| Huahine |
| Huahine is probably the most “unspoiled” of the Society Islands. We immediately got a warm and inviting feeling there and we were fortunate to be able to share the experience of this island with our friend, Clay Cox who flew in from Atlanta 2 days after our arrival. Huahine is actually 2 islands, Huahini Nui to the North and Huahine Iti to the South, and a bridge joins them. Huahine’s topography is less rugged, with generally lower peaks than the other islands, but has numerous bays along its shores, which makes for fun exploration in the dingy. We anchored at 3 different spots while on the island, Baie Haavai, “Philippe’s Bay” beneath Mount Teapaa, and Baie d’Avea. Our first excursion was a bike ride to the North and Northeast side of the island where we found a wonderful museum that told of the history of Huahine. The museum is located on the grounds of ancient, excavated ruins of Marae (temple sites) dating back to the 1300 – 1800, and there are actually indications of an earlier settlement of around 900 AD. Then, further down the road we took a short tour of the only pearl farm on the island, which we found extremely interesting. |
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| While anchored at, what we called, “Philippe’s Bay” because of the nice local man who was the guardian of the beach, we were able to take terrific hikes and get spectacular views of our boat at anchor as well as the little beach itself. Probably the most stunning view point we found was at the top of a somewhat strenuous hike that started at a fruit orchard and botanical garden called Eden Parc, a cool and charming valley covered with the world’s tropical fruit trees and exotic plants and flowers. Upon our return back to the parc we enjoyed an exotic lunch of tropical salads, delicious seafood and fresh fruit juices from the park’s crops. After taking this hike and sharing the fabulous exotic lunch with our new found friends, Terry and Debbie from “Wings” and Gail from “Dragons Lair” we took a long and adventurous dingy ride planing at top speed across the bay and under the bridge which separates Port Bourayne and the very large Maroe Bay on the other side of the island. Drenched from the salt-water spray we came to rest for a beer and a visit with a charming island women at her restaurant and shop where she sold hand-woven baskets and pareos. |
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| click on photos to enlarge |