More about Huahine
Why Cruise to Huahine?
Wild jungle beauty and plenty of history enhance this isolated island
Very few facilities for those seeking fancy restaurants and bars
Huahine is a quieter alternative to its touristy neighbors and a step back in time
Huahine Cruise Port Facilities?
Aside from a restroom and one small shack containing a snack bar and some handicrafts, there's nothing at the tender dock. If you are exploring independently of a shore excursion, shopping, dining and activities are centered in the village of Fare on the north-west coast of Huahine Nui.
Good to Know?
Rain showers are common in Huahine, and while they don't usually last long, they're often intense enough to require an umbrella. If wet weather occurs during your visit, look for the pretty rainbows that form over Maroe Bay.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The local currency is the French Pacific franc, shown as CFP in shops (and XPF on currency websites). Though some shops accept U.S. dollars, including the big supermarket in Fare, you may want to keep a few francs on hand for the smaller boutiques. There's an ATM at the Banque de Tahiti.
Language?
- Tahitian and French are mostly spoken, though tourist officials and many folks in town can communicate in English.
- Tahitian and French are mostly spoken, though tourist officials and many folks in town can communicate in English.
Where You're Docked?
- Ships anchor between Huahine Iti (Little Huahine) and Huahine Nui (Big Huahine to the north in Maroe Bay; the tender dock is in the village of Maroe on Huahine Iti.
- **By Shuttle:** You might find an occasional taxi chugging along, but there's an extreme shortage of public transportation so don't rely on it to get around. Cruise lines operate a shuttle across the bridge (between Iti and Nui) and into Fare, utilizing open-air, wooden bench buses known throughout French Polynesia as Le Truck. _**(Editor's note:** The Le Trucks are sensitive to every bump in the road and can be hard on the back; bring a towel to sit on if you need extra support as the ride lasts about 20 minutes.)_
On Foot: Once in Fare, the going is easy; the main waterfront road is only a block or so long and extremely walkable. If you are standing at the pavilion facing the water when you exit Le Truck, the town's boutiques, banks and internet cafes are to your left; a five-minute walk to the right along the waterfront is a pretty, free, public beach (the lagoon is clear for independent snorkeling).
By Car or Scooter: Like most of the islands in French Polynesia, it's easy to drive around Huahine. Both Nui and Iti's coastal roads are about 20 km in length, so it's (virtually!) impossible to get lost. However, as Huahine is made up of two islands, there are forks in the road when you cross over from Huahine Nui to Huahine Iti, and vice-versa. But whatever fork you take, you'll end up circling the island. You're unlikely to see too many other cars on the coastal roads so just relax and enjoy the island's wild beauty. As public transport is limited, this is a good way to experience a really sleepy place and stop off along the way to view ancient temples (marae) and perhaps pull into a cafe for lunch or a snack. Avis, Hertz and Europcar rent vehicles right at the tender dock.
