Hiking the Matai'rea Trail... |
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Finding the fun on Huahine is not very difficult! This wonderful island offers many unique and interesting activities to choose from.
Go hiking along Huahine's interior trail system, horseback riding along the sandy coast, camping by the sea, or take your pick of one of the many lagoon excursions available...
Or, perhaps you want to take a sightseeing tour by air while playing poker?
Whatever you decide to do, this page is your starting point for ISLAND FUN on Huahine!
TST makes choosing your
favorite island activity easy! If you want MORE choices, simply check out
our other "To Do" pages: WATERSPORTS, ADVENTURES, RELAXATION, RECREATION & GAMES, or SHOPPING, SERVICES,
& RESTAURANTS.
Wan't more? Be sure and explore our "WHAT
TO SEE" section for even more sightseeing and exploring ideas, touring,
island attractions, and other interesting things to see and do!
HORSEBACK RIDING
Huahine has some excellent horseback riding opportunities! This island is one of the more well suited for horses among the Society Islands due to its lack of traffic and abundance of riding trails in the lush forests as well as the lonely stretches of beaches without hotels built on them. (The same good horseback riding attributes also hold true of Raiatea and Tahaa.)
There is one rather well known equestrian center on Huahine that you can ride with for a few hours, the whole day, or get involved on a deeper equestrian level: |
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LE PETITE FERME (THE LITTLE FARM)
Halfway between the Fare wharf and the airport. B.P.12, Fare-HUAHINE
Telephone/ fax
- (689) 68.82.98,
Contact: Mrs. Pascale LEDIOURIS or Mr. Yvon LIAUDOIS
Horseback riding for riders of all levels. 2 hour or full day rides. Also, 6 day horse riding programs with full board in our family pension on request. |
ECO
& CULTURAL TOURING
This
section of activities includes basic, light, non-strenous, walking and touring
ideas... Activities include Eco/ nature or botanical hiking opportunities on established
trails, various island tours that include colorful descriptions of the cultural
aspects and history of Huahine, and touring of the archeological
sights by foot.
DAY HIKE: Matai'rea Hill Trail ("Matai'rea" is Tahitian for "Golden Winds")
This 1 hour hike is undoubtedly one of the best do it yourself hikes you can take on the island and is relatively easily for most people. (There IS a small ascent along the way, but nothing overly strenous.) 
You'll start from the road near the Fare Potee (some call this the Fare Potee hike) and walk through a beautifully lush but well maintained tropical trail
toward your end destination- the interesting and well preserved Ofata platform overlooking Lake Maeva, the ocean, and the larger island of Huahine-Nui. On the way up you'll pass by several archeological ruins and tropical forest beauty. There's heavy and varied vegetation most of the way, including lots of vanilla and some rather impressive Banyan trees. The trail doesn't actually go all the way to the top of the mountain, but if you make it as far as it takes you, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of the island you can get with a minimal effort.
A few pointers:
1) Finding the trail: This may be the most difficult part to this hike... Start by heading for the Fare Potee (ask around if you don't have a map) and when you see the Fare Potee sign or the road sign for "MAEVA" (the district it's located in), park. Look for the bathroom building on the mountain side. You'll notice a rock wall nearby. Walk along that rockwall until you come to the end, then go right and pay attention to signs of a trail. You may have to walk around a bit before finding it, but eventually you will be walking along a maintained trail alongside more rocks to your right.
2) Trail choices: You'll know you found the trail after you walk through a stone entrance or "gate". About 150 yards past that gateway you'll come across a fork in the trail. As it turns out, it doesn't matter which way to go because it's a loop, but if you bear right you'll get to the Ofata platform faster.
If you need guidance, company, information, or other suggestions, below is one company that helps to arrange this kind of activity on Huahine:
ATO EXCURSIONS
Located in Pofai bay, P.O. Box 49- 98 730 Vaitape- BORA BORA, Tel. (689) 67.77.27, Mr. Ato TINORUA
Island cultural and botanical discovery hike to see the fruit trees, flowers and medicinal plants. Half day trips.
Round trip transfers provided. |
More listings as soon as we can find them.
GETTING
SERIOUS ABOUT IT: For more serious, strenous, and longer hiking trips,
trekking, climbing and exploring ideas, visit our Hiking
& Climbing section on the adventures page now!
USING LAND
ROVERS AND 4 WHEEL DRIVES: There are a good number of companies touring Huahine with 4 wheel drive vehicles. Visit
our special 4x4 Safari section on the
adventures page now!
FOR MORE TOURING:
Be sure and visit our Lagoon Excursions (below),
our Bus & Mini Van Tours on
the RELAXATION page, or our comprehensive "What
To See" section for lots more sightseeing ideas, island attractions,
and other interesting things to do and see on Huahine!
LAGOON EXCURSIONS
This
section includes various ways of exploring, sightseeing, and experiencing the
wonderful lagoon of Hauhine by way of the water. Different touring companies specialize in
lagoon tours by way of sailboat, outrigger canoes, or powerboat or cruiser.
