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The delightful island of Huahine lies 175 KM (110
miles) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands and is visible
from Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. Comprised of Huahine Nui (big Huahine)
and Huahine-Iti (little Huahine), the two islands are joined by a narrow
isthmus and are enclosed within a protective necklace of coral. Huanine is covered
with lush dense rainforests and huge trees growing on the slopes of a very
varied and dramatic geography.
Offshore motu islets lie inside the barrier reef,
providing sheltered gardens for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe
industry. A very scenic road, mostly non-paved,
winds through green canopies and beautiful vistas for 32 km (20 miles)
around the two islands, passing through small villages where a total of
4,480 inhabitants live in colorful, modest homes.
The lagoon, bordered by white sand beaches, is
rich with sea life, and Maeva Village is a wealth of archaeological sites
that go back to a 1000 years.
The (only) little town of Fare slumbers under the
shade of almond and acacia trees, and awakens with expectations for the
frequent arrivals of the inter-island ferries from Papeete.
When truckloads of copra,
pigs, taro, bananas and melons are brought to the quay for market day.
People from all over the island mingle with arriving passengers and a few
curious tourists, all enjoying the bustling activity and wandering in and
out of the various quaint shops along Fare's waterfront.
Then the ships blast their farewell and head out
the pass, the last "le truck" leaves town, headed for the
villages once again. And life on this peaceful island resumes its normal
pace.
Huahine is one of our favorite island and well
worth the visit if you are looking for beauty and a little more seclusion.
There are some wonderful excursions as well.
Hotels & Resorts on Huahine
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