4 Days In Huahine Itinerary

Day 3: Road Trip Around Huahine

On day three of this Huahine itinerary, we’ll hit the road and circle the island. You’ll need to rent a car or a scooter to complete the loop. As for lunch, prepare a picnic lunch or aim to reach Avea Bay by lunchtime for a couple of good options.

The Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels

From Fare, it’s a pleasant 15-minute drive to Faie. If you didn’t bring any sardine cans with you from Fare, see if locals in the village offer them for sale. You can see the sacred blue-eyed eels from the river bank, but to really get acquainted with them, carefully climb down and enter the shallow water.

Using the canned sardines, attract the friendly and unshy river residents. The eels only live in this particular river in Huahine and are believed to carry the spirits of dead islanders. Their blue eyes can be explained by their blindness, but whatever the case may be – it’s a slimy experience you’ll never forget.  

The Belvedere & Maro’e Bay

The coastal road steeply climbs beyond Faie to the Belvedere scenic lookout. Spend a few minutes enjoying the views and envy how such wild natural beauty can be enjoyed by so few local residents.

What goes up must come down. You’ll roll down to Maro’e Bay, marking the start of the really wild part of Huahine. There isn’t much happening here, just finding spot after spot for a quick break and mental pictures.

The Bridge

You’ll then reach the bridge that connects Huahine Nui with Huahine Iti. This is the longest bridge in French Polynesia, stretching 72 meters across. If you come in the late afternoon or on weekends, chances are you’ll get to meet the talented Huahine divers. These brave children somersault their way into the cooling waters of the bay. Quite impressive!

Hana Iti Beach

Now on Huahine Iti, head to Hana Iti Beach if you’re up for an adventure. While there is another (and more easily accessible) beach stop planned for the day, Hana Iti Beach is Huahine’s wildest, and getting there is part of the excitement.

There used to be a resort named Hana Iti on what is today a sandy beach. In 1997, a cyclone destroyed the property, and it was never rebuilt. A Dutch investor recently purchased the land, so in the future, the public may not be able to visit Hana Iti Beach. Another fun fact about Hana Iti Beach, the French film The Prince of the Pacific was filmed here.

You can reach Hana Iti by boat or on foot. If you’re driving from Fare, make a left on the dirt road BEFORE the turn-off suggested by Google Maps. You’ll know if you made a mistake if you drove to a hilly residential area. On the dirt road, keep driving until you see the makeshift sign to Hana Iti. Park the car somewhere and follow the trail for about 15 minutes via the lush rainforest down to the beach.

Avea Bay

Back on the main road, you’ll quickly descend to Avea Bay. The white sand and bright blue lagoon waters will blind your eyes. This part of the island has some of the best beaches in Huahine.

Before we hit the beach, stop for lunch at the Hotel Le Mahana and stick around to use its beach after lunch. Alternatively, head next door to dine at Chez Tara. If it’s Sunday, you might want to make reservations before heading out to their traditional Sunday feast – the ma’a Tahiti.

Take an afternoon nap on the beach in Avea Bay but don’t forget your snorkeling gear. If you didn’t opt for lunch at the hotel, walk a few meters south to find your own slice of soft sand for the next couple of hours.

Marae Anini

On the “other” side of Avea Bay, stop at the signposted Marae Anini. This ancient Polynesian temple sure does occupy prime real estate. Just check out the beach. This is also a great place for a picnic lunch.

Panorama de Tefarerii

A fitting last stop before heading back to Fare is at Panorama de Tefarerii. This scenic lookout overlooks the magnificent lagoon. On a clear late afternoon, the lagoon shines brightly in a multitude of blue colors.

From here, it’s back to the bridge and back to Fare to complete the circle island tour around Huahine.

Day 4: Huahine Lagoon Tour

Spending your last day in Huahine exploring its lagoon is the perfect way to wrap up this Huahine itinerary. Several providers offer half-day or full-day tours and even combo tours that briefly explore the island and the lagoon. I’ve gone on a full-day lagoon tour on two occasions with Huahine Nautique, as you never replace a winning horse.

Swimming with sharks

The lagoon tour begins with a quick cruise to a shallow spot near Fare, where sharks like to hang out. In the past, a crew member would enter the water and feed hundreds of sharks as guests hung on to an underwater rope to watch the mayhem. Nowadays, you’ll just snorkel with the sharks, but it’s still a thrilling experience.

The Coral Garden

The motorized canoe then cruises south along the wild and lush coastline. Beyond the currently closed Royal Huahine Hotel, the boat then swings to Motu Vaiorea, the site of a pristine coral garden. If you’re up for it, jump into the water and swim with the tropical fish.

Pearl Farm Visit

After cruising beneath the bridge connecting Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, you’ll cruise to the other side of the lagoon via magnificent Maro’e Bay. Step off the boat at Huahine Nui Pearls & Pottery and learn about the process of producing the exquisite black pearl on this floating pearl farm.

Picnic Lunch

The crew will then head to one of the motu (islets) for a memorable Polynesian buffet lunch. Learn how to prepare the national dish, the poisson cru, as your cup is constantly filled with homemade lunch (a.k.a ‘magic juice’). The delicious national dish is prepared with marinated raw chunks of fresh tuna and coconut milk mixed with vegetables and lime. So simple and so delicious. If it’s a nice day, grab a plate and dine feet in the water. After lunch, the crew might show you interesting rock formations along the coastline on the way back to your accommodation.

What’s Next?

This sample 4 days in Huahine itinerary should provide a good mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation. For more information about Huanine and French Polynesia, check out these recommended guides.