Huahine, Polynesia’s Garden of Eden

Things to do in Huahine

One of the best kept secrets in French Polynesia is the island of Huahine with lush forests, tropical landscapes, white sandy beaches, and quaint villages.  Many call this island, the Garden of Eden of the South Pacific.

Visitors find a more authentic, unspoiled island experience on Huahine, where there’s a slower pace and not as many tourists.

We cruised to Huahine with Windstar Cruises, and anchored off the island near the town of Fare, and rented a car to explore the island.  Here’s our list of recommendations on what to see, where to go and dine.

Where to go, what to see and where to dine…

Rent a Car and explore the island! 

Take the figure-eight route that will take you around the larger part of the island, Huahine Nui to the smaller part, Huahine Iti.  Start heading clockwise direction from the town Fare on Huahine Nui, then when you cross the bridge to Huahine Iti, go counter-clockwise direction.  You’ll be able to stop where you want, and enjoy splendid views of the colorful bays and lagoons.

Huahine Nui – Larger Part of the Island

Handicraft Shopping: 

In the town of Fare, you will find a large open-air hut where vendors display their handicrafts – jewelry, floral crowns, leis, and other goods.

Maraes: 

Huahine has many sacred marae locations around the island.  Maraes are prehistoric temples where important ceremonies and meetings with tribal chiefs took place.  Visit Maeva Village, where you will find several of these archaeological sites.

Above Maeva is Mata’irea Hille where there are over 200 stone structures, including the marae and house foundations, fortification walls, and burial platforms.  Stop at the Fare Potee Museum where you can learn more about the maraes and history of the island.

400- Yr Old Stone Fish Traps:

Visit Maeva’s lake Fauna Nui where many villagers still use old fishing techniques with the 400-yr old stone walls in the lake, that lead fish to traps.

Galerie ‘Umatatea – Artist Studio of Melanie Dupre: 

Visit the art studio of Melanie, an artist from Ohio, USA who moved to Huahine, and lives in a traditional Polynesian style house on the motu of Maeva.  Her paintings range from a bowl of tropical fruit to portraits of locals.

Giant Blue-Eyed Eels:

In Faie village, you can see the giant blue-eyed eels, famous on the island of Huahine.

Belvedere Lookout: 

Stop here for a spectacular view of the Bay of Maroe.

Huahine Iti – Smaller Part of Island

Cross the bridge to visit Huahine Iti, where you can drive around the coastline and see lush landscapes, sandy beaches and a crystal blue lagoon.

Stop for Lunch at Chez Tara: 

Go in the direction of Parea, and before you reach the Parea village, stop at Chez Tara for a traditional Tahitian buffet.  If you visit on a Sunday, many locals will be there and you can listen to live Tahitian musicians as they play traditional music during your meal.  Sit near the water’s edge under the grass cabana, and feel the ocean breeze while tasting the island flavors.  Reservations:  Tel. 40 68 78 45

Owner, Tara

Marae Anini: 

Drive in the direction of Tefarerii, and you’ll see signs for the Marae Anini, where you can see an ancient archaeological site along a beautiful stretch of beach.

Where to Stay?

Le Maitai Lapita Village

ARTICLES AND VIDEOS OF FRENCH POLYNESIA

On this trip, we cruised with Windstar Cruises, and visited 8 islands including coral atolls Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus archipelago, as well as Taha’a, Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti in the Society Islands.  Sharing highlights from each of these islands – what to do, where to go, dine, stay…

TUAMOTU ISLANDS

·    Fakarava, Island of Dreams 

***Click here to see drone footage  Fakarava Blue Lagoon Tour

·    Rangiroa’s Endless Lagoon

SOCIETY ISLANDS

·    A Perfect Day in Tahiti

·    Bora Bora, Island of Romance

·    Moorea, the Heart Shaped Island of Polynesia

·    Huahine, Polynesia’s Garden of Eden

·    Raiatea Island, the Cradle of French Polynesia

·    Taha’a, South Pacific’s Vanilla Island

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Global Adventuress thanks Windstar Cruises for partially hosting our cruise through French Polynesia.  We also want to thank Avis Rental Car for the media discounted rate, as well as Chez Tara for hosting one of our meals.