After soaking up the beauty of Moorea, our next stop in French Polynesia was the island of Huahine – a lesser-known, quieter gem often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours. Spending three nights here gave us the perfect opportunity to explore its raw landscapes, cultural heritage, and tranquil lagoons.
First Impressions of Huahine
Our adventure began with a short flight from Moorea to Huahine. Upon arrival, we picked up a rental car at the small airport and drove straight into the island’s lush, tropical scenery. Our first stop? A relaxed lunch in the town of Fare, the island’s main hub—simple, friendly, and surrounded by palm trees and boats bobbing in the harbour.
Exploring by Road
That afternoon, we took to the island’s roads, circling Huahine by car. It’s one of the best ways to see the island’s hidden gems – dramatic coastline, lush mountains, and serene bays. The roads are quiet, winding, and occasionally rugged, adding to the sense of adventure.
Huahine immediately felt different: untouched, unhurried, and deeply authentic. Unlike the polished resorts of other islands, this place offers a sense of raw beauty and Polynesian soul.
History and Nature Intertwined
One of our favourite discoveries was on the east coast: the traditional V-shaped fish traps, ancient stone structures used by Polynesians for centuries to catch fish with the tides. These are still visible in the shallow lagoons and offer a glimpse into a way of life that has changed little over generations.
Nearby, we stumbled upon an abandoned resort—now reclaimed by nature, with its overgrown gardens and empty beaches transformed into a peaceful paradise. It made the perfect snorkelling spot, with warm, clear waters teeming with tropical fish.
Lagoon Tour Magic
One of the highlights of our stay was a full-day lagoon tour, offering a deeper look at Huahine’s coastal beauty. The day began with perfect weather – calm waters, deep green mountains, and skies that stretched forever.
We visited several snorkelling spots, each more stunning than the last. Turquoise shallows, soft white sandbanks, and coral gardens alive with marine life—it was French Polynesia at its finest. Before lunch, we arrived at a picture-perfect beach, complete with swaying palms and inviting waters.
A sudden rain shower passed over just after lunch, adding a dramatic flair to the landscape—but before long, the skies cleared, and we returned to our accommodation feeling lucky to have experienced Huahine’s many moods.
Sunsets, Yacht Clubs, and Final Moments
To celebrate our final evening on the island, we headed to the Huahine Yacht Club, a relaxed open-air bar with stunning views over the bay. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky lit up in pinks and oranges – a fitting farewell to such a special place.
The next morning, we made one last loop of the island, stopping at Mahana Bay in the south and returning briefly to the abandoned Sofitel beach. Huahine looked its most vibrant – lush greenery, vivid ocean blues, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Huahine may not have the name recognition of Bora Bora or Tahiti, but that’s part of its charm. It offers something richer: a connection to the land, the culture, and the slower rhythms of island life. For travellers who seek authenticity, natural beauty, and space to breathe, Huahine is an unforgettable destination.
