Aloha and welcome to Jyo Shankar - a place to document all my world travels with hopes to inspire you to visit the same.
I’m Jyo
Huahine : The Cradle of Polynesian Culture
Huahine is one of those islands that quietly stays with you long after you leave. I have always wanted to visit it and I am glad we had the chance to visit this time. Often called the Island of Culture or the Garden of Eden, it’s widely considered the cradle of Polynesian culture and it truly feels sacred.
Lush, raw, and deeply authentic, Huahine is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in French Polynesia, from ancient marae (temples) and stone fish traps to traditional villages where life still moves at a gentle, unhurried pace. Add wild green mountains, calm turquoise lagoons, and vibrant local life, and you have an island that feels untouched and profoundly meaningful.
How to Get There
There are short, direct Air Tahiti flights from Pape’ete, making it a seamless addition to any French Polynesia itinerary.
How Many Days to Spend
3–4 days is the perfect amount of time. It allows you to explore the cultural sites, enjoy the beaches and lagoon, and truly sink into Huahine’s slower rhythm without rushing.
Where to Stay
Le Mahana Hoteltruly reflects what Huahine feels like – calm, welcoming, and so charming; that’s exactly what we loved about it. The hotel is rustic, intimate, and full of genuine Polynesian charm, not flashy, not overdone, just peaceful and authentic.
PC : Le Mahana
Nestled on the most beautiful stretch of Avea Bay, Le Mahana sits right where the turquoise lagoon meets lush green mountains.
Our garden bungalow was spacious, clean and comfortable, with plenty of room to unwind after a day out exploring. We loved having the restaurant on property, making evenings easy and relaxed, with beautiful views and a laid-back atmosphere. The beach also has complimentary kayaks, snorkeling equipment etc for guests to use while on property.
For us, Le Mahana was the perfect introduction to Huahine — relaxed, soulful, and deeply connected to the island. We loved our stay here and wouldn’t hesitate to return.
Things to Do in Huahine
Huahine is all about taking things slow and connecting with the island, its culture, and its people.
Explore Fare Town
I loved wandering through Fare, the island’s main village, browsing local shops and getting a feel for everyday Huahine life. Don’t miss out on the supermarket here ( the biggest in all of French Polynesia) and grab lunch at Huahine Yacht Club right besides Fare beach where you can see the silhoutte of the pregnant woman sleeping ( in the pic above).
Stop at Tefarerii Viewpoint
One of our favorite stops, with sweeping views over the island’s lush interior and lagoon.
Relax on Huahine’s Best Beaches
My top 3 faves – Hana Iti, Fare Beach, and Avea Bay.
Visit the Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels
Seeing the blue-eyed eels in Faie was such a unique experience and really highlighted Huahine’s spiritual side.
See the Ancient Stone Fish Traps
These traditional traps along the shoreline are a fascinating reminder of how Polynesians lived in harmony with the land and sea.
Explore the Marae (Ancient Temples)
We especially loved Fare Pote’e Maeva and Anini Marae, some of the most atmospheric and important archaeological sites in French Polynesia.
Do a 4×4 + Lagoon Combo Tour
One of the best ways to experience Huahine. We highly recommend Matairea Lagoon Tour for exploring both the wild interior and the crystal-clear lagoon. Our motu lunch was outstanding, every dish was so so delicious.
Get a Huahine Pareo
Huahine is famous for its pareos, and we loved browsing local designs. Many artists also offer pareo-painting classes if you want a hands-on cultural experience.
Why Huahine Is So Special
Huahine is raw, sacred, lush, and deeply authentic — a place where Polynesian culture isn’t staged, it’s lived. It’s also incredibly easy to combine with Bora Bora and Moorea, which makes it an ideal addition to a French Polynesia itinerary. If you’re looking for culture, history, and an island that still feels untouched, Huahine is not just worth visiting , it’s essential.
Thanks for stopping by! xo
Jyo
Disclaimer : This was in partnership with Tahiti Tourism, all thoughts and opinions are my own. All images belong to Jyo Shankar and Tahiti Tourism.
