Logistics · Destination Guide
Quiet pass diving, coral gardens, and old Polynesia in the Leeward Islands
Updated Apr 21, 2026 • 32 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most visitors arrive internationally at Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (PPT), then connect to Huahine Fare Airport (HUH) on Air Tahiti or Air Moana. Air Tahiti lists Tahiti to Huahine at about 40 minutes and places Huahine airport on Motu Maeva, about 15 minutes by car from Fare. Travelers who prefer sea travel can use the Apetahi Express ferry network between Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora, with the Tahiti to Huahine leg generally listed around 3 to 3.5 hours depending on schedule and routing.
Tahiti Faa'a International Airport
PPT • NTAA
Gateway on Tahiti, about 180 km southeast of Huahine • Same-airport international to domestic connection when schedules align
The international gateway for French Polynesia and the usual arrival point before connecting to Huahine. Air Tahiti Nui operates from the international terminal, and Air Tahiti domestic connections use the same airport complex.
Transport: Air Tahiti domestic flight, Air Moana domestic flight, Overnight in Tahiti before morning connection
Huahine Fare Airport
HUH • NTTH
About 15 minutesutes by car to Fare • About 15 minutesutes by car to Fare
Huahine's domestic airport on Motu Maeva. It serves inter-island flights and is the practical arrival point for Fare, Maeva, Faie, and Huahine Iti stays.
Transport: Taxi on arrival when available, Pre-arranged guesthouse or hotel pickup, Rental car, Scooter or e-bike rental after arrival
Huahine is compact, but do not rely on ride-hailing or frequent taxis. Arrange an airport pickup, then use a rental car, scooter, e-bike, bike, boat tour pickup, or guided 4x4 depending on your itinerary. Roads are paved around the main island loop, but night driving is slower and wet-season showers can make side roads or viewpoints slippery. Divers should confirm whether operators collect from accommodation or expect you at the Fare dock.
All foreign visitors need a valid passport. Visa rules depend on nationality and purpose of travel. U.S. citizens on regular tourist passports are generally listed as visa-free for stays under 90 days out of every six months and should have a return or onward ticket. Other nationalities should check the French consulate or official Tahiti Tourisme guidance before travel. Entry rules can change, especially for transit countries, so verify before ticketing.
Huahine diving is operator-supported, so tanks, weights, and boat logistics come through the dive center. Bring personal mask, computer, SMB, reef-safe sun coverage, and any prescription or specialist gear. Inter-island aircraft can be strict with luggage, so check sports-equipment allowances before packing camera rigs or long fins. Rinse facilities are limited outside dive centers and guesthouses. Reef hooks are not part of normal etiquette here; manage buoyancy and follow the guide.
CFP franc (XPF)
XPF is the official currency throughout French Polynesia, including Huahine, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa, the Tuamotus, Marquesas, Australs, and Gambiers. Cards are accepted by many hotels, restaurants, airports, and larger shops, but carry local cash for small tours, snacks, markets, taxi-style transfers, and tips.
ATMs are easiest to use on Tahiti and in Huahine's main village areas, especially Fare. Do not wait until a remote bay or motu day to look for cash. Withdraw XPF before ferries, Sundays, or public holidays.
110V / 220V • 60Hz / 50Hz • A, B, E
Voltage and plug types can vary by property, so bring a universal adapter and check that chargers, camera battery blocks, medical devices, and scooters are dual-voltage before plugging in.
Communications
Expect usable mobile and Wi-Fi access around Fare, guesthouses, and main villages, with weaker service around remote bays, motu, and some lagoon routes. Download maps, confirmations, ferry schedules, and emergency contacts before leaving Tahiti or Fare. Ask your accommodation whether Wi-Fi is strong enough for remote work before relying on it.
Language
French and Tahitian are the core local languages. English is common in tourism settings but not universal, especially with small operators, shops, and village stops. Learn basic greetings, speak slowly, and keep booking details written down.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that covers inter-island delays, missed connections, medical evacuation, and scuba diving to your planned depth. Divers should add dive accident coverage because recompression support is in Tahiti and evacuation from Huahine can be costly.
Packing list
Pack light but do not skip essentials: mask, dive computer, SMB, reef-safe rashguard, 3mm wetsuit or shorty, reusable bottle, dry bag, insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, sun hat, water shoes, small first-aid kit, motion-sickness medication for ferries, and XPF cash.
