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Least
explored of the Society Islands, Huahine is a happy, peaceful
place, where the traditional Polynesian way of life continues in
spectacular scenery that rivals any on Moorea or Bora Bora. Lush
with vanilla plantations, banana groves, and taro fields, Huahine
is actually two islands basking in one lagoon, encircled by a
coral necklace. On its shores, coconut palms sprout in untamed
profusion, separated from the sea by a narrow band of powdery
white sand.
Considered
to be the cradle of ancient Polynesian culture, Huahine is home to
many of Polynesia's most important archaeological sites.
Fascinating artifacts can be found here, at Maeva, a former royal
village, with its restored marae (sacrificial temples). In
a nearby sacred lake, 300-year-old stone fishing traps, still in
use today, can only be removed by descendants of the Tahitian
royal family.
Fare,
the main town, is a sleepy port which springs to life for the
arrival of inter-island ferries. Then truckloads of copra, pigs,
taro, bananas, and melons are brought to the quay for market day.
Local people mingle with arriving passengers, all enjoying the
bustling activity along the waterfront.
With
some of the most hospitable people in the Pacific, Huahine is a
tranquil paradise which retains the best of old Polynesia. |
