Making the most of Huahine
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As ships are moored or anchored in this port, you will be tendered ashore.
The tender dock is in the village of Maroe on Huahine Iti. There isn't much to do around the dock. Fare is the place to go.
Cruise lines operate a shuttle across the bridge (between Iti and Nui) and into Fare, which is the largest settlement on the island, utilizing open-air, wooden bench wagons known throughout French Polynesia as the Le Truck (take something soft with you to sit on...it's a pretty rough ride)
Printable map to take along.
Fare is Huahine's main village. Very laid back. The waterfront is lined with small boutiques, a jewelry store, a few banks, a bustling supermarket stocked with everything from food to furniture, and Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers.
Huahine is, arguably, the most picturesque island in all of French Polynesia... Wander around the charming village of Fare, which offers a glimpse into local life with small shops, cafes, and a market selling fresh produce and local crafts.
With steep mountains descending into protected bays of azure blue and emerald green colors, the island is also one of the more geographically diverse of the Society Group. Also known as "The Garden Island" due to its abundance of lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery, Huahine is one of the more interesting of the Society Islands to explore.
Huahine itself is actually 2 islands known as Huahine-Nui and Huahine-Iti (Big Huahine and little Huahine). Interconnected by a bridge, both islands can be easily explored in a day or two, making this a travel destination you will never forget. There are many things that make Huahine stand out among the Society islands, but perhaps the most treasured one is the much sought after idea of solitude and quietness. Similar to its cousins Raiatea and Tahaa, Huahine is far less touristic than Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti! (and that's a good thing) This island is so relaxing and stress free that many people pick it as their favorite Society Island…
There's also an abundance of long and beautiful white sandy beaches on Huahine... and the good news is that on this island, most of them are easily accessible for total quality beach and sun worshipping. All these wonderful attributes and more make Huahine a fascinating world destination for you to explore.
Getting around
By Car or Scooter: Avis, Hertz and Europcar rent vehicles right at the tender dock; expect to pay about $100 for the day for a four-door sedan with air conditioning. Scooters start from about $50.
Popular excursions are: Island tour with visit to a vanilla plantation and seeing super eels, which are over 2 meters long. Or a trip by outrigger to Avea Beach. Or both!
Hardly any taxis available.
Food and shopping
Shops usually open about 7:30am and close at 5:30pm (Noon on Saturdays) but there is always a long lunch hour. Except in hotels, all shops are usually closed on Sundays.
Everything is very expensive in French Polynesia. Even budget accommodation is tough on the budget, as is food, even groceries. So if you visit, take lots of money, you will need it.
Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.
Money
1000 CFP francs = 8.38 euros.
Staying connected
Official languages: French, Tahitian
There are several Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers on the waterfront in Fare.