Things to do in Huahine
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Huahine Lagoon
The lagoon around Huahine is one of those picture-perfect azure visions for which French Polynesia is famous, but to truly experience paradise you’ll need to set sail for an untouched motu – the beaches are isolated and fantastic. To explore the lagoon and motu on your own, head to Huahine Lagoon at the end of the main street in Fare. It hires out boats with outboard motors, as well as kayaks and bicycles. Nautical maps and scuba equipment are provided but you have to pay for fuel. There are no set hours, so just stop by and see if it’s open.
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Huahine Nui Pearls & Pottery
While in Faie, visit Huahine Nui Pearls & Pottery. Peter Owen, the owner, is a potter as well as a pearl farmer and his work is shown in Pape’ete’s galleries. His studio is on his pearl farm in the middle of the lagoon. From Faie a ferry departs for the studio every 15 minutes from 10am to 4pm. Upon arrival you’ll be given a demonstration of pearl farming and have an opportunity to browse the collection of pearls inside the shop – they’re particularly well priced.
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La Petite Ferme
To see the island from the back of a horse, visit La Petite Ferme, on the main road between Fare and the airport. The two-hour ride along the beach, through coconut plantations and around the shore of Lake Fauna Nui is truly enchanting. Longer excursions include an all-day ride (12,000 CFP), during which you’ll visit a vanilla plantation, and stop for a picnic lunch and snorkelling. The horses are suitable for all levels as well as for children.
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Huahine Randonee
For serious hiking, including treks to the tops of either Mt Tapu on Huahine Nui or Mt Pohue Rahi on Huahine Iti, both of which offer sublime views of rolling mountains and the nearly fluorescent lagoon, contact Terii at Huahine Randonee. Terii has limited English skills but is extremely friendly and competent – if you speak French, Tahitian or Croatian he can tell you all about the local flora, history and archaeology.
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New Te Marara
In a great location right on the lagoon, this lively restaurant is a favourite local watering hole and the best place to eat around Fare. With polished oyster shells nailed to the walls and coloured lights strewn from the thatched ceiling, it has a beach-bar vibe and cooks a mean shrimp curry. The menu is meat- and seafood-based, portions are generous and dishes come with a choice of starch or vegetable on the side.
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Restaurant Mahi Mahi
Right in downtown Fare, this surf-style eatery has a live lobster tank (a meal of them is 3500 CFP) and a stunning mural on the wall of the namesake fish. The menu is creative with dishes like turkey curry with banana (1400 CFP), plenty of seafood, a great pastry counter, cocktails from 900 CFP and a good wine list. Yummy breakfasts are available from 900 CFP.
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Archaeological Museum
Situated on the water’s edge on the Fare side of Maeva, the fare potee (open traditional house) has a small archaeological museum. Around the site are 10 or more marae, some of which may date back to the 16th century. Flagstones cover a wide expanse of land along the shoreline.
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Restaurant Librarie
Climb up the metal spiral staircase in downtown Fare to dine on light mains such as a variety of salads (from 700 CFP) or good breakfasts (from 1000 CFP). While you’re up there, check out the bookstore that sells a few English titles including a small collection of cheap, used paperbacks.
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Poetaina Cruises
The family-run company Poetaina Cruises offers information and very friendly lagoon tours that include a motu picnic, a visit to a pearl farm, and French Polynesian song and dance performances.
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Huahine Nautique
Choose from jet skiing or outrigger-canoe trips at Huahine Nautique. Both include picnics on the lagoon, stops for snorkelling and shark feeding, and also the chance to learn about the island’s history.
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Gallery Umatatea
Don’t miss a stop at Gallery Umatatea, where the exotic paintings of the highly respected artist Melanie Dupre are on display and prints are on sale. The gallery is open when the artist is home.
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Mahana Dive
Mahana Dive in Fare is run by exuberant, English-speaking Annie and offers hands-on beginner dives as well as a slew of personalised trips for experienced divers.
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Pearls of Huahine
Along the beach north of town, pearl farmer Ray Marks at Pearls of Huahine sells beautiful pearls at excellent prices out of his home. Look for his sign.
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Restaurant les Dauphins
This welcoming place serves traditional Polynesian-French food and is popular with locals. Fishing decor, with lots of nets scattered about, sets the ramshackle vibe.
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Super Fare Nui
If you’re preparing your own meals, Fare has several well-stocked food shops, including the huge Super Fare Nui, opposite the waterfront.
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Maraamu Sailing
On Huahine Iti, contact Maraamu Sailing to hire a boat. The price includes fuel and fishing gear.
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Pacific Blue Adventure
Pacific Blue Adventure is a friendly centre on the quay at Fare.
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