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
Ships moor or anchor at this port, with tenders carrying passengers ashore.
The tender landing is at Maroe village on Huahine Iti, where there is little to do near the dock. Fare is the main place to visit.
Cruise companies provide a shuttle over the bridge between Iti and Nui to Fare, the island's largest settlement. It uses the open-air wagons with wooden benches known across French Polynesia as Le Truck; bring something soft to sit on because the journey is quite rough.
Carry the printable map with you.
Fare, Huahine's relaxed principal village, has a waterfront lined with small boutiques, a jewellery shop, several banks, cafés providing customers with free WiFi and a lively supermarket selling everything from groceries to furniture.
Arguably the most picturesque island in French Polynesia, Huahine rewards a wander through the appealing village of Fare. Its small shops, cafés and market selling fresh produce and local crafts provide a window into everyday island life.
Steep mountains drop into sheltered bays coloured azure blue and emerald green, making Huahine one of the Society Group's more geographically varied islands. Its dense tropical foliage and wild, jungle-like scenery explain the name "The Garden Island" and make it an especially interesting Society Island to explore.
Huahine is formed from 2 islands, Huahine-Nui and Huahine-Iti, meaning Big Huahine and little Huahine. A bridge connects them, and both can be explored easily in a day or two. Among the qualities distinguishing Huahine within the Society islands is its prized sense of peace and solitude. Like Raiatea and Tahaa, it receives far fewer tourists than Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti. Its calm, stress-free character makes it many people's favourite Society Island...
Huahine also has numerous long white-sand beaches, most of which are readily accessible for time beside the sea and in the sunshine. Together with the island's other qualities, they make it a rewarding place to discover.
Getting around
Cars and scooters can be hired from Avis, Hertz and Europcar at the tender dock. A four-door, air-conditioned saloon costs about $100 for the day, while scooter prices begin at roughly $50.
Popular trips include an island tour visiting a vanilla plantation and viewing super eels more than 2 meters long, an outrigger journey to Avea Beach, or a combination of both.
Taxis are scarcely available.
Food and shopping
Shops generally trade from about 7:30am until 5:30pm, closing at noon on Saturdays, and usually take a long lunch break. Apart from hotel outlets, shops normally remain closed on Sundays.
Prices throughout French Polynesia are very high. Budget accommodation, food and even groceries can all be expensive, so arrive with plenty of money.
Haggling or bargaining over prices is not usual in either shops or markets.
Money
1000 CFP francs is equivalent to 8.38 euros.
Staying connected
French and Tahitian are the official languages.
Several waterfront cafés in Fare provide free WiFi to their customers.