Easily seen in a day, any of these touring experiences makes for a perfect day. You'll snorkel,
learn the facts and information of the lagoon, fish the reefs, picnic on
motus, relax, take photos and appreciate the tropical beauty of the island's shoreline as much as
you will the brilliant blue colors of the lagoon...
Here's a list of companies that take 1/2 and full day
tours of both islands comprising Huahine:
By SAILBOAT
Surely
seeing and learning about the lagoon from the decks of a beautiful sailboat is
a perfect way to spend the day?
Here's a few great choices...
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MANUTEA VOILE & PLONGEE HAUHINE
Based in Fare, Huahine,
P.O. Box 625, 98731-Fare, HUAHINE
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 72.07.67, Fax- (689) 68.84.65
Contact: Mr. & Mrs. Philippe and Marie ABECASSIS
The Manutea is a 12 m, 1988 Gib Sea 372 master sloop specializing in cruising and scuba diving the Society island of Huahine. Outfitted with first class sailing gear and complete scuba gear including compressors, tanks, and Scubapro gear. 2 double bunks and 2 berths. |
VAIPUA CRUISES
P.O. Box 113- 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE
Contact: Mrs. Marie-Colette TEAURAI
Telephone/ Fax. (689) 68.86.42 or try 72.10.51
1-36 ft. catamaran, minimum of 40, maximum of 60 passengers, and 2- 30 ft. fiberglass motorized outrigger canoes with a minimum of 6, and maximum of 28 passengers each.
Half and full day tours of the island including picnic, snorkeling, visiting a pearl farm, coral gardens, and multiple bays.
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POETAINA CRUISES
Based in Fare, Huahine,
P.O. Box 522, 98731-Fare, HUAHINE,
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 68.89.49, or try (689) 78.86.39
Contact: Mr. Jean Pierre AMO, 1- 43 ft. catamaran with a maximum of 70 passengers. Half and full day tours of Huahine island including picnicing, ray feeding, snorkeling and swimming, visiting a pearl farm, coral gardens, and photography breaks.
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By OUTRIGGER
CANOE
Take
a Tahitian outrigger canoe cruise of the wonderful Huahine lagoon! These
motorized canoes are common throughout the islands of Tahiti Polynesia and are
a great way to take a lagoon cruise.
Although hardly "traditional" with
their engines, the basic style is the same the Polynesians have used to travel
throughout the islands for years.
Here's a list of companies ready to go:
HUAHINE-
NAUTIQUE (LAGOON CRUISE & MOTU PICNIC)
PO. Box 265- 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE,
Contact: Mr. Marc GARNIER
Telephone-(689) 68 83 15, Fax- (689) 68 82 15
E-MAIL
5- 32 ft. locally built outrigger canoes with minimum capacity of 4, max 6 passengers.
Take a fun filled half or full day cruise of the Huahine lagoon onboard one of our comfortable outrigger canoes. We'll take the boat out, drop anchor, and "set the table" in the soothing warm, clear water along a white sand motu. We'll sip Polynesian fruit drinks or cocktails, and eat delicious fresh foods from around the island. After or before the meal, feel free to go snorkeling or swimming or just walk around freely. This is one day you'll be sure and never forget! Free pickups from your hotel.
We also do
sunset jet ski rides,
(rent by the hour), and are
shark feeding specialists.
COME SEE OUR DIRECT
LINKING WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
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VAIPUA CRUISES
P.O. Box 113- 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE
Telephone/ Fax. (689) 68.86.42 or try 72.10.51
2- 30 ft. fiberglass motorized outrigger canoes with a minimum of 6, and maximum of 28 passengers each and 1-36 ft. catamaran, minimum of 40, maximum of 60 passengers.
Half and full day tours of the island including picnic, snorkeling, visiting a pearl farm, coral gardens, and multiple bays.
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POETAINA CRUISES
Based in Fare, Huahine,
P.O. Box 522, 98731-Fare, HUAHINE,
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 68.89.49, or try (689) 78.86.39
Contact: Mr. Jean Pierre AMO, 1 locally built 43 ft. motorized outrigger canoe with a minimum of 6, maximum 38 passengers. Half and full day tours of Huahine island including picnicing, ray feeding, snorkeling and swimming, visiting a pearl farm, coral gardens, and photography breaks.
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By
POWERBOAT or CRUISER:
There are also a few companies that specialize in
powerboat or cruising tours of Huahine's lagoon, or in one case, you can rent your own small powerboat and go by yourself. Styles can be very basic 1/2 day lagoon tours to deluxe private or custom tours catering to your every need.
See these listings for details:
HUAHINE-
NAUTIQUE (LAGOON CRUISE VARIATIONS)
PO. Box 265- 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE,
Contact: Mr. Marc GARNIER
Telephone-(689) 68 83 15, Fax- (689) 68 82 15
E-MAIL & Reservations
1 27 ft. Bayliner luxury powerboat w/ minimum capacity of 4, max 12 passengers.
