Huahine, French Polynesia

Huahine, 16 km (10 miles) long and 13 km (8 miles) wide, consists of two main islands, Huahine Nui (Big Huahine) and Huanine Iti (Little Hauhine), surrounded by a coral reef and many small motu (islands).  With a total land area of 75 square km (29 square miles), the two islands are joined by a sand spit at low tide and a bridge at higher tides.  We anchor in Maroe Bay  and visit the sleepy town of Maroe.

Town of Maroe

Bridge between the islands

Anchored in the Bay

 Wharf and welcoming band

Captain Cook visited Huahine in 1769 and again in 1773.  We visit and wander down the road through lush tropical vegetation.

Town buildings

At the dock and down the road, small stands sell pearls and crafts to the few of us who have come ashore.

Island shops (for tourists)

We're fascinated by the small boats (in every conceivable condition) scattered everywhere along the shore.

 Island watercraft

Back at the wharf, we admire more of the beautiful tropical flowers and vegetation.

 Tropical vegetation

After a day of relaxation, we raise our anchor and head out the narrow channel from Maroe Bay, past small motus scattered around the entrance to the bay.

 Heading out the passage through the reef

 Past small motus

As we depart Huahine to return to Pape'ete, the sun sets spectacularly, rewarding us at the end of a lazy day

  

 Sunset