to tie a pareo or how to dance the Tahitian way: a great program!

Like the rest of Polynesia, the island is endowed with an impressive biodiversity. We advise you to go around the motu Vaiorea, at the entrance of port Bourayne.

Moreover, every year, during the month of October, Huahine is the starting point of the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, the most famous traditional canoe race. If you stay there at this time of the year, don’t miss it under any circumstances.

Unlike in the Tuamotu, you will not encounter any difficulty to have lunch or dinner here. Of course, the shops and snacks are much more numerous on the big island, especially next to Fare. You will find a Super U (supermarket) where you will be able to do your grocery shopping, as well as small restaurants. On the other hand, on Huahine Iti, you will find hotels or fruit sellers along the road. Some day trips also offer lunch on a motu in addition to small snacks but we recommend you to book your stay half board in the hotel or the guesthouse of your choice.

If you are looking to taste a great homemade raw fish, flavored with lemon and coconut milk as it should, on the beach, you will have to go to Tara’s place. On Sundays, you will even have the opportunity to witness the opening of the ahima’a, the Tahitian oven. Immerse yourself in a typical local atmosphere and enjoy colorful food.

Although the island is not very large, its 74 km2 do not allow walking around or even take a bike. Choose a scooter or a car. If you are adventurous and lucky, you can try to hitchhike, islanders are known to be friendly.

First, you need to fly to Tahiti, then you just have to book a direct flight Tahiti – Huahine via the local airline Air Tahiti. In only 40 min, you will arrive at your destination, just the time you need to drink a fruit juice in the air.

A regular sea shuttle has also been set up. Count 8hrs to make the crossing by boat from Tahiti.