Arrive to Huahine by luxury cruiseliner. |
From
a travelers viewpoint, it would be fair to call the Society Island of Huahine considerably far removed from the well
promoted tourism of Tahiti's "Major 3 Islands"-Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.
Huahine island is certainly one of the last "undiscovered jewels" of Tahiti Polynesia. It's no wonder that the tourism industry has
recently begun to promote Huahine, along with its nearby island cousins, Raiatea and Tahaa, as interesting Tahitian vacation alternatives to the major 3.
For those interested in finding
the perfect South Seas getaway island without all the tourism and promotion,
Huahine makes an excellent choice.
Although not really considered "remote"
in location, getting here and around does take a bit of planning. Because
of its centrally located position among the Society Islands, Huahine can now FINALLY be found on the main "tourist routes" of all charter
flight and shuttle boat services.
This
webpage is designed to help you design and layout your travel plans to, from, and
on Huahine Island once you've arrived. Examine
the options and details below. Contact the airlines, charter services, and businesses direct and make
the decisions yourself or consult
with one of our PARTICIPATING TRAVEL AGENTS.
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You'll
most likely need to get to a good sized city or a Tahiti flight "hub"
to fly direct to Papeete on these airlines. Contact
them direct to see if they can offer you the connections you need, or consult
our travel agent.
CHARTER
FLIGHTS/ SMALL PLANES
There are a number of small planes and charter companies regularly flying to Huahine. Air Tahiti is the largest of them with the most regularly scheduled flights, but check the listings below for details.
 AIR
TAHITI
Main office is in Tahiti Faaa Airport,
P.O. Box 314, Papeete- TAHITI
General Manager: Marcel GALENO,
Telephone Standard: (689) 86.40.00,
RESERVATIONS: (689) 86.42.42,
or fax (689) 86.40.69,
Moorea Office: (689) 56.10.34
Fleet: 5 ATR72's (capacity 66), and 3 ATR42's (capacity 48)
* SEVERAL DAILY FLIGHTS TO HUAHINE FROM PAPEETE, TAHITI,
* INTER ISLAND FLIGHTS FROM HUAHINE:
Bora Bora- DAILY, Raiatea- DAILY, Moorea- DAILY
Air Tahiti flies to 39 Polynesian islands including all Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, and Australs. Scheduled flights or charter flights available. Contact Air Tahiti direct for exact information regarding questions,
flight details, and reserving or purchasing tickets. |
AIR
MOOREA (Private Charter Flights)
Main office in Papeete, TAHITI
Telephone (689) 86.41.41 , Fax (689) 86.42.99
Fleet: 2 Twin Otters, 3 Britten Normans, 1 Dornier
* FLIGHTS UPON REQUEST TO ALL DESTINATIONS,
including HUAHINE |
AIR
ARCHIPELS (Private Charter Flights)
P.O. Box 6019 Faaa- TAHITI
Tel. (689)81.30.30, Fax (689)86.42.69,
Contact: Mr. Francois MARTIN
Fleet: 1 Conquest 2, 1 Beechcraft B2
* FLIGHTS UPON REQUEST TO ALL DESTINATIONS,
including HUAHINE |
BY
HELICOPTER
These
birds are the ultimate island hoppers! The ONLY helicopter service in
French Polynesia providing inter-island travel and flightseeing is Polynesia
Helicopteres (formerly known as Heli-Inter).This company has been doing business
in French Polynesia for years and caters to the more... shall we say... "influental"
of travelers.
TST says "If you can afford it, go for it!"
POLYNESIA
HELICOPTERES
Based out of the Tahiti- Faa'a International Airport
Flights upon request to ALL Polynesian destinations,
specializing in the Society Islands of Bora Bora, Moorea, Tupai and the Marquesan
island of Nuku Hiva.
P.O. Box 6109- 98 702, Faaa- TAHITI
Tahiti Contact: Mr. Marc KOSKA, Tel.(689) 54.87.20, Fax (689) 54.87.21
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TST
Comment:
Sad to say this, but over the past year, we have made a serious
effort to work with this Helicopter company, but all our efforts, it
seems, were in vain. After meeting with the "man in charge"
on Bora Bora after the company changed its name in 2004, we linked them
with several direct emails from ALL the TST sites FOR FREE with the
hopes of showing them they would get a lot of emails and then want to
become a TST customer...
