10 Days In French Polynesia itinerary

Part 4: Raiatea Or Huahine (3 Days)

Naturally, the final leg of this 10 days in French Polynesia itinerary only applies if you opted for Maupiti or Bora Bora and skipped the atolls completely.

Raiatea

If you like nature, you’ll love Raiatea. The island may not have any beach to speak of, but its natural beauty makes up for it. And once you crave the beach, the lagoon it shares with neighboring Tahaa is sprinkled with small islets where you’ll indeed find that perfect beach.

where to stay in Raiatea

Raiatea has no resorts but only pensions, a couple of lodges, and self-catering options. For the luxury resort stay, base yourself in Tahaa’s lagoon at either Le Tahaa or Vahine Island. If you’re seeking a lodge-type experience, Opoa Beach is a pampering option on the south end of the island, and Raiatea Lodge, close to the main village of Uturoa, is highly acclaimed both for its accommodation and dining.

For a pension stay, check out Villa Ixora, Pension Temahani, Pension Les Trois Cascades, Pension Manava, and Pension Fare Vai Nui. Close to Marae Taputapuatea, Pension Opeha, and Hotel Atiapiti are solid options. For self-catering and camping, check out the Sunset Beach Motel.

Pro Tip

Here’s a list of Raiatea accommodations available on Booking.com

Raiatea sightseeing

Raiatea is all about the outdoors. On the hiking front, venture deep into the rainforest in search of the Three Waterfalls or challenge yourself with a hike to the Temehani Plateau in search of one of the rarest flowers in the world – the tiare apetahi. Apart from hiking, hit the road and circle Raiatea. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site marae Taputapuatea, check out the tropical fauna at the botanical gardens, and kayak or join a boat tour up the Faaroa River.

Devote one of your days in Raiatea to explore neighboring Tahaa Island. Join a guided day trip to Tahaa from Raiatea and explore the least developed main member of the Society Islands. Tahaa is where the finest vanilla in the world is grown but it’s also known for pearl production and life in the slow lane. Your tour also includes a visit to lovely spots in the lagoon, such as the coral garden in Motu Tautau.

Pro Tip

Have a look at a sample itinerary for Raiatea & Tahaa, plus this of the top things to do in Raiatea & Tahaa.

Huahine

Huahine is known as ‘the Garden of Eden’. Independent travelers, families, and honeymooners seeking a laid-back and authentic tropical island destination will just love Huahine. In this largely undeveloped paradise, you can do as little or as much physical activity as you desire while easily finding your own beach for the day. Huahine is mainly off the mass tourism map.

where to stay in Huahine

Huahine is a low-key destination, but it does have somewhat of a wide range of accommodations, both close to the main village of Fare and around Avea Bay in the remote south. The best hotels in Huahine are the Maitai Lapita Village close to Fare and Hotel Le Mahana on sandy Avea Bay.

Pensions are more abundant than hotels in Huahine and are spread throughout the island. In the outskirts of Fare, Pension Meherio is a typical family pension. The rooms are simple, but the service is very friendly. The beach is minutes away on foot. Further out, Fare Maeva is a good option, though it lacks Polynesian charm. Over in Huahine Iti, Pension Moana Lodge has a beautiful setting. Halfway between Fare and Avea Bay, Pension Tupuna has a cozy setting despite lacking a proper beach.

Pro Tip

Here’s a list of Huahine accommodations available on Booking.com

Huahine sightseeing

Join a guided tour or circle the island with your set of wheels. Huahine comprises two islands connected by a bridge, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti. Don’t miss visiting the dozens of ancient Polynesian temples dotting Lake Maeva and deep in the lush rainforest, such as the temples in Matairea Hill. Also, stop in Faie to feed the sacred blue-eyed eels that are said to hold the spirits of ancient islanders. Finally, join a lagoon tour and wrap up your 10 days in French Polynesia in style!

Pro Tip

Here’s a sample itinerary for Huahine, along with a list of the top things to do in Huahine.

What’s Next?

This 10 days itinerary for French Polynesia gives you a pretty good taste of the islands. Start planning your trip to French Polynesia with free travel guides to all five archipelagos and tailor-made services if you need some help planning your vacation to paradise.