Discovering Huahine by bike is a physical but unforgettable experience. Touring along the coast of this Polynesian island, despite some challenging climbs -especially for someone like me who’s not used to cycling long distances – is the perfect way to appreciate its diverse landscapes. From white sandy beaches to lush mountains, vanilla plantations, and archaeological sites, every turn revealed a new facet of the island.
Today, I want to share a practical guide to help you make the most of a bike tour around Huahine, whether you’re an athlete or just looking for a nice ride.
1. HOW TO GET TO HUAHINE
- By boat: You can take the Apetahi Express, which departs three times a week. The round trip costs around €150, and the journey takes about 4 hours. While the seas can sometimes be rough, I was happy to experience a calm crossing.
- By plane: Huahine’s airport is served by Air Tahiti, with several 40-minute flights each day. The round trip costs about €300. If you’re planning to explore other islands in the Society archipelago, I recommend opting for a multi-island pass, which offers better value for money.
Note: I am surprise by the rising prices! When I visited French Polynesia in February 2023, a one-way ticket from Papeete cost just €40, and the airfare was almost the same price… inflation!
2. RENTING A BIKE
I asked the owner of Chez Guynette, where I was staying in Fare (the main town of Huahine), and she recommended going to Fare Rental Huahine, just 50 meters away. The owner there is trustworthy and charges 2,000 CFP (€17 / $19 USD in 2023) for a full-day bike rental. For this price, you won’t get a mountain bike, but since you’ll mostly be riding on paved roads, it shouldn’t be an issue. However, many of the bikes come with pedal brakes. I suggest getting used to these before meeting the few long descents of the trail.
3. BACKPACK ESSENTIALS FOR A DAY-TRIP
If you’re planning a full day of cycling around Huahine, it’s important to be well-prepared. Here’s what you should birng, aside from your helmet, bike and enthusiasm : p
- Hat, sunglasses, sun protection (and a raincoat) : as it’s a tropical island, the weather can be quite unpredictable. It can be bright and sunny one moment, and then rain ten minutes later. Generally, these changes are temporary, especially if the forecast didn’t predict them, but they can be surprising !
- Comfortable shoes: sports or hiking shoes for a more comfortable ride.
- At least 1.5 liters of water: stay hydrated !
- Few snacks : although there are a couple of small stores and places to grab food along the route, it’s always wise to have snacks (dried fruits, energy bars, nuts ect) in case.
- First-aid kit & insect repellent might be a good idea too (especially with children)
4. COMPLETE LOOP AROUND HUAHINE
The route covers 62 kilometers, so if you’re planning to explore both Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, which are connected by a bridge, in one day with breaks and beach stops, you should plan for a full day. Alternatively, you can break the journey into two days: one for Huahine Nui (the bigger island) and another for Huahine Iti (the smaller). Don’t overestimate your abilities !
You can find the route I took on the Alltrails app under ‘Huahine Loop.’
- Cycling south towards Mahana Hotel
I started my journey by heading east from Fare (towards Tuarai, Fitii), but you can also begin your day from the west. There is a bit of traffic around Fare, but as you leave the main town, the roads become quieter and mostly flat. After crossing the bridge that links Huahine Nui, take a right, which will give you a glimpse of the path ahead—mostly flat with a few steep inclines. Soon, you’ll leave the inland areas and find yourself along the coast, where you can stop at several beaches. I chose to have breakfast at the restaurant of Le Mahana hotel, which offered very refreshing drinks, and the staff kindly allowed me to enjoy the private beach.
- Marae Anini & Pareo production
Less than 2 kilometers away, in the town of Parea, lies one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in French Polynesia: the Marae Anini. Located on a white sand beach, facing the sea in the bay of Avea, the Marae was used by ancient Polynesians to honor their gods, perform rituals, celebrate important events, and worship their gods. The gods Oro (god of war) and Hiro (the trickster god) were worshipped here, and human sacrifices were held until the 18th century. Take the time to walk around the structure and feel the spirituality of the place.
The town of Parea is named after the pareo, a colorful fabric garment originating from Polynesia. It is an institution here, and the Maison du Pareo is its best representative. The owner makes them by hand and you will learn about the manufacturing processes as well as the meanings of the different designs on the pareo and the dozens of ways to tie them.
- Tefareriii Panorama
A gentle climb will lead you to one of the island’s iconic viewpoints overlooking the beautiful lagoon of Huahine.
- Cycling towards Huahine Nui & Maroe Bay lookout.
The journey north towards Huahine Iti begins with a gentle incline, taking you along picturesque roads that wind through small villages overlooking the sea and a wide motu nearby. With minimal traffic, the ride is perfect. You will then follow the shoreline of Maroe Bay, where the higher relief of the mountains of Huahine Nui rise in the background. After crossing the bridge again, you will soon encounter a steep ascent (I made the climb on foot, pushing my bike) leading to a viewpoint overlooking Maroe Bay. This marks the final significant climb on the island. The toughest part of the journey is now behind you!
- Sacred eels of Faie & Pearl farm
The town of Faie is home to a family of eels with piercing blue eyes, considered sacred due to their connection to ancestors and spiritual beliefs.They are harmless and curious, as many locals feed them or dip their feet in their river. A little further on, the pearl farm in Huahine is a water-based residence, accessible by a free shuttle every 30 minutes. There is a small shop displaying pearls locally cultivated and handmade pottery.
- Ancestral fish trap & Marae Manunu
Another stop during your journey is at the fish trap of Fa’Una Nui. Polynesians have been using fish traps for centuries and still today. They are constructed of coral and rocks. With the tide, fish enter these parks and become trapped as the water goes down. Cross the town bridge to access the Marae Manunu; the detour takes only about 20 minutes.
- Marae of Maeva & Fare Pote’e
Located at the entrance of the village of Maeva, the archaeological site of Maeva includes several marae facing the sea. Nearby, the Fare Pote’e is a reconstruction of traditional Polynesian home. Inside, there is a museum showcasing items from Polynesian life, as well as information about the history of Polynesia, the marae, and more.
- Tasting liqueurs at ‘Huahine Passion Distillery’
To end your day, head to the Huahine Passion Distillery in Fare. They will introduce you to a variety of liqueurs and spirits made from the island’s fruits. My favorites: the Huahine liqueur (a blend of pineapple, mango, passion fruit, and vanilla) and the soursop liqueur.
5. WHERE TO SLEEP IN HUAHINE
You can find many accommodations on Booking.com, but I found mine through a travel guide. Chez Guynette is a family-run guesthouse situated in the center of Fare, offering budget-friendly options: dormitory beds for 3,000 CFP (around €25 in 2024) and private rooms for 6,500 CFP (approximately €55 in 2024). Additionally, there are other places to stay around the island, such as the newly opened Alaroots Huahine (offering dorms and private rooms) and the perfect setting for camping lovers: Camping Hiva Plage. For a luxurious experience, I highly recommend Le Mahana. After spending a few hours there, I found it well-located, featuring a private beach and an excellent restaurant!
6. WHERE TO EAT IN HUAHINE
While I was on a budget in Huahine, I mostly prepared my own meals. Nonetheless, there are a few spots that were recommended to me: the Huahine Yacht Club for drinks, where traditional dance performances are occasionally showed. Along the way, you’ll encounter food-trucks offering simple but good snack options. Finally, Chez Tara is highly recommended for their tahitian raw fish dish!