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Ashore in Tahiti
Sights
to see & things to do
Huahine
Agricultural and
primitive, Huahine is home to the most extensive collection of
ancient religious maraes (temples) in Tahiti.
The ways of Polynesian ancestors dominate here—ancient fish
catching practices and methods of cultivation are still in use.
As a testament to changing times, the Hotel Bali Hai is a
long time Huahine landmark and the island is becoming known as a
back-packers haven.
Diversions
There is an extreme
shortage of public transportation on Huahine.
A limited number of taxis are available in the main town of
Fare and while Le Truck also operates from there, its schedule is
erratic. Automobile rentals
should be arranged in advance. Adventurous
cruisers can rent a small number of bicycles or scooters.
Passengers tendering to the island will find themselves on a
small, dusty pier—shuttles into Fare are usually offered.
Huahine’s rugged
landscape and clear blue waters offer views of the perfect South
Seas escape. Trace her
history by visiting some of the sacred sites under restoration—Matairea-Rahi,
Marae Manunu, and Marae Anini are the major ones.
Tours of the island wind through the town of Fare and can
include stops at sites such as a vanilla plantation (with a
demonstration of the labor intensity of growing this crop), the
breathtaking view from the belvedere over the bay, a clear cool
stream to feed blue-eyed freshwater eels, and Maeva Lake where
fisherman still tend 400-year old stone fish traps.
Ships’ excursions
can range from a guided car ride, glass bottom boat tours, lagoon
snorkeling, a private catamaran sail and 4X4 adventure, to an
all-day beach feast, waverunner exploration, or simply a shuttle
into Fare.
Beaches
Some of Huahine’s
best beaches are found along the southern peninsula in the area of
Auea Bay. For good
snorkeling, though, just walk down to the water from Chez Guynette
in the center of Fare. Take
a short walk to the Hotel Bali Hai for another good snorkeling area. Not
all resorts allow day visitors on their properties; however, you can
usually find nice beaches close by.
Shopping
Limited
to a few small shops in Fare and road side merchants selling pareus
and other local crafts.
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