They
DID, in fact, receive a bunch of emails from people booking flights,
asking travel questions, etc, throughout the year, but NEVER ONCE DID
THE COMPANY GIVE US THE RESPECT OF EVEN ANSWERING OUR MANY EMAILS! (we
tried to contact them to see if they were getting their emails.) We
confirmed their email was correct, and after much banter, they finally
told us they didn't want to do business with us. This company has some
serious attitude! |
BY SEA
Besides
for the major cruiselines, (see Tours
and Cruises page for details), there are a handful of large seacraft
that make regular (or semi-regular) trips to Huahine island from various
points in French Polynesia. Most run out of Papeete, but not all... (To get to Huahine from OTHER islands, read the details
of that islands "getting here" page)
The boats and ferries listed below run schedules to Huahine from Tahiti and other islands on fairly thin intervals, making for difficult vacation
planning, if that is what you're trying to do. To avoid dissapointment, TST recommends going down to the ferry quay of the island you are on and checking in person with the individual companies to see their current schedules and running times. If you happen to be there when a vessel fitting your schedule is there, take advantage of the moment and go for it, but don't try to plan your vacation around a particular island ferry or other vessel and certainly don't rely on their schedules to make an important international flight connection.
Ferrys and large capacity
boats traveling to Huahine Island:
VAEANU
Motu Uta, Fare-Ute, Papeete- TAHITI,
(P.O. Box 9 062 Motu-Uta, Papeete-TAHITI)
Telephone- (689) 41.25.35, Fax- (689) 41.24.34,
Contact: Mr.Wilfrid TETUAMANUHIRI
Max. Capacity: 90 passengers on deck.12 cabins with 2 berths,
2cabins with 3 berths, 1 private cabin, toilet and air conditioning.
3 Weekly voyages, Restaurant on Board.
Note: Passengers are accepted on board ship in cabin only for
Wednesday voyage from Papeete.
FROM HUAHINE: THIS BOAT GOES TO: BORA BORA,
RAIATEA, TAHAA, AND TAHITI
Consult with the ticketing office for schedules
running out of Huahine.
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STIM- The
"HAWAIKI- NUI"
P.O.Box 635 PAPEETE- TAHITI,
Contact: Mr. PAQUIER
12 passengers in double cabins - 20 passengers on deck.
2 trips a week- Departing Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
from Papeete.
FROM HUAHINE: THIS
BOAT GOES TO: BORA BORA, RAIATEA, TAHAA AND TAHITI
Consult with the ticketing office for schedules
running out of Huahine. |
MAUPITI
EXPRESS (c/o Tahaa Transport Services)
P.O.Box 612- 98 730 Vaitape- BORA BORA,
Telephone- (689) 67.66.69/ 78.27.22, Fax- (689) 67.66.69
Contact: Mr. Gerald SACHET
44 foot aluminum shuttle boat. Max. capacity inside lagoon: 82 passengers,
deep water: 62 passengers.
2 voyages weekly from Bora Bora (Thursday and Saturday) to MAUPITI,
and 2 voyages weekly to Tahaa, Raiatea, and Huahine. (Wednesdays and
Fridays).
**Consult with the ticketing office for accurate schedule times
running out of Bora Bora!
FROM HUAHINE: THIS BOAT GOES TO: BORA BORA, RAIATEA, TAHAA AND
MAUPITI |
WINDSONG-
details coming soon... |
TST
Comment: SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY
Because of the constantly changing routes of operation, running times, schedule, hours, prices, it is impossible for us to be accurate with particular company schedules and running times. (If we tried that, we'd often be wrong, that's why we don't try...) The best way to deal with these constant changes is to remain flexible in your ferry or boating plans and check in person at the docks in Papeete or Huahine when you're there. Also, always give yourself an extra day cushion when it comes to making important international flight connections. |
HOW
TO GET AROUND ONCE YOU ARRIVE
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Le'
Truck- Always Classic |
Huahine
Island is easy to navigate using the transportation options listed below.
The two most common places travelers first
arrive to Huahine Island is at the Airport or the Ferry Quay in Fare,
the prominent town on Huahine.
Local minibuses and Le'Truck
provide service around the island to the various hotels,
campgrounds, or private lodgings.
If you've pre-arranged your lodging, it's most likely that your hotel
or lodge will send somebody to meet as you arrive to Huahine, (no matter
where), as that is a common service they provide. (Make sure to ASK
THEM TO DO THIS FOR YOU when you book your room).
For all others, you have many choices for getting around Huahine Island.
LE'
TRUCK
Le'
Truck provides transportation to and from the airport and between the Ferry
Quay in Fare and Huahines surrounding districts. They try and coordinate their runs
between the vessel schedules and school hours.
A nominal fee is charged.
RENTAL CARS
Undoubtedly, the
mode of transportation that gives you the most freedom on Huahine
is the rental car. (Bicycles are also a great way to get around for pleasureable riding, but are obviously more work, a little slower, and can't keep you from getting wet in case of a sudden downpour.) Also, when you have a car, you can setup your own schedules,
stop and explore whatever you want, and have a dry place to store your gear
in case of a sudden rain shower.
Not to be outdone on Huahine, as with most of the other Society islands, the
ever present EUROPCAR is here, along with a few other competitors. They're all fairly close to each other
in pricing, so it's really a matter of personal choice or vehicle availability on the day you need them as to which one you will
choose.
