Prior to European influence, Maeva village, about 7km east of Fare, was the seat of royal power on the island. It’s mostly famous for its concentration of…
AFP/Getty Images
Huahine
Huahine is immaculately tropical and effortlessly Polynesian. Lush and scarcely developed, this is an island to visit for extreme calm, communing with nature and a genuine taste of culture. There are plenty of opportunities for diving, surfing, snorkelling, exploring top-notch archaeological sites and horse riding, but the beauty of this place is just how easy it is to relax and do very little at all. The days go by, your skin gets a little darker and your smile a little wider.
Huahine feels like one island, but in fact it's two, connected by a short bridge. Huahine Nui (Big Huahine), to the north, is home to the bustling little village of Fare and most of the main tourist and administrative facilities. Rugged and isolated Huahine Iti (Little Huahine), to the south, offers the islands’ best beaches, azure lagoons and a serene, get-away-from-it-all atmosphere.
Explore Huahine
- MMaeva
Prior to European influence, Maeva village, about 7km east of Fare, was the seat of royal power on the island. It’s mostly famous for its concentration of…
- MMatairea Hill Archaeological Sites
This walk up Matairea Hill is a high point for anyone interested in archaeology. A signpost on the Fare side of Maeva, about 200m west from the Fare Potee…
- FFare
A visit to tiny Fare almost feels like stepping back in time, so perfectly does it capture the image of a sleepy South Seas port. There’s not a lot to do,…
- FFaie
The coast road turns inland beside narrow Faie Bay to the village of Faie. Huahine’s famous blue-eyed eels can be seen in the river just over the bridge –…
- MMarae Anini
Right on the southern tip of Huahine Iti, Marae Anini was a community marae made of massive coral blocks. The comparatively recent construction was…
- FFish Traps
Beside the bridge coming off Motu Ovarei are a number of V-shaped fish traps, made from rocks. They have been here for centuries and some are still in use…
- LLake Fauna Nui
About 2km north of Fare, the main sealed road runs along the inland side of Lake Fauna Nui. It’s also possible to turn off to the airport and take the…
- MMarae Manunu
Marae Manunu stands on the motu, across the bridge from the main Maeva complex. The massive structure is 2m high, 40m long and nearly 7m wide. It features…
- TTefarerii
From Maroe, the coast road skirts across the mouths of a number of shallow inlets, looking across to Motu Murimahora, before coming to Tefarerii (House of…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Huahine.
See
Maeva
Prior to European influence, Maeva village, about 7km east of Fare, was the seat of royal power on the island. It’s mostly famous for its concentration of…
See
Matairea Hill Archaeological Sites
This walk up Matairea Hill is a high point for anyone interested in archaeology. A signpost on the Fare side of Maeva, about 200m west from the Fare Potee…
See
Fare
A visit to tiny Fare almost feels like stepping back in time, so perfectly does it capture the image of a sleepy South Seas port. There’s not a lot to do,…
See
Faie
The coast road turns inland beside narrow Faie Bay to the village of Faie. Huahine’s famous blue-eyed eels can be seen in the river just over the bridge –…
See
Marae Anini
Right on the southern tip of Huahine Iti, Marae Anini was a community marae made of massive coral blocks. The comparatively recent construction was…
See
Fish Traps
Beside the bridge coming off Motu Ovarei are a number of V-shaped fish traps, made from rocks. They have been here for centuries and some are still in use…
See
Lake Fauna Nui
About 2km north of Fare, the main sealed road runs along the inland side of Lake Fauna Nui. It’s also possible to turn off to the airport and take the…
See
Marae Manunu
Marae Manunu stands on the motu, across the bridge from the main Maeva complex. The massive structure is 2m high, 40m long and nearly 7m wide. It features…
See
Tefarerii
From Maroe, the coast road skirts across the mouths of a number of shallow inlets, looking across to Motu Murimahora, before coming to Tefarerii (House of…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Huahine
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.