After an all night motor sail from Moorea where we had swum with the Mom and Baby Humpback whale the day before, we arrived early a.m. at the island of Huahine about 85 miles NNW of Moorea. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
We were inspired to come to Huahine at this time because of the impending start of the Hawaikinuivaa International Interisland Outrigger Canoe race. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Outrigger canoes not only came from all the major islands of French Polynesia, but from Hawaii, Germany and Polynesian islands far, far away…. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Fare (pronounced Far-a – is in the letter “A”), is the main town of Huahine; perhaps our favorite island of the Society group. The main town market was really quite large and very well stocked. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
The cluster of islands known as “Le Sous le Vent” (The islands under the wind) are some of the most picturesque and famous in the world. To the right is the peaks of Bora Bora some 45 miles to the west, while in the left foreground is the lagoon islands of Raiatea and Tahaa. This is the view from our anchorage at Fare. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This is a very typical home within the lagoon of the outer islands, just a 100 yards from our boat and 200 yards from “downtown” Fare. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Another spectacular South Pacific sunset as viewed from Huahine looking at Raiatea some 22 miles to the west. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This however is “what it is all about” at this time of year. The race would be Day 1: Huahine to Raiatea (22+ miles). Day 2: A sprint within the lagoon about 12 miles from Raiatea to Tahaa. Day 3: The finale from Tahaa to Bora Bora; some 25 miles. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
The festivities were wild. The islands population most likely increase by some 4 or 5 fold. We really weren’t prepared for how big this event was to be. Approximately 200+ outriggers were ready to go. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Everyone got in the action. From the same Customs boat that checked us out in Moorea to the local kids just “hangin’ out”. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
They take this real serious and all outriggers are weighed in on this scale to make sure they are no lighter than 150 kilos (about 330 lbs). Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Lots of activities were going on including this demonstration of traditional boat carving out of a hollow tree. Don’t mind that they were using power tools to speed up the experience!….:) Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Everyone on the island who could walk, talk or drive showed up. This little angel, obviously the Frangapani of Daddy’s eye had one of the best seats in the house. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Not to be outdone. Part of the festivities was a fishing tournament which I assure you was taken very seriously. This is the boats arriving at the deadline in the afternoon for the count and weigh in. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
We tried to stay a little out of the mayhem and found a really sweet spot inside the lagoon, close, but not too close to town and right on the fairway where the race would begin in a few days. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
You can see “the crowd” of anchored boats getting a good spot to view the start. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
While we were here, we rented a car and drove around the island. Easily done in a half day…. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Like all of the “high islands” of French Polynesia, Marae were in evidence. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
The ancients named this island, “The island of the women’s vagina”. Huahine in modern language means “The island of the Women”. Here we are at the center; the womb of Huahine where the larger and smaller parts come together. The islands of Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti (large and small) are separated within their lagoon by only 20 yards. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Of course, every island in French Polynesia has is Phallic symbol as well. This particular one being near “The Women’s Center” as the gal at the visitors center told us….. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This is the short bridge that separates Huahine Nui from Huahine Iti; looking Northeast. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
We found this great subject on the southeast side of Huahine Iti en-route to visiting the Vanilla plantation and our planned lunch stop. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
The Lagoon forest…..through the tree Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Incredible to see the water color inside the lagoon as it fades to the outer reef. Folks, this is how it really looked….. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Look carefully and you can see the breakers pounding on the outer reef with Raiatea on the horizon. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
These Vanilla plants are hand pollinated and keep in mesh netted areas to keep the bugs out. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
These are the real deal. Very pungent, potent and the amount you see on this vine commands about 20.00 USD!…. The quality divine, the price like most things in French Polynesia……well, priceless!.. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
The owner of the plantation showed us how she individually pollinates the flowers. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Chez Tara was a recommended stop on the south coast. A lovely lunch with all the outdoor goodies. Bugs, heat, humidity….ya’ know, the good stuff! Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Well at least I always think so…. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Well at least I always think so…. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
This was the coaching boat for the “Shell Va’a Team”. They had won the race 6 times in a row and won the Molokai Channel race in Hawaii the last 4 years. We were the neighbor in Marina Taina of their “Mother Ship”, so we had a natural team to route for. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
The party was non stop in preparation for the start the next day…. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
Mini cruise ships were packed with onlookers in preparation of the start. We HAD NO IDEA what we were in for!…..Next Gallery; “Hawakinui Va’a” 2009…..stay tuned! Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia
