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Huahine is a tropical paradise |
Although
travelers visit Huahine for a variety of reasons,
newcomers are often quite naive about most of the facts and facets of the
Island, including its people, culture, flora and fauna, history, economy, etc.
They often arrive with the simple desire to just relax and take in the Pacific
Island charm. Not long after arriving, however, does the true nature of French Polynesia begin to unfold for them.
A couple of days of exploring this island and they begin to recognize the country for its many faces
beyond a mere vacationland.
This French owned territory is filled with
a unique energy unto itself. There's no place on earth quite like it.
Of course return travelers and local inhabitants know that. Each lives or
returns to Huahine for their own reasons...
This page unviels information, facts, and insight
for discovery of your OWN reasons to become enchanted with Huahine, the undiscovered garden island.
Arts & Culture: Music | Dance | Tattoos |
Legends & Myths: (ancient stories, modern myths) |
Note: This page works in tandem with the TAHITI NEWS & GENERAL INFORMATION section where you'll find lots more additional generic information for ALL the Tahitian Islands.
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LOCATION
Info coming soon...
Maps
It has proven to be quite difficult to obtain good maps for Huahine and/ or ANY of the Society islands or neighboring regions.
*After much searching TST has aquired the
usage rights of only a few of them.
(Eventually, it seems we will have to make our own maps)
1) Large scale map- Basic map for the South Pacific in regards to its relation to the world's continents.
2) Basic Huahine Island map- Showing the shapes of the 2 islands comprising Huahine and some basic landmarks.
3)
Nautical Chart- Large scale chart showing the layout of the Leeward Islands of the Society Archipelago including Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora bora, Maupiti, Huahine, and Tupai. (
Note: This map is 100 kb's... be patient on downloading time.)
*WE ARE LOOKING FOR MORE GOOD MAPS WE CAN USE FOR ANY FRENCH POLYNESIAN ISLANDS OR NEIGHBORING AREAS. We will be happy to credit you with the copyrights and/ or link your site. Any mapmakers out there reading this?
WEATHER-
(AND WHEN TO TRAVEL)
The climate on the
Society Islands of French Polynesia is considered tropical and can be divided into
two basic seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
The wet season (Polynesian Summer), is between the
months of November to April, receiving approximately 3/4ths of the annual rainfall
of French Polynesia between these months. The humidity during this time
can be quite heavy and muggy and cloud cover is common. Storms are frequent,
brief, and unpredictable.(Average rainfall for Papeete is 1800mm). Temperatures
will range from 27- 30 degrees C, with the hottest months being February and
March. Day to night temperature fluctuations are minimal.
This "wet season" is considered the "off season" for tourism.
From a travelers standpoint, this "off
season" may not be the most favorable weatherwise, however the benefits
may tip the scales to the travelers advantage in many other ways: There's
less competition for lodging, activity
and sightseeing schedules. With the additional advantage
of lower average pricing for most products and services, it can be considered
that this wet season is easier to travel, explore, and generally, get things
done. There's always the trade-offs to consider...
For you sunworshippers out there, keep in mind that the sun is not on vacation,
but merely less commonly seen than in the drier months. Being a French Polynesian
Island, and tropical, even in the "wet season" you'll definately get
your fair share of sun on Huahine Island. (There are between 2500- 2900 sunshine
hours per year.)
By contrast, the "dry season" - May
through October, is the "on season" for tourism.
This is the Polynesian
winter. Temperatures generally range from between 24-28 degrees C, and rain
is rare. Day to night temperature fluctuations are minimal.
As to be expected, these favorable weather conditions
also bring out the tourists. July is most likely the favorite and most heavily
traveled month for all the Tahitian Islands because of its many festivals and
celebrations during the month long holiday that occurs at that time known as Tiurai. For those interested in Scubadiving
in Huahine and her surrounding islands, the dry season is favorable due to increased
visibility.
