Take it All In

The combination of Huahine's slow pace and its interesting sights, good hiking opportunities, and extensive bays and blue lagoon mean you'll want to take it easy and explore while you're here. An itinerary of at least three nights is recommended, though five nights is ideal.

3 Days: On Day 1 settle into your accommodation and get your bearings. If you're staying on Huahine Nui, head to Fare for the island action. Spend the day poking around the little port—you'll see Tahaa, Bora Bora, and Raiatea in the distance. Stop by the New Te Marara for a cocktail just in time to watch the spectacular sunset. Sign yourself up for a 4WD circle island tour on Day 2—make sure it also goes into the interior; you might combine this with a half-day outrigger canoe trip and motu (islet) picnic lunch. On Day 3 grab one of your pension's free canoes or kayaks and do your own exploring. If you want to see Huahine's "wild side" you might want to pack up and move down to Huahine Iti and stay in a groovy tent at the Fare ie

Pension on the beach. You can rent a car and get groceries in Fare. Budget in enough time to be able to stop along the way at cute little churches and the very occasional roadside snack or shop.

5 Days: If you have two more days, you can take the car up to Maeva for your own marae (ancient temples) hillside tour. If you saw enough temples on your 4WD tour, opt for one of the many outdoor activities on offer—horseback riding on the beach, a visit to the pearl farm, renting a speedboat, scuba diving, or a hike into the hills. On Day 5 you'll need a rest, so have a swim, a paddle, or surf (at Parea) in the morning and then take it easy in the afternoon.