Discover Huahine

Huahine is an island forming part of the Leeward Islands in the Society Archipelago of French Polynesia. It is a strategic point, midway from all the Society islands. The island's main town is called Fare, which means "house" in Tahitian. Huahine is situated 175 KM away from the more metropolitan island of Tahiti. Huahine has an area of 74 sq km and is composed of two mountain ranges, Huahine Nui (Nui means big in Tahitian) and Huahine Iti (Iti means small), separated by Maroe Bay and Port Bourayne.

There are about 7,000 people living on Huahine, primarily farmers and fishermen. The island has had several names in the past including, "Te Mata Toerau Roa" (the eye of the great north wind), "Mataira" for Huahine Nui and "Hu'a hu'a Te Aru" for Huahine Iti. Huahine Iti only has one volcano, whose summit, Pohu Rahi, reaches 462 m. Often lost in the clouds, Huahine Nui's Turi Mount rises to 669 m.

In the village of Maeva, you will find one of the largest concentrations of Maohi archaeological sites. Notable are the Fare Pote'e and different Marae, ancient stone structures. These sites can be found on the shores of Lake Fauna Nui, which also holds the well preserved ancient fish traps. The sacred blue-eyed eels of the village of Faie are another must-see for tourists. In Fitii (or Ha'avai) village, there is another spot of interest for those seeking to discover the history of Huahine, the paw print of the legend Hiro's dog.

Continuing the discovery of Huahine, there is another village called Maroe, a small community of taro farmers. The village of Parea has beautiful white sand beaches, and on the tip of Tiva, facing the pass Ara'ara, you will find the Marae Anini. Tefarerii or "Te-fare-arii" means the Royal Domain, today the inhabitants are the main producers of watermelons and melons in French Polynesia. The sleepy fishing village of Haapu also hosts several vanilla plantations, the farmers are always ready to give a tour and explain the process of growing their delicate pods. Take time to discover the charm of Huahine, its market, its gentle way of life, the generosity of its inhabitants and see why this fabulous Garden of Eden is the "Preferred Island" of Polynesians and many foreign tourists.