Take a fun filled half or full day cruise of the Huahine lagoon onboard our luxury powerboat. We can go on a white sand motu picnic, go feed the sharks, or just cruise around, go snorkeling, swimming, and take pictures. Its up to you. Ask us about our custom tours for honeymooners or sunset trips! We also specialize in
sunset jet ski rides,
(rentals by the hour).
Free pickups from your hotel.
COME SEE OUR DIRECT
LINKING WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
Rentals
There is one place on Huahine island to rent small powerboats and cruise the lagoon by yourself. These boats are a great way to explore the peace and beauty of the lagoon on a nice relaxing afternoon. No special licenses are required (for the smaller horsepower ones), however a basic knowledge of engines and seamanship is recommended.
HUAHINE LAGOON
B.P.281, Fare- HUAHINE, (Located at the Fare Wharf) E-MAIL & Bookings
Telephone/ fax- (689)
68.87.57 (home),
or Telephone/ fax (work)- (689)68.70.00
Contact: Jean Luc Eychenne
Motorized boat rentals by the hour, day, or week... 6 and 15 horsepower small boats perfect for exploring the lagoon. (no special licenses required)
Also renting paddle KAYAKS for fun on the lagoon and BICYCLES for exploring Huahine's roads!
SEE
OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
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VAHINE API CRUISES
Fare (Private pontoon near the wharf),
P.O. Box 386- 98 731, Fare- Huahine,
Tel: (689) 68.84.02, Fax: (689) 68.80.30,
Contact: Mr. Richard SHAMEL
Upon request, private sunset cruises onboard our 22 ft. fiber glass hull boat. Minimum 2, maximum 8 people. We can snorkel, mono or "banana ski" or just cruise around the lagoon. We'll drop you off anywhere you want to go... |
CAMPING
Camping on Huahine is limited, but there are a bit more choices here than on many of the other Society Islands:
1) You can try this place:
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VAIARU FAMILY CAMPGROUND & KIDS SUMMER CAMP
Polynesian Contact: Louise Temaiana, Haapu - HUAHINE, Telephone (689) 68.84.01 or US contact: Denise Fugate at (503) 818-5357 Vaiaru Campground is located on a lagoon beach next to the owner's working vanilla plantation. Vaiaru is a "magical" place. An ancient "marae" (religious site) is located nearby.
The camp abounds with lush, tropical fruit and palm trees.
Many services and activities are offered for your enjoyment. You may immerse yourself in the old Tahitian ways, learn crafts (pit cooking, weaving, etc.) and eat at a traditional feast. Snorkeling, fishing, hiking, island tours and other activities can also be arranged. A complete kitchen is located at the site, or take advantage of the meal plans offered by your host family. Complete camping packages and transfers from dock or airport are available.
Language: English, French and Tahitian are spoken.
Your Host Family: Mumu was born and raised on Huahine, and is well-versed in the traditional Tahitian ways. Louise was born in Canada and moved to Huahine in 1991. Their family will make your stay at Vaiaru an experience to remember. |
2) Or you can try any of the 5 campgrounds listed in our budget & camping section on our "Where to Stay" page and pitch your tent on their pension grounds. (Look for the letters GC). Although not really remote "camping"
in the true sense of the word, you'll be able to live out of your tent and definately be able to save money
this way. Use the communal kitchen, bathroom facilities, and store
your valuables with the management, just as if you'd be paying for a room...
The camping rates are the lowest of the rock bottom pricing choices for
any place to stay on Huahine.
3)
The third choice is to go deep... This is where the adventurous and rugged backpacker types will inevitably seek hidden spots along the shorelines of the lagoon or quiet
places in the interior to rest for the nights... Be aware that the locals won't encourage this
because MOST OF THE SHORE ACREAGE IS PRIVATE PROPERTY, but if you must: Take
heed and give respect when confronting a property owner, and definately, NO garbage and NO fires. Good ideas for
campers: Bring your own tent and get permission from any landowners you happen
to pitch your tent on their property BEFORE you do it...
Note: If anybody finds out any other good places to
camp on Huahine, please email us with the details and we'll share the
knowledge here for future campers.
FLIGHTSEEING & HELICOPTER TOURS
If you're fortunate enough to have the financial ability to partake in a helicopter or small airplane tour of Huahine or any of the other Society Islands, we highly recommend it. Although no TST member has experienced this activity "just for fun", we can only imagine from our many airplane flights between the islands how nice it would be. Flying over these islands is something different and always amazing... the colors of the ocean and all their blue tones with a lush and green island oasis seemingly placed on top is an amazing and unforgettable sight.
Go to our Getting Here & Around page for helicopter and charter plane touring options.
OTHER
ISLAND FUN
Discover the ISLAND FUN activities on the other islands of
An Internetwork of Travel
and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
