In the Leeward Islands, Bora Bora often takes center stage. Yet, just twenty or thirty minutes by flight, three other islands are well worth the detour: Huahine, with its marae and lagoon, Raiatea, the sacred cradle of French Polynesia, and Taha’a, the island of vanilla. Here’s how to connect them, what to see, and how to organize transfers without any surprises.
In short — updated on November 10, 2026
- Huahine: 175 km northwest of Tahiti, approximately 35 minutes by plane according to Air Tahiti. Two islands, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, connected by a bridge.
- Raiatea: 219 km from Tahiti, 45 minutes by flight. The airport is located about ten minutes by car from Uturoa, the main town.
- Taha’a: no airport. You land in Raiatea, then a thirty-minute boat ride is enough.
- Getting around: car, scooter or bike. In Huahine, Tahiti Tourisme notes that taxis are rare.
- How long: three to four days for Huahine alone, according to Le Routard; a week allows you to connect all three islands without rushing.
Why look beyond Bora Bora
The Leeward Islands form a compact group: according to Tahiti Tourism, it takes about 20 minutes by flight between Raiatea and Bora Bora, and 25 minutes between Huahine and Bora Bora. There is no need to choose just one: you can spend a few days in Huahine, cross over to Raiatea and Taha’a, and finish with Bora Bora if your budget and desire allow. If Bora Bora is your priority, our article on Bora Bora without breaking the bank details the journey, accommodations, and visits.
A piece of common sense: if you only have three or four days, choose one island rather than making multiple transfers. Each island change costs half a day between registration, the flight or crossing, and settling in. A well-explored island is better than three islands just skimmed over.
Huahine: two islands connected by a bridge
Huahine is a volcanic island made up of two parts, Huahine Nui, the larger one, and Huahine Iti, connected by a bridge. The main village, Fare, stretches along the north coast of Huahine Nui: this is where shops, restaurants, and services are concentrated, according to Le Routard. The coastal road is about 30 kilometers long, and Tahiti Tourisme estimates that half a day is needed to tour the island completely.
Maeva, Faie and the marae
Huahine is one of the islands where you can read Polynesian history most clearly. Le Routard describes Maeva as a major archaeological site, with a high concentration of marae, partially restored and accompanied by explanatory panels. It also mentions the Manunu marae, near Maeva, and the Anini marae, on Huahine Iti, which was once dedicated to the god Oro. Tahiti Tourisme notes that local guides tell the story of these places, which really enhances the visit.
In Faie, a small stream is home to blue-eyed eels, which the locals consider sacred. They can grow very large: you watch them, you don't provoke them.
Beaches, lagoon and motus
Tahiti Tourisme ranks Hana Iti Beach, on the south coast, among the most beautiful in French Polynesia, and highlights Bourayne Beach, on the east coast, for its panoramic views. In the lagoon, coral gardens can be explored through diving or snorkeling — manta rays, reef sharks, dolphins, and tropical fish may be encountered there. Excursions lead to the motus, these small islets in the lagoon, for a picnic with your feet in the water. If you enjoy walking, trails lead to viewpoints and waterfalls with pools.
To compare sea excursions, guided tours, and visits, browse the activities in Huahine on Viator. Air Tahiti also mentions 4x4 safaris, guided bike rides, and quad tours.
Touring the island
To get around, Le Routard and Tahiti Tourisme agree: rent a car, scooter, or bike, as public transport is limited and taxis are rare. The island is small enough to be explored by bike, including electric-assisted bikes. On Huahine Nui, a viewpoint overlooks the Maroe Bay, which separates the two islands — the stop is worth a photo.
Raiatea: the sacred island
Raiatea is visited for its history. The Taputapuatea marae, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is presented by Tahiti Tourisme as the most important marae in the Polynesian Triangle: an ancient center of religious and political power for all of Polynesia. It is the first stop to plan, preferably with a guide to understand what you are looking at.
According to the same site, the Faaroa River is the only navigable river in French Polynesia: it is paddled upstream by kayak, paddleboard, or outrigger canoe, ideally with a local guide. On the sea side, the Faaroa Pass offers very clear water, and the wreck of the Nordby, sunk in the lagoon in 1900, attracts divers. Hikers can aim for Mount Temehani, where the tiare apetahi, an endemic flower, grows; Tahiti Tourisme also recommends a local guide there.
The site also mentions quad biking, horseback riding, helicopter or light aircraft overflights, and boat trips to the motus. Air Tahiti has a vehicle rental counter at the airport; taxis wait for flights, and accommodations generally have their own shuttle services. The Raiatea excursions on Viator help compare guided packages.
Taha’a: vanilla, pearls, and shared lagoon
Taha’a is located north of Raiatea, in the same lagoon. From its heights and shores, you can see Raiatea to the east and Bora Bora to the northwest. Several vanilla plantations welcome visitors and show how the pod is produced; several pearl farms also open their doors to explain the birth of a pearl. Tahiti Tourism also mentions two rhum distilleries to visit.
In the water, visibility can reach 40 meters, and you can let the current carry you above a coral garden. On land, the Traversière trail cuts across the island from one side to the other. The official website suggests four days to enjoy Taha’a, showing that it is not just a passing stop. On site, you can rent a car, scooter, bike, or electric bike, and many hotels and guesthouses organize shuttles from Raiatea Airport and excursions around the lagoon.