If you're interested in pre-booking a rental car for an upcoming trip to Huahine, (not a pre-requisite, but also not a bad idea to try and do during the summer tourist high season), most hotels and the majority of pensions will be able to do it for you... Just ask them when you're booking your room. Some may charge a nominal fee for this service, but for most, (especially because on this site there are no internet hyperlinks direct to the car rental companies), this is the easiest way to ensure yourself a car rental booking.
HUAHINE LOCATIONS (HERTZ RENT-A-CAR)
P.O. Box 607- 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE
Telephone/ fax- (689) 68.76.85 E-MAIL
& Bookings
Home of Hertz Rent-A-Cars and scooters.
Top quality cars at the lowest prices.
Setting the standard in the rental car industry.
RESERVE YOUR CAR ONLINE OR SEND US AN EMAIL.
EUROPCAR
HUAHINE
Fare Airport, PK 1
P.O. Box 34 - 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE
Telephone- (689) 68.88.03 / 68.82.59,
Fax (689) 68.80.59 |
AVIS HUAHINE
Fare Airport/ Fare Wharf
P.O. Box 14- 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE
Telephone- (689) 68.73.34,
Fax (689) 68.73.35 |
Note: some of the places above renting cars may also rent motorscooters
and/ or bicycles by the day or week.
GROUND TAXIS/ MINIBUS
On Huahine, the taxis are minibuses and considered the same. There is one company that will pick you up from the Fare wharf and get you to your final destination:
ENITE TAXI
Fare Wharf,
P.O. Box 37 - 98 731 Fare- HUAHINE,
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 68.82.37,
2 mini buses with A/C, 7 and 8 seats each.
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SCOOTERS/ BICYCLES
A great way to experience
the island is from your scooter or bicycle. The scooters are quick and the
bicycles are usually in decent shape. A relatively flat, good quality, mostly paved road encircling both islands of Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti make these forms of transportation probably
the best combination of price versus functionality on Huahine.
HUAHINE LAGOON
B.P.281, Fare- HUAHINE, (Located at the Fare Wharf) E-MAIL & Bookings
Telephone/ fax- (689)
68.87.57 (home),
or Telephone/ fax (work)- (689)68.70.00
Contact: Jean Luc Eychenne
BICYCLES for exploring Huahine! Tuned up and well maintained, there is no better way to spend the day! Rent by the hour, day, or week...
We also rent paddle KAYAKS and MOTOR BOATS for fun and exploration on the lagoon!
(no special licenses required.)
SEE
OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
RENTAL BOATS
There is one place on Huahine island to rent small boats. These boats are a great way to explore the peace and beauty of the lagoon on a nice relaxing afternoon. No special licenses are required however a basic knowledge of engines and seamanship is recommended.
HUAHINE LAGOON
B.P.281, Fare- HUAHINE, (Located at the Fare Wharf) E-MAIL & Bookings
Telephone/ fax- (689)
68.87.57 (home),
or Telephone/ fax (work)- (689)68.70.00
Contact: Jean Luc Eychenne
Motorized boat rentals by the hour, day, or week... 6 and 15 horsepower small boats perfect for exploring the lagoon. (no special licenses required)
Also renting paddle KAYAKS for fun on the lagoon and BICYCLES for exploring Huahine's roads!
SEE
OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
LAGOON TRANSFER SERVICES
Water taxi services are important and quite handy on Bora bora. They claim
to take you to any spot on the island you need to go... Hotel transfers,
last minute airport shuttle rides, recreational areas, etc.
TEAMAI/ RAROIA
P.O. Box 386, Fare- HUAHINE,
Telephone-
(689) 68.84.02/ 66.20.10, Fax- (689) 68.80.30
Vessel type: Bertram Hatteras 36 ft. (capacity: 6 people),
Mr. Richard SHAMEL- Captain E-MAIL
Two locally built fiberglass and aluminum boats (27 and 28 feet) specializing in transfers from the Fare wharf and the Te Tiare Beach Resort Hotel to various locations around Huahine. |
WALKING
Walking
is surely the best way to appreciate the beauty and serenity of Huahine! Although you probably won't walk around the entire 2 islands (there are over 60 km's worth of roads to explore),
you can certainly find many perfect spots for walking along the coast.
Walking is great for many reasons: It's the best way to meet locals and appreciate the relaxed lifestyle of the islanders. If you speak french, you may be able to engage in an interesting conversation along the way. Also, since nobody will be hurrying or distracting you, and you'll be surrounded by beauty, this is the time to pull out your camera and get the best shots of your
trip! Bring a daypack and make a full or 1/2 day out of it. If you pack a
towel and a snorkel, you can also "dip when necessary" along the
way!
The last reason why walking is so excellent on Huahine and all the rest of the Tahitian Islands is because its FREE!
GETTING
TO AND AROUND THE OTHER ISLANDS
Plan your TRIP and TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS on the other islands of
An Internetwork of Travel
and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
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International
airlines regulary scheduleing flights to Papeete:
