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Lulled by the rhythm
of the ocean waves and the legend of Hiro, the giant demigod of
thieves who cut the island - in two with his canoe, Huahine-Nui
(the big island), and Huahine-Iti, (the small island), lie
dormant on a bed of coral. Huahine, also called "Woman Island",
overflows with a savage allure that makes exceptionally
attractive: her velvet slopes draped in exuberant tropical
vegetation, her mirror-like lagoon reflecting the phosphorescent
coral formations that lay scattered in their silent abode and
her numerous snowy white sand beaches that envelope her in
virginal modesty.
It takes three and
a half hours to go around the island, a mystical tour due to a
tormented relief. Rich in archaeological relics such as
traditional dwellings and "maraes" (traditional temples built
for sacrifices in honor of the gods), the island still vibrates
from
a mysterious past. A visit to the temple of Orohaehae or of the
sacred lake of the ancient wizard kings is a wonderful occasion
for the visitor to experience the untouched and enchanting
authenticity of Huahine.
Fare, the main
village located on Huahine-Nui and rooted in ancient Polynesian
lifestyle, looks asleep in the shade of "badamier" (local
chestnut tree) and acacia trees, awakening upon the arrival of
cruise ships and cargo-schooners from Papeete.
The inhabitants
welcome visitors as they experience the aromas of vanilla,
coconuts, bananas, watermelons and even melons, while fresh
colorful fish from the lagoon hang from the trees.
With
some of the most hospitable people in the Pacific, Huahine is a
tranquil paradise which retains the best of old Polynesia.
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