Activities: Land Side
Huahine from the road

Activities: Sea Side
Huahine from the lagoon

Island Life
Life, history, geography…

Discover Huahine Island Through Its Activities And History

❖ From lagoon to mountains:

Thanks to your car, minibus or scooter, discover the charms of Huahine from the land side,
Use your boat to explore the motus and beaches of Huahine from seaside,
Learn more about the life of/on the island, its history and geography.

Activities: Land Side ▴

Activities: Land Side▴
Huahine from the road

Discover the charms of Huahine from the road

Use YOUR car to discover the charms of Huahine, on the land side…
❖ With your car, discover: *The marae:* You will find marae (sacred Polynesian sites) on the ocean in the Maeva area of the island. There is a “Fare Potee” to be found on Lake Maeva as well. The Fare Potee is a large, oval shaped house reserved for chiefs and community assemblies. This structure was rebuilt in 1974 in a traditional manner using bamboo and pandanu. The marae were constructed of stone and are considered to be the most sacred sites for the ancient Polynesians. The marae were used primarily for religious ceremonies directed by a king. However, they were also used for other significant events like the celebration of a victory, a marriage, or even human sacrifice! *Agricultures:* On the motus, you will find large gardens of watermelon and other types of melon which are used by the people on the island, the markets in Pape’ete, hotels, and cruise ships. In addition to other fruits and vegetables grown for food (taro, breadfruit, bananas, etc.), you can also find medicinal and aromatic plants. *Tiare Tahiti:* Lhe Tahitian gardenia is used as decoration, as perfume, and as a symbol for romantic or diplomatic exchanges. A small shrub with dark green leaves produces flowers with five to eight petals. All the flowers are hermaphroditic, producing both pistils and stamens. It is one of the rare indigenous species in Polynesia and has become a symbol of the islands. You also see these flowers offered to tourists as they arrive on the islands, or offered to Tahitians as they leave. You will also see the flower crowns worn by many women as they go about their daily lives, at celebrations, or during ceremonies. Mostly, you will see the Tiare Tahiti behind the ears of the old and young alike which represents their attachment…behind the right ear for married and behind the left ear for single. These flowers are also widely used as decoration in bouquets and to make the massage oil “monoï Tiare”. *The Tahitian noni:* This highly valued fruit is quite pungent and is used mostly for medicinal reasons like preventing cancer, staving infections, etc… *Vanilla:* Vanilla (vanira in Tahitian) comes from the orchid family, is not of Polynesian origin, and has a complex genealogy. The first plant was imported in 1846 from an experimental farm on the island of Reunion . Between 1949 and 1966, more than 200 tons per year were harvested. In 2003, the government began subsidizing the vanilla greenhouses which now produce 20,000 tons of vanilla per year. *The Tahitian oven:* The Tahitian oven (a’hima’a), where food cooks over the heat of hot coals and is buried, is always respected and is used regularly by many families on the island. Most of the food is wrapped in packets made from palm leaves. Common dishes include roasted pork, chicken with fafa (a type of spinach), and other dishes like po’e, locally grown bananas, uru (breadfruit), taro, etc. You will most often find this type of food at celebrations (large or small) or at traditional Tahitian weddings. ❖ Several activities in Huahine: *See the island from a 4X4:* Discover the island on a safari guided by locals. The plantations, the flowers, the panoramic views, the blue eyed sacred eels, the Polynesian Gods… Don’t forget to check our 4×4 Safaris Tours! *Eden park:* Visit a large ecologically aware fruit garden and take in the panoramic views of the three bays. *Restaurants:* There are many restaurants open all week, as well as snacks from the local roulettes. You will easily find something to satisfy all tastes.

Use YOUR car to discover the charms of Huahine, on the land side…

❖ With your car, discover:

The marae: You will find marae (sacred Polynesian sites) on the ocean in the Maeva area of the island. There is a “Fare Potee” to be found on Lake Maeva as well. The Fare Potee is a large, oval shaped house reserved for chiefs and community assemblies. This structure was rebuilt in 1974 in a traditional manner using bamboo and pandanu. The marae were constructed of stone and are considered to be the most sacred sites for the ancient Polynesians. The marae were used primarily for religious ceremonies directed by a king. However, they were also used for other significant events like the celebration of a victory, a marriage, or even human sacrifice!