Tradewinds
Winds will be present in Tahiti Polynesia
no matter the season. The basic geography of all the French Polynesian islands
will always insure this. Most days in Tahiti will include some type of light
wind, oftentimes picking up toward the latter part of the day. For the most
part, these winds will always be considered a blessing. The feeling of a nice
pacific breeze on a hot day is very refreshing and will always be appreciated.
There are two common trade winds affecting Tahiti Polynesias
weather and travelers: The dry season's mara' amu, and the wet
seasons toerau. The mara' amu is a southeasterly blowing tradewind
most common during the winter months (dry season), of June, July, and August.
These winds can be a bit more persistant than you may be prepared for, bringing
with them sudden downpours and cooler temperatures. Be advised to pack an extra
windbreaker...
As for the toerau, these winds are less common and blow
in a north- northeast direction and occur during the wet season months.
Cyclones
The Pacific Ocean surrounding all the Tahitian
Islands, with it's thermal currents interacting with the various jetstreams
(air currents) can produce winds of terrific magnitude. Cyclones (another word
for Hurricanes) are always a cause for concern for those inclined to worry.
Take heed. French Polynesia has had its share of cyclones. (although the frequency
of them seems to be far less than other parts of the world which are prone to
them, such as the southeastern seaboard or midwest states of the United States).
The last powerful cyclone that caused considerable
damage to Tahiti and many surrounding islands was in 1982. Tahiti Sun
Travel provides you with this telephone number to check on weather
updates for the region: (689) 36.65.09
(We are working on providing an online weather checker for the future.)
There are two common trade winds affecting Tahiti Polynesias weather and travelers:
The dry season's mara' amu, and the wet seasons toerau.
The mara' amu is a southeasterly blowing tradewind most common during the
winter months (dry season), of June, July, and August. These winds can be
a bit more persistant than you may be prepared for, bringing with them sudden
downpours and cooler temperatures. Be advised to pack an extra windbreaker...
(For more info. on what to pack, see the Travel Tips section)
As for the Toerau, these winds are less common and blow in a north- northeast
direction and occur during the wet season months.
BEACHES
Details coming soon. The reality and facts of the beach situation on Huahine is as follows:
1) As on all the Society Islands, of the entire Huahine coastline, the most useable,
desireable and accessable "sandy beaches" on the island can be divided into 2 basic categories: Public or private.
PUBLIC BEACHES:
All beaches in French Polynesia are technically public property, although, as mentioned in detail below in the private beaches section, getting to them can sometimes be a difficult experience.
That said, here are a few recognized or easily accessed "public beaches" on Huahine:
BEACH 1
Near the : Details coming soon... |
BEACH 2
Near the : Details coming soon... |
In addition to these public beaches, there are various other nice stretches along the coastal road of Huahine Nui and the smaller, lessor developed Huahine Iti coastline to explore. You can easily make an enjoyable day or project out of finding them! Don't forget your towels and swimming shorts!
PRIVATE BEACHES:
There are a number of beautiful beach stretches on Huahine that are situated on private property! Most are located on resort, hotel, or a private Pension or homeowner's property. If there's not a beach on the location you're staying, then getting to these private beaches can be a frustrating experience. Their entrances are often difficult or impossible to find and often as not involve asking a hotel's or family's permission to pass through. (If you can find the owners, their answer is not always a guaranteed yes).
If you insist on pursuing these private beaches, your choices include:
1) Just going for it and walking across someone's property to get to the sand. This method is successful roughly 50% of the time without being busted. (If you do encounter an owner, speaking French and smiling a lot definately helps...)
2) Swimming or walking to them on the lagoon or ocean side... (not always an easy task)
3) Staying at the owner's facilities. (always the recommended method)
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TST
Comment and Advice: BEACHES
Don't be dismayed by the above information on private beaches on Huahine! Huahine has a good number of fine stretches of public beaches to sun your buns on, and only if you are feeling frisky and want to go searching for the elusive, "perfect beach" might you end up searching for the ones on private property. No worries, after a little quality time on the island, if you ask around, you'll figure out where to go for ALL the beaches. In actuality, most people are quite content to stay on the beach of their own hotel, pension or resort.
