Project Description
Huahine, Garden of Eden of the South Pacific
Formerly controlled by queens, Huahine is the “island of women” par excellence. Like a mother, she takes care of her children and the relics essential to her history which she still carries in her.
Thus, the Marae of Maeva and over thirty others were restored like the ones of Manunu, Fare Miro and Anini. Various other sites and old relics will take you on a sacred journey in the past.
A 30 minute flight from Tahiti, the specificity of Huahine lies in the fact that it is made up of 2 islands, Huahine Iti and Huahine Nui which are separated by a narrow channel. A bridge connects them and separates the 2 large bays of Maroe in the East and Bourayne in the West.
The legend says that Hiro, God of thieves, cut the island of Huahine into two with his canoe, and left marks of his paddle at the bottom of Maroe bay, and one of his penis – a rock that reaches towards the sky facing the two island connecting bridge.
Fare (capital of the island) is located in Huahine Nui which culminates at 669 meters with the mount Turi. Huahine Iti culminates at 460 meters with the Pohue Rahi volcano. This mount offers marvellous panoramas of the island, its lagoon, its Motu (islets), and its sister islands Raiatea and Taha’a. In the south-east of the island there is a small bay – Faaie, famous for its sacred blue-eyed eels which are a must-see.
Huahine is enchanting by its wild and lush vegetation, its small coves sheltered and its thousand coloured lagoon. In the South of the island, close to Parea, lies the most beautiful white sand beach in Huahine. Discover also the splendid flowered pathways which lead to vanilla plantations. This rebel island allures us by its legendary purity.
Its splendid Motu (islets) invite you to days of relaxation and harmony surrounded by a wonderful nature. The discovery of the marine treasures by snorkelling or scuba diving is brilliant. The most experienced divers will be able to follow the outer reef slopes, caves full of fish; and appreciate the incredible marine animal-life with Eagle Rays, barracudas and sharks. The surfing amateurs will also be thrilled by the regular reef waves.
Fare owns the main market of Huahine where many shops held by excellent local craftsmen are settled. This market offers a pretty setting where children can play safely.
As the famous starting point of the annual outrigger canoe race – the “Hawaiki Nui Va’a”, Huahine is the place to be for all the “Va’a” (Polynesian canoe) aficionados. Organised in October, it is made up of three stages and connects Huahine to Bora Bora in 128 kilometers. It is a formidable sight where many Polynesians meet up for a sporting and festive moment. The participants come not only from Tahiti and Her Islands, but also from New Caledonia, Hawaii and even from Metropolitan France.