Huahine - the Garden Island

The delightful island of Huahine lies 175 KM (110 miles) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands and is visible from Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora.

Located only 35 minutes by plane from Tahiti, Huahine is not only the nearest Leeward island from Tahiti but also stands among the best preserved islands of the Society archipelago. Less well-known than Moorea or Bora Bora, it receives far fewer tourists than its 2 neighbors.

Comprised of Huahine Nui (big Huahine) and Huahine-Iti (little Huahine), the two islands are joined by a narrow isthmus and enclosed within a protective necklace of coral. Huahine is covered with dense rainforests and huge trees growing on the slopes of a very varied and dramatic geography.

Offshore motu islets lie inside the barrier reef, providing sheltered gardens for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe industry. A very scenic, mostly unpaved road winds through green canopies and beautiful vistas for 32 km (20 miles) around the two islands, passing through small villages where a total of 4,480 inhabitants live in colorful, modest homes.

The lagoon, bordered by white sand beaches, is rich with sea life and Maeva Village has a wealth of archaeological sites that go back 1000 years.

The little town of Fare slumbers under the shade of almond and acacia trees, reminiscent of a quaint colonial town.

The Hotels:

There are only 2 hotels in Huahine.

The best hotel in Huahine is Te Tiare, a 5 Star resort accessible from the lagoon only. It has spacious overwater and beach bungalows and an overwater restaurant/bar that has received excellent reviews.

The Relais Mahana is a more basic, small, resort/hotel on an nice beach with fair accommodations and a good restaurant.

Huahine is one of our favorite islands and well worth the visit if you are looking for beauty and a little more seclusion. There are some wonderful excursions as well.

Best Of Huahine

Restaurants:
Poetaina – located in Fare. They serve fresh fish with terrific sauces. Very friendly and affordable.
Te Marara – at the edge of the main street. Their Vanilla mahi mahi is a must.
La Bousole – next to the Te Tiare transfer base.
Chez Guynette - nice place for lunch or an inexpensive breakfast, small menu, but good food and people watching.
Te Tiare Hotel - an excellent restaurant.
Pension Mauarii – lunch and dinner.
Relais Mahana Hotel - nice for lunch and dinner. Great seafood, good prices.
Patisserie Fare – across the street from the post office, about a 5-10 min walk towards the airport.
Temarara - a true South Pacific Bar. And be sure to try a maitai!
Chez Tara's – just up the beach from Pension Mauarii. Large portions of great food, very reasonable prices.

Activities:
Maraamu kite surfing - they also have Hobie Cats, Wind Suring, and many other activities/rentals. Website: http://www.tahitikite.com/2004/kitesurfA.htm
Huahine Natique - Shark Feeding, Picnic, and Jet Skiing tours.
Website: http://www.huahine-nautique.com/accueilpicnicA.htm
Island Eco Tours - run by Mr. Paul Atallah, his morning tour is highly recommended. Telephone Paul at (689) 68.79.67 or book through your hotel.
Huahine Explorer – 4x4 trips and island tours. Website: http://www.iaorana-huahine.com/en/explorer.html
Eurocar – located in Fare, rental cars and bikes.
Boat Rentals - downtown, small gas powered boats can be rented to tour the lagoon.

Shopping:
Magasin – a very small market about 2 km south of the Relais Mahana hotel, around the point and just past Flosse's estate, on the left side of the road.
Huahine Pearl Farm - owned by an American and his Tahitian wife. They also feature pottery and very nice carved coral sculptures.
Melanie Dupres Art Work - right after the bridge on the road to the Sofitel. Posters, lithographs, oil paintings, etc.
Super Fare Nui- the grocery store downtown has notices on what's going on in Huahine; but bring a French dictionary to read the notices.
Downtown Fare – several road side vendors, markets, roulettes, and small shops as well.