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Nudity Note: Many ask about nude or topless beaches on Huahine and other Tahitian islands.
It's the same on Huahine as anywhere else in Polynesia: accepted and quite common to go topless. Bottomless is seldom seen except for on private or hard to find beaches, but not unheard of on the public beaches either. Of course this is a European thing. (Remember, Polynesia is a french owned territory.) At this time, TST is unaware of any "official" or specifically designated "nude beaches" on Huahine.
FAUNA- (WILDLIFE IN GENERAL)
Bad
news for all you animal lovers... you'll not be photographing many wild or
fascinating South Sea mammals here. The Polynesian islands don't have a lot
of natural wildlife, aside from birds and of course, a magical array of Marine
life creatures. Why is this? The islands are so lush and their interiors so
undeveloped, you may wonder...
The answer lies within the origins of the islands
themselves. Volcanic in nature, these islands literally sprang up in the middle
of nowhere, far from any surrounding land masses where any other land creatures
could habitate from. The only mammals on the islands today are those that
were brought over by the human navigators who populated these islands, both
native Polynesian, and Europeans.
The list of land mammals is rather short. All the
usual suspects are here: horses, cows, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, and of course,
rats. It seems there is one exception to this mundane list: the wild pig...
some of 'em must have got away from their captives long ago and hankered for
life on the wild side... good for them!
On the other hand, there are quite a number of bird
species here, with some of the less inhabitated islands such as Tetiaroa,
Mehetia, and others having breeding grounds for future health of the species.
Thankfully, most of the critical habitat bird breeding grounds are protected
by the government and looked after with care.
Dogs
Dogs, dogs, dogs, and more dogs!
All Tahitian islands boast a fairly healthy dog population and Huahine is no exception. As with most dogs of Polynesia, no matter what island they're on, they ALL SEEM 
TO HAVE THE SAME PARENTS! They all have that "generic dog" look common in many third world countries.
Basic browns, or spotted of a thousand colors, most are classic mutts, many of which seemingly wander around carefree and owner-free amongst the homes and businesses of the populace.
Most locals seem to regard them with a casual nonchalance- not unfriendly, but not particularly worried about their well being either... Occasionally, (more so on Tahiti than the other islands), you will see a purebred animal as a family pet, but not often.
So be it. Woof, woof. In Polynesia, compared to other countries, a dog's life could be worse...
Crabs
Yes, crabs- Coconot and Hermit crabs, that is...
Q: Why a separate section for crabs, you may ask? A: 'Cause we like the little buggers... we'll have lots of interesting facts and crab trivia in
the future.
Marine Life
Of course, any time spent in Polynesia will reveal
to the animal lover the true source of wildlife fascination here: the exquisite
marine life.
There are nearly 500 species of fish within the Tahitian island waters,
along with other amazing creatures such as sea turtles, dozens of sharks species,
and the ever so popular dolphin (the "flipper" kind), porpoises,
and the hugely popular humpback whale topping the list of marine mammals.
Interestingly, there are NO pinepeds.
See Huahine's scuba section for much more information on marine life specific to the island.
FLORA- (PLANTS & FLOWERS)
Information on this subject coming soon including information about the famous and saught after Noni plant...
ECONOMY
Information on this subject coming soon...
SOCIETY & PEOPLE
Information on this subject coming soon...
HISTORY
Information on this subject coming soon...
LEGENDS & MYTHS
Information on this subject coming soon...
ABOUT THE OTHER ISLANDS
Explore the FACTS, INFORMATION
and CULTURE of the other islands of
An Internetwork of Travel
and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
HUAHINE
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