How to reach the islands and move between them
| Travel time | Plane | Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Tahiti – Huahine | 35 to 40 minutes according to the pages | 3 h 30 to 3 h 50 depending on the page |
| Tahiti – Raiatea | 45 minutes (219 km) | 5 to 8 hours depending on the company |
| Raiatea – Taha’a | No airport in Taha’a | Approximately 30 minutes, public shuttle or boat taxi |
| Raiatea – Bora Bora | Approximately 20 minutes | — |
| Huahine – Bora Bora | Approximately 25 minutes | — |
| Durations taken from the Air Tahiti and Tahiti Tourisme websites; schedules and prices are not listed on these pages, so check them before booking. | ||
Two practical tips. First, official pages don't always list the same durations: Air Tahiti lists 35 minutes for Huahine, while other pages mention 40. Allow some buffer time. Second, for Taha’a, Air Tahiti indicates that a public shuttle service connects Raiatea to the neighboring island, and private taxi boats also make the crossing; some accommodations even offer their own transfer. Ask about it before booking — it avoids discovering upon arrival that you need to pay or wait for a boat.
For flights from France or the rest of the world, you can compare flights to Papeete, then book the domestic flight separately. Upon arrival at Faa’a, you can arrange a transfer from the airport or a car rental; our article Save on your car rental with Hertz Tahiti details the process.
Where to stay on the three islands
At Huahine, Tahiti Tourisme lists two first-category hotels with beach access and water activities, three-star hotels, Tahitian family-run guesthouses, vacation rentals, and three campsites. On Taha’a, the options range from a luxury hotel on a motu to family-run guesthouses, including water bungalows and home-stay rooms. For a budget-friendly stay, guesthouses offer the most authentic Polynesian experience; for a more comfortable stay, hotels simplify transfers. Each option has its advantages: the key is to check what is included before comparing prices.
To check availability for your dates, compare accommodations on Huahine on Booking.com, the hotels in Raiatea on Trip.com, and the hotels in Taha’a on Trip.com. Our guide to accommodations in French Polynesia brings together all the different options.
A seven-day itinerary to adapt
| Day | Program | What to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Flight from Tahiti to Huahine, check-in at Fare, first tour of the village | Rent a vehicle upon arrival |
| Day 2 | Island tour: viewpoint of Maroe Bay, Maeva and its marae, eels of Faie | A local guide for Maeva |
| Day 3 | Huahine Iti: Hana Iti beach, excursion to the lagoon or picnic on a motu | Mask, snorkel, sunscreen |
| Day 4 | Connection between Huahine and Raiatea, installation, first steps in Uturoa | Check the schedule for the connection |
| Day 5 | Taputapuatea Marae, then the Faaroa River by kayak or canoe | Recommended local guide |
| Day 6 | Crossing to Taha’a: vanilla plantation, pearl farm, lagoon | Confirm the transfer with your accommodation provider |
| Day 7 | Return to Raiatea, flight to Tahiti | Leave a margin before the international flight |
No time for seven days? Keep Huahine and Taha’a, or Huahine alone: it’s the best compromise between discovery and relaxation. And if you’d like to add another island from the Society Islands before or after, our article What to do in Moorea offers an easy addition from Tahiti.
When to go
For Huahine, Le Routard recommends the dry season, from May to October. For an overview of seasons, temperatures, and quieter periods, read our article When to go to Tahiti?. Find all our tips in the Tahiti and its Islands Guide and on the page Activities in French Polynesia.
FAQ: Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a
How long does it take to get from Tahiti to Huahine?
Air Tahiti indicates 35 minutes by plane for 175 km. Tahiti Tourism also mentions 40 minutes by flight, and a boat crossing of 3h30 to 3h50 depending on the page.
How to get to Taha’a?
The island has no airport: you land at Raiatea, then take a public shuttle or a boat-taxi, which takes about 30 minutes. Some accommodations offer their own transfer. According to Tahiti Tourisme, boats also connect Taha’a directly from Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Huahine.
Should you rent a car in Huahine?
This is the most practical solution: public transport is limited and taxis are rare. A scooter or a bike also work, as the island is small enough to be explored by bike.
Can you visit Taputapuatea alone?
Tahiti Tourisme presents Taputapuatea as the most important marae in the Polynesian Triangle and recommends being accompanied by a local guide for the Faaroa River and Raiatea hikes. A guide adds meaning to the visit; inquire on-site about access conditions.
What documents to bring?
The Routard indicates a passport valid for at least six months after your return, and in the case of a stopover in the United States, an ESTA authorization. Check the latest formalities on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before departure.
Sources
- Tahiti Tourism, Huahine (consulted on November 10, 2026)
- Tahiti Tourisme, Raiatea (consulted on November 10, 2026)
- Tahiti Tourisme, Taha’a (consulted on November 10, 2026)
- Air Tahiti, Huahine (consulted on November 10, 2026)
- Air Tahiti, Raiatea (consulted on November 10, 2026)
- The Routard, Huahine (consulted on November 10, 2026)