Agricultures: On the motus, you will find large gardens of watermelon and other types of melon which are used by the people on the island, the markets in Pape’ete, hotels, and cruise ships. In addition to other fruits and vegetables grown for food (taro, breadfruit, bananas, etc.), you can also find medicinal and aromatic plants.

Tiare Tahiti: Lhe Tahitian gardenia is used as decoration, as perfume, and as a symbol for romantic or diplomatic exchanges. A small shrub with dark green leaves produces flowers with five to eight petals. All the flowers are hermaphroditic, producing both pistils and stamens. It is one of the rare indigenous species in Polynesia and has become a symbol of the islands.
You also see these flowers offered to tourists as they arrive on the islands, or offered to Tahitians as they leave. You will also see the flower crowns worn by many women as they go about their daily lives, at celebrations, or during ceremonies. Mostly, you will see the Tiare Tahiti behind the ears of the old and young alike which represents their attachment…behind the right ear for married and behind the left ear for single.
These flowers are also widely used as decoration in bouquets and to make the massage oil “monoï Tiare”.

The Tahitian noni: This highly valued fruit is quite pungent and is used mostly for medicinal reasons like preventing cancer, staving infections, etc…

Vanilla: Vanilla (vanira in Tahitian) comes from the orchid family, is not of Polynesian origin, and has a complex genealogy. The first plant was imported in 1846 from an experimental farm on the island of Reunion . Between 1949 and 1966, more than 200 tons per year were harvested. In 2003, the government began subsidizing the vanilla greenhouses which now produce 20,000 tons of vanilla per year.

The Tahitian oven: The Tahitian oven (a’hima’a), where food cooks over the heat of hot coals and is buried, is always respected and is used regularly by many families on the island. Most of the food is wrapped in packets made from palm leaves. Common dishes include roasted pork, chicken with fafa (a type of spinach), and other dishes like po’e, locally grown bananas, uru (breadfruit), taro, etc. You will most often find this type of food at celebrations (large or small) or at traditional Tahitian weddings.

❖ Several activities in Huahine:

See the island from a 4X4: Discover the island on a safari guided by locals. The plantations, the flowers, the panoramic views, the blue eyed sacred eels, the Polynesian Gods… Don’t forget to check our 4×4 Safaris Tours!

Eden park: Visit a large ecologically aware fruit garden and take in the panoramic views of the three bays.

Restaurants: There are many restaurants open all week, as well as snacks from the local roulettes. You will easily find something to satisfy all tastes.

Activities: Sea Side ▴

Activities: Sea Side▴
Huahine from the lagoon

Discover the charms of Huahine from the lagoon

Use YOUR boat to discover the charms of Huahine, on the water side….
❖ With your motor boat: *Discover the lagoon:* You can go wherever you want with your motor boat while touring the lagoon. You have total freedom while exploring the deserted motus, the coral gardens, and uninhabited beaches. *Lagoon fishing: The boats are equipped with fishing pole holders, so you can go out into Maroe Bay or into the lagoons around Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti and catch many different varieties of fish. ❖ Several water activities in Huahine:* *Guided tour by boat or outrigger:* Tour the island comfortably, leaving from Fare around 9:30 AM . You will visit the pearl farm, many pretty coral gardens where you can snorkel, have lunch on a white sand beach, and return to Fare around 4:00 PM after circling the small island of Huahine Iti. Organized Jet Ski tour: See the island by jet ski and enjoy a private lunch with your feet in the water. *Shark feeding:* Come and encounter the sharks. Observe them from the platform or jump in the water to be in their company. *Scuba diving:* There are two dive centers on the island ready for any level of experience, from first dive to professional. One center is on Huahine Nui, the other on Huahine Iti. *Deep sea fishing:* Approved and insured, leave in the morning and return in the evening. On the menu: Swordfish, Red Fin Tuna, Mahi mahi, etc…

Use YOUR boat to discover the charms of Huahine, on the water side….

