Huahine — pronounced wah-hee-nay — is one of those islands that still feels a little off the beaten path, in all the best ways. It’s actually two islands, Huahine Nui (big) and Huahine Iti (small), connected by a short bridge across a narrow channel. The island was one of the early settlements in Polynesia and has long been known for its rich cultural history and well-preserved archaeological sites. European explorers first arrived here in the 18th century, including Captain James Cook, who stopped at nearby islands during his voyages through the Society Islands.
Today, Huahine’s population sits at around 6,000 people, with most living in and around the main town of Fare. The pace here is slow, the vibe relaxed, and the scenery stunning — lush green mountains rising above the lagoon and long, quiet stretches of beach. Agriculture, small-scale fishing, and vanilla farming are still important, while tourism plays a growing role, particularly for those looking for something a little more authentic and less commercial than the better-known islands like Bora Bora or Moorea.
Visitors come to Huahine for its natural beauty, its sense of peace, and its connection to traditional Polynesian life. It’s the kind of place where you can snorkel right off the beach, wander through a village market, and feel like you’ve truly escaped into island time.
During last night’s show introduction, our cruise director Clare hinted that there wasn’t much to see at today’s stop — either at the tender pier or in the main town of Fare where the shuttles drop off. That might have set some expectations a little low, but I think it’s more a reflection of how simple things are here rather than a lack of things to enjoy.
At the tender port there isn’t a lot of shade, and guests were waiting around for the four shuttle buses to rotate back and forth from Fare. For many, that might have been enough to decide to stay on board, but we chose to take a more relaxed approach to the day. I’d say there are really three ways to experience this port: one, take a ship-organized shore excursion; two, pre-book something private through a site like Viator; or three — our choice — wait until mid-morning and enjoy a quieter visit.
We waited until about 11:00 a.m. before grabbing a tender ticket. By then, the early rush had cleared out. Our number was called in about twenty minutes, and we were on the shuttle just ten minutes after that. The ride into Fare was short, pleasant and scenic. There are a few small shops near the drop-off point, friendly locals selling crafts and clothing, but the real draw here is the beach.
With towels and snorkel gear packed in our backpacks, we decided to walk about 15–20 minutes to a quieter spot away from the main area. There were beaches closer to town, but we wanted something a little more peaceful. We found the perfect place — a stretch of grass under a big shady tree right beside the lagoon. We set up our towels, pulled on our masks, and slipped into the warm, clear water. The snorkelling was calm and easy, with coral patches and small colourful fish scattered around the shallow reef.
We spent a good couple of hours there — swimming, relaxing, and just enjoying the gentle rhythm of the island — before slowly making our way back along the water’s edge. Near the pier, we stopped in at the outdoor yacht club, which has a small restaurant and bar right on the waterfront. It was the perfect place to wrap up our afternoon with a cold drink before catching the last shuttle back at 3:15 p.m.
Back on board by four, we grabbed a late snack and watched yet another spectacular sunset — the kind that fills the whole sky with gold and pink reflections on the lagoon.
In the end, I’d say Huahine turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. It may not have the big resorts or long lists of activities, but if you’re willing to step ashore, take a walk, and let the island unfold at its own pace, there’s always something to see and enjoy. Every port has its charm if you give it a chance — and Huahine definitely rewarded those who did.
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