Local Verdict
Polynesia of Before
Huahine is the island I recommend to everyone who fears that Polynesia is "too touristy." Here, fishermen truly head out at dawn in wooden pirogues—not for show, because it's their job. The wild horses of the island's south have no known owner. The vanilla growing in gardens truly perfumes the morning air. It's not marketing.
At 35 minutes flight from Papeete, Huahine welcomes fewer tourists in a year than Bora Bora does in one high-season week. Family pension prices are two to three times cheaper, the lagoon is excellent, and the road around the island reveals empty bays that you'll often have to yourself.
The only downside: Huahine is not an island for nightlife. One grocery store, two or three restaurants, no bars. If you're looking for entertainment, move on. If you're looking for authentic Polynesia—it's here.
Things to Do
Huahine's Must-Dos
An island that must be earned—and rewards those who take the time.
Huahine Iti Lagoon
The southern lagoon around Huahine Iti offers exceptional snorkeling in complete autonomy. Healthy corals, leopard rays, turtles year-round.
Free from Hana Iti beach
Marae Maeva—Archaeological Sites
Huahine's marae are among the best-preserved in Polynesia. These 8th-century volcanic stone temples testify to a civilization that has nothing to envy from other great cultures.
Free entry · Recommended guide: ~3,000 XPF
Island Loop by Bike or Quad
60 km of road to tour both islands (Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti). You pass through desert bays, vanilla plantations, and villages where time has stopped.
Bike rental: ~2,000 XPF/day · Quad: ~8,000 XPF/day
Lagoon Boat Excursion
Local providers (fewer than 3 boats on the island) offer fishing-snorkeling outings in spots you won't find in guidebooks. Ask your pension.
~8,000–12,000 XPF / person · Ask your pension
Fare Sunday Market
The Sunday morning market in Fare village concentrates everything Huahine has to offer: local vanilla, tiare flowers, fresh fish, crafts. Arrive before 8am.
Free · Fare village · Sunday 6am–10am
Pass Diving
Less known than Rangiroa, diving in Huahine remains remarkable: manta rays in Avamoa pass, sleeper sharks under corals, giant moray eels.
From 8,500 XPF / dive · Mahana Dive Center
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Huahine
Forget large chains. Huahine lives by its family pensions.
- Pension Mauarii · Fare · Garden bungalows + breakfast included
- Chez Guynette · Lagoon · Simple bungalows with direct views
- Pension Poetaina · Authentic and quiet · Excellent value
- Te Tiare Beach Resort · Over-water bungalows · Calm lagoon
- Relais Mahana · Polynesian fare with lagoon view · Local cuisine
- Huahine Nui Pearls & Diving · Accommodation + diving package
- Private villas with private lagoon · Via Airbnb or local agencies
- Whole fare rentals · 4–6 people · Pool or direct lagoon access
Getting There
Reaching Huahine
✈️ Flight from Papeete
Air Tahiti operates 3 to 5 flights per day depending on season. Duration: 35 minutes. One-way fare: 80–130€. Book at least 10 days ahead in high season.
⛴️ Aremiti Ferry
A cargo-passenger ferry service serves Huahine from Papeete in 4–5 hours. Not practical for rushed visitors, but authentic and cheaper (~40€).
🚗 On Site
No taxis. Car rental essential to explore the island (20–40€/day). Some pensions lend bikes. The main road is in good condition.
Budget
How Much Does Huahine Cost?
The most accessible island of the Society Islands—if you avoid the resorts.
| Category | Budget | Comfort | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 60–90€ | 120–200€ | 300–500€ |
| Meals | 20–30€ | 40–60€ | 70–120€ |
| Local Transport | 10–15€ | 25–35€ | 40–60€ |
| Activities | 10–20€ | 40–70€ | 100–150€ |
| Total/jour | ~100€ | ~190€ | ~400€+ |
Estimated 2026 prices per person, excluding flights. Huahine is 30–40% cheaper than Bora Bora at equivalent quality.
Frequently Asked