Saturday, October 15, 2016

HUAHINE


Known as the Garden Isle, Huahine is one of the last places in the Society Islands to be touched by tourism. Whether you choose to explore the island by rental car or on a 4X4 tour, you will visit undiscovered beaches, mountain top vistas, many authentic villages, sacred eels, a pearl farm, vanilla bean plantations, and a wide variety of archeological sites. A true Tahitian experience awaits those seeking culture and quiet island life on Huahine. I am including things to do in this pristine paradise, and some of the more popular hotel accomodations below. Just scroll down and enjoy the photos! A visit to Huahine is a 'must do' for those seeking the True Tahiti.
Vistas and Views...
I have visited Huahine several times and still find it to be the road less traveled.









FARE VILLAGE




The main village on Huahine is called Fare. There are a wide variety of shops, small restaurants, a large grocery, car rentals, and the main port for the island is here. Locals congregate to catch up on the local news and sell their wares in a relaxed kicked back atmosphere.







HISTORY




Huahine is home to most all the archeological sites in the Society Islands. A 4X4 tour is the way to go if you wish to learn about island history. They will take you to see the Marae de Maeva and Marae Nanunue where historical legends abound. There are several companies that do these tours. They all see the entire island, the sacred eels, and a wide variety of beautiful island vistas.





VANILLA BEAN PLANTATIONS

Vanilla bean plantations are plentiful around the island. The 4X4 tours include a visit to a plantation where you will gain the knowledge of generations who have grown these wonderous beans. You can also visit on your own while out and about in your rental car.




A VISIT TO THE PEARL FARM

A trip to Huahine just simply would not be complete without a visit to the Huahine Pearl Farm. This tour departs from Faia Marina, it is Free, and is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm everyday. It's just a short, calm, boat ride out to the farm where they will explain the secrets of black pearl farming. They also have a lovely shop to purchase these gems and the owner shows a wide variety of his gorgeous pottery as well. This is a must to include on your trip around the island.






ROYAL HUAHINE RESORT

 

Accessible only by boat from the main town of Fare is the Royal Huahine Resort (formerly the Te Tiare Beach) This is a quiet and relaxing four star property with a pleasant beach, some snorkeling, and great sunset views. We stayed in the Lagoon Overwater and enjoyed the large wrap around deck. The bathroom had a giant Jacuzzi tub, TV in the living area, and there is no CD/DVD player at this writing. Fine with me because the birds were doing all the singing! The service was unbelievably fast and attentive here as well. This property was recently purchased by the Pearl Resorts...an excellent change in ownership! It is about a fifteen minute boat ride into Fare and the boat leaves every half hour each direction all day and into the evening.

Overwater bungalows...

Bar and Restaurant Overwater!
Minibar Vahine...
Royal Huahine boat dock in Fare...
Royal Huahine Pool...
Bar...
Dining Room... Reception... Tahitian Lighting throughout...


Royal Huahine Bungalows

Lagoon Overwater Exterior...
Lagoon and Overwater Interior...






Beach Bungalow...

Overwater Bungalow...
Deluxe Garden Bungalow...
Beachfront...

HOTEL MAITAI LAPITA VILLAGE

The Maitai Lapita Village hotel surrounds a fresh water lake and is near the main village of Fare.  The restaurant, bar and pool offer views of the white sand beach along the clear lagoon, with views of Raitea.. Maitai Lapita Village features 15‘Premium Lake Bungalows’ built around the fresh water lake, five ‘Premium Garden Bungalows’and 12 ‘Garden Bungalows’ throughout the property, each with a partial view of the lake and surrounded by tropical plants and vibrant native flowers.