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Huahine
lies 175 km (110 miles) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society
Islands, visible from Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. Comprised of
Huahine Nui (big Huahine) and Huahine-Iti (little Huahine),
the two islands are joined by a narrow isthmus and are enclosed
within a protective coral necklace.
Off-shore
"motu" islets lie inside the barrier reef, providing luscious gardens
for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe industry. A road, mostly
un-paved, winds 32 km (20 miles) around the two islands, passing
through small villages where the 4,480 inhabitants live in
colourful , modest homes.
The
lagoon, bordered by white sand beaches, is rich with sea
life, and the Village of Maeva is a wealth of archaeological
sites. The principal village of Fare slumbers under the shade
of almond and acacia trees, and awakens with delight for the frequent
arrivals of the inter-island ferries from Papeete.
Then
truckloads of copra, pigs, taro, bananas,and melons are brought
to the quay for market days. People from all over the island mingle
with arriving passengers and curious tourists, all enjoying the
bustling activity and wandering in and out of the various Chineese
shops along Fare's waterfront.
Then
the ships blast their farewell and head out the pass, the last Le
Truck leaves town, headed for the villages once again. And life
on this peaceful island resumes its normal pace.
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