#76154 - 09/07/08 03:38 PM
Short trip report Huahine, August
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Jake
Member
Registered: 08/29/03
Posts: 311
Loc: Phoenix AZ
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After suffering severe symptoms of Tahitian flu we were able to take advantage of ATN's 2 fer deal. Since the deal only allowed a maximum 10 day stay in FP we decided to take the redeye from LAX and spend the first day in Tahiti, then spend the rest of the time on Huahine. The ATN flight left LAX on time. We were on the Rangiroa aircraft both into & out of Papeete. That aircraft does not have footrests in coach. I was able to snag a empty middle section row but found that the center armrests do not fold up so although you can stretch out it makes for a lumpy bed.
After arrival and several rounds of early morning coffee we checked into the Airport Motel. Thought we would try it since its so close. Staff is friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean, by no means fancy and for a lot of folks this would be an adequate place to overnight. The downside for us is that it has private residences on either side with a lot of barking dogs. In future we'll go back to the Sheraton when overnighting on Tahiti.
After changing we took le truck into Papeete and boarded the Aramiti 5 to Moorea. Strolled around on Moorea for a couple of hours and after a leisurely lunch took the Moorea ferry back to Papeete. On the ride back watched some whales flapping their flukes in the water, spectacular sight. Strolled the Papeete waterfront and had supper at Trois Brasseurs befrore taking le truck back to the hotel.
Next morning took an early flight to Huahine. Pick up and boat transfer to Te Tiare were smooth. We were able to get into our room on arrival despite the early hour. We got owb # 40 again as we requested. Lots of familiar faces among the staff many of whom are like old friends now. New manager Sylvain Delanchy is very friendly and accomodating. He used to be at the Manihi Pearl. While we were unpacking room service arrived with a cake they presented us for our 40th Anniversary. A delightful touch and a darned good cake too. Later that day one of the gals at the beach bar knew what room we were in even before we told her.
Other than top management there didn't seem to many staff changes at Te Tiare. The beach bar expansion is finished. The reroofing of the bugalows is nearly done. Occupancy is way down. For the 1st couple of days we were the only Americans there. The Polynesian show is now once a month instead of weekly. Most of the guests were French, Italian & German. The manta ray visited the restaurant area the 1st couple of nights but we didn't see it after that.
For the next eight days we didn't do much except relax and enjoy paradise. Rented a car our 3rd day for a drive around the island. Had a delicious lunch at Pension Mauarii on Huahine Iti.
The old Sofitel is still falling apart. Every couple of days we took the shuttle boat to Fare to wander around, dine or have a Hinano or 2 at New Te Marara or Chez Guyette and stock up on supplies at the supermarket. Spent a lot of time snorkeling, and relaxing on our deck or on the beach. Except for the last 2 days; when the weather was absolutely perfect; it was windier than usual and the water was cooler as well. The wind didn't stop us from doing anything except kayaking a couple of days. There were a few sprinkles but rain was never a factor.
Arrived back in Papeete in midafternoon, checked our bags at the airport a hopped le truck for downtown. After a relaxing dinner in Papeete returned to Faa'a on le truck for the 10:00 PM ATN flight to LAