Guide to Huahine Island in French Polynesia
The island of Huahine in French Polynesia is a world apart from the resort dominated islands of Bora-Bora and Moorea. Known as ”The Garden Island”, easily navigate the island to experience the tropical jungle interior, coconut plantations, vanilla orchids, sacred temples hidden among dense foliage and a beautiful lagoon.
Also, it’s fun and easy to visit with kids!
A short 40-min flight from Tahiti is all it takes to reach the island of Huahine in French Polynesia. Part of the group known as the Society Islands, Huahine is also close to Raiatea and Bora Bora.
The island has two distinct sections, Huahine Nui (big) and Huahine Iti (small) and the name Huahine is a variation of the Tahitian word ”vahine”, or ”woman”. Some say this is because the mountain ridge resembles the shape of a pregnant woman.
Awesome things to do on Huahine Island in French Polynesia
Explore ancient marae
The island of Huahine was once the home of Tahitian royalty and has the most ancient marae (temples) in French Polynesia. It’s believed that some of these marae date back to the Lapita people, the original ancestors of the Tahitians around 700 AD.
Marae Anini, located on the southern tip of Huahine Iti doubles as a great spot for a picnic and swim, with green grassy areas and a shallow reef close to shore.
Visit the Sacred Eels of Faie
A number of eels with bright blue eyes can be found in a fresh-water river that passes through Faie village. Considered sacred by the locals, they didn’t really move around too much when we visited and being honest, I was a little underwhelmed with their inactivity. However, once the sunlight hits their eyes you know you’re onto something special.
I was told when the locals feed them a tin of fish they appear in huge numbers, slithering all over the place.
Swim at beautiful beaches
Huahine Island has some stunning beaches that are hard to tear yourself away from. There is one located near Marae Anine mentioned above and a few around Avea Bay on Huahini Iti.
A ”secret” spot to swim is at the former Hana Iti Hotel but there is no road access, so you will need to ask someone to boat you there or hire a kayak or dinghy. Visit stunning motus by a lovely trip across the lagoon by boat.
See the fish traps
Fascinating V-shaped fish traps have been here for centuries and some are still used today. The arms of the Vs point towards the ocean and are made from stone, appearing above the water level as they get closer to the V point.
As the fish swim up-stream, the fish become trapped in a spiral shape near the point of the V. Fishermen then easily net or spear the fish from the centre of the trap.
Check out the Archaeological Museum
The open traditional house (fare potee) sits on the water’s edge in Maeva and has a really interesting archaeological museum with ancient tools, fishing hooks, weapons, historical information and other items.
There is also more marae located around the site, some dating back as far as the 16th century.
Learn about pearls at Huahine Nui Pearls & Pottery
The pearl shop is located in the middle of a lagoon with a ferry departing regularly between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Watch a demonstration on how the pearls are farmed and of course, you are given the opportunity to buy pearls either alone, or already set in jewellery.
The little shop also features the beautiful pottery work of the founder, Peter Owen.
Go on a lagoon trip
This will most likely be a major highlight of your time on Huahine Island in French Polynesia. Lagoon tours usually include swimming, snorkelling, fish or shark feeding and a picnic on a beautiful motu. Your accommodation can book this with a local operator for you.
Snorkel the coral gardens
Snorkelling in Huahine is nothing short of amazing. Ask your accommodation or a friendly tour boat to take you on a snorkelling tour and you will NOT be disappointed.
The coral is bright and healthy, the fish are plentiful and the water is a perfect temperature.
Hire a car and circle the island of Huahine
This was the highlight of Huahine for our family! Hire a car for the day and drive all around the island, passing from Huahine Nui to Huahine Iti via a bridge. You will most likely go under this bridge if you head out on a lagoon trip.
There are plenty of great spots to pull over and experience so allow the whole day, pack a picnic and take your bathers and towel.
Visit the main village of Fare
Fare is the main village and its major appeal is that there is not a lot to do. There is a shop, a harbour, a post-office and some creative boutiques. The best thing to do is stroll around the shops and waterfront, or hire a push-bike and venture further down the street.
The step back in time is a lovely reminder to live life a little simpler.
Where to stay on the Island of Huahine in French Polynesia
We stayed at the Royal Huahine in a garden bungalow and had a really peaceful time. Would I stay there again? Probably not. The rooms and location are beautiful but the service didn’t live up to the inflated price tag. Also, because the resort is only accessible by boat, you are limited as to when you come come and go.
Next time we visit, I would stay at Fare Anuhe Huahine, a 2-bedroom holiday home with plenty of room for families.
Check out our YouTube clip of Huahine Island
Looking for more awesome family holiday inspiration?
For more information on visiting French Polynesia, head on over to our French Polynesia page. Alternatively, head back to the home page for other destinations and activities.
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Essential information for your French Polynesia family holiday
Best time to visit French Polynesia
The dry period from May to October is a great time to visit due to less rainfall and cooler weather.
Peak season is July and August and Christmas and Easter are also busier. The cost of flights rise considerably over this period.
Getting to French Polynesia
Getting to French Polynesia pretty straightforward. All international flights land in Tahiti. Search for a great deal on flights on Trip.com.
To visit one of the beautiful outlying islands, a flight will need to be booked with Air Tahiti. If you’re planning on visiting a few islands, it’s worth clicking on the Multi-Islands button for a cheaper deal.
Moorea can also be reached by Ferry.
Where to stay in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is not cheap so this will depend on your budget. Luxury accommodation is catered for but cheaper options can be found in family-run guesthouses or pensions. These can be absolutely wonderful!
Search for your accommodation here or check out where we have stayed below:
- TAHITI – We have stayed at Villa BO (our favourite) in Teahupoo and in Papeete at both Hotel Sarah Nui and the Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- MOOREA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- HUAHINE – We have stayed at the Royal Huahine.
- RAIATEA – We have stayed at the Pension Les Trois Cascades.
- BORA BORA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Private Island and the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort.
Getting around the islands
This really depends on what you want to do and the age of your kids!
- We loved hiring a car for a day or two in Tahiti, Huahine, and Raiatea. Search car hire across major brands here.
- In Bora-Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea we loved getting around by pushbike and on foot.
- Taxis, water taxis and private transfers are available and your accommodation can help you out with this.
- There is a public bus on Tahiti which is an enjoyable experience but be warned that it sometimes (especially on the weekend) isn’t reliable. During weekdays and day-time hours should be fine.
Attractions and tours
There is plenty of things to do and see around French Polynesia. I found booking through our accommodation was the best option and we had no problems booking the night before.
WiFi
WiFi is usually available at hotels but the connection can be a bit hit and miss on the lesser-visited islands. Purchasing data is expensive so don’t plan on being able to watch YouTube.
French Polynesia holiday travel guides
Check out the official Tahiti Tourism site here!