❖ With your motor boat:

Discover the lagoon: You can go wherever you want with your motor boat while touring the lagoon. You have total freedom while exploring the deserted motus, the coral gardens, and uninhabited beaches.

Lagoon fishing: The boats are equipped with fishing pole holders, so you can go out into Maroe Bay or into the lagoons around Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti and catch many different varieties of fish.

❖ Several water activities in Huahine:

Guided tour by boat or outrigger: Tour the island comfortably, leaving from Fare around 9:30 AM . You will visit the pearl farm, many pretty coral gardens where you can snorkel, have lunch on a white sand beach, and return to Fare around 4:00 PM after circling the small island of Huahine Iti.

Organized Jet Ski tour: See the island by jet ski and enjoy a private lunch with your feet in the water.

Shark feeding: Come and encounter the sharks. Observe them from the platform or jump in the water to be in their company.

Scuba diving: There are two dive centers on the island ready for any level of experience, from first dive to professional. One center is on Huahine Nui, the other on Huahine Iti.

Deep sea fishing: Approved and insured, leave in the morning and return in the evening. On the menu: Swordfish, Red Fin Tuna, Mahi mahi, etc…

Island Life ▴
Huahine , French Polynesia : Live the difference between genuineness and folklore !

La Vie De L’île▴
Life, history, geography…

A few things about Huahine island…

Discover the history and life of the island…

General info...

Huahine is located in the Society Islands , 110 miles north-west of Tahiti (30 minutes by airplane). The islands Raiatea and Taha’a are located about 20 miles to the east. One can get to Bora Bora by airplane in about 15 minutes (which is about 35 miles to the east). Many boats and planes serve Huahine regularly.

The island has a modern infrastructure and supports many types of commerce, so it is possible to almost anything you need. You will also find many banks and a post office. Several agencies have bicycles, scooters, and cars for your rent.

People speak the same languages on Huahine as on the rest of the Society Islands, French and Tahitian. Like any other island, Huahine has its own local dialect variants. The biggest town of Huahine, named Fare, is the stereotypical image of a sleepy South Pacific port.

Geography…

Huahine is an ancient volcano whose center collapsed, letting the ocean flood in.

This island is about 30 sq. miles and is composed of two large land masses, Huahine Nui (“Big Huahine”) and Huahine Iti (“Little Huahine”). The two islands are separated by the bays of Maroe and Bourayne and protected a broken turquoise lagoon accessible through five main passes.

Huahine is distinguished from the other Polynesian islands by the variety of its landscape. One can find everything from mountains to small valleys that cut into multiple bays. There are 8 primary villages with houses stacked one against the other, each with their own distinct personality.

The eight villages…

The population of Huahine is broken up into eight villages, four on Huahine Nui (Fare, Maeva, Faie, and Fitii) and four on Huahine Iti (Maroe, Haapu, Parea, and Tefarerii).

Huahine Nui
Fare Since the 1830’s, this town was a rest stop for the whaling ships followed the cetaceans to north during the months of May to June. Fare, the capital of Huahine, extends along the ocean front. Different businesses are located along a single tree covered street. The market and roulettes are lively all day long. Fare is located on Haamene Bay where two passes open into the ocean. Avamoa, to the north, is the principal site where boats access the inner island waters. It is also the location of a mythical surf spot. Maeva In ancient times, Huahine was the center of Polynesian culture. Now, of all the islands in French Polynesia, Huahine has the most archeological sites. In the village of Maeva alone, there are about 30 restored marae (ceremonial sites). “Lake” Fauna Nui connects to the ocean by a narrow channel. In that channel, you will see stones stacked into the shape of a large “V”. These structures are ancient fish traps and have been used continuously for hundreds of years. They are still in use today! The fish are trapped as the tide falls. Faie The village of Faie is best known for its sacred blue-eyed eels. You can see them up close and even touch them. This town is also where the road for the panoramic viewpoint is located. The mountain climbs to almost 700 feet and gives a spectacular view of Maroe Bay. Fitii The Vaiuraura river flows by this quiet town. You will see mape (Polynesian chestnuts), vanilla, papaya.it truly is a garden of Eden that reflects the ecological past of the Polynesian culture. You can also see an old NASA site used to observe the dynamics of plate tectonics.

Huahine Nui

Fare

Since the 1830’s, this town was a rest stop for the whaling ships followed the cetaceans to north during the months of May to June.

Fare, the capital of Huahine, extends along the ocean front. Different businesses are located along a single tree covered street. The market and roulettes are lively all day long.

Fare is located on Haamene Bay where two passes open into the ocean. Avamoa, to the north, is the principal site where boats access the inner island waters. It is also the location of a mythical surf spot.

Maeva

In ancient times, Huahine was the center of Polynesian culture. Now, of all the islands in French Polynesia, Huahine has the most archeological sites. In the village of Maeva alone, there are about 30 restored marae (ceremonial sites).

“Lake” Fauna Nui connects to the ocean by a narrow channel. In that channel, you will see stones stacked into the shape of a large “V”. These structures are ancient fish traps and have been used continuously for hundreds of years. They are still in use today! The fish are trapped as the tide falls.

Faie

The village of Faie is best known for its sacred blue-eyed eels. You can see them up close and even touch them. This town is also where the road for the panoramic viewpoint is located. The mountain climbs to almost 700 feet and gives a spectacular view of Maroe Bay.

Fitii

The Vaiuraura river flows by this quiet town. You will see mape (Polynesian chestnuts), vanilla, papaya.it truly is a garden of Eden that reflects the ecological past of the Polynesian culture.

You can also see an old NASA site used to observe the dynamics of plate tectonics.

Huahine Iti

Maroe

Be careful on the 20% incline down from the panoramic viewpoint! This town will also lead you across the only bridge which connects Huahine Nui with Huahine Iti.

On your right, you will see Bourayne Bay and the Vaiorea motu as well as the island of Raiatea on the horizon. On the left, you will get a magnificent view of Maroe Bay.

Haapu

At the end of the 1950’s, American anthropologists from the Bishop Museum in Hawaii studied life in Haapu in detail. This place was chosen as an example of an insulated maohi (native Polynesian) community.

This ocean side village was once on stilts, but now resides on the embankments added to the lagoon. The road which leads to the center of this town goes only to this town. It does not go through like all other roads on the island.

Parea

Located at the southernmost tip of Huahine, Parea has a superb white sand beach. The lagoon here is a dream and serves as a harbor for many sailboaters who come here to drop anchor for a few days.

Several crops also grow here: taro, manioc, vanilla, bananas, etc.

Tefarerii

On the ocean side, there is a little marina which allows small boats to dock there. On the lagoon side, mussels are raised.

At the bottom of Apoomatai Bay, you will have a very impressive view of an inactive volcano evocatively named Te moa o Hiro (Hiro’s penis).

History…

Ancient history

According to archeological and linguistic studies, the original Polynesians came from the South West of Asia. They arrived on the northern coast of New Guinea about 4000 to 5000 years ago. Eventually, they progressed south reaching Fiji and Tonga around 1500 BC and Samoa around 100 BC. The Marquises islands were finally inhabited about 300 AD.

These colonizations were great voyages made in canoes constructed by the Polynesians. With them, they carried, plants, fruit, animals, other food, and anything else necessary for their survival.

Recent history

In 1769, Cook became the first European to visit Huahine. After several more voyages to the island, Cook took a young Polynesian named Omai with him. The toured the world and eventually landed in England where he stayed for several years.

In 1809, protestant missionaries named Davies and Bennet traveled on the island for an entire year while keeping a detailed journal.

Between 1847 and 1888, after a long series of skirmishes and negotiations, Huahine fell into French rule and was finally annexed in 1897. The French missionaries replaced the English ones. In 1946, the islanders were finally granted French citizenship.

Huahine from the road

Huahine from the lagoon

Life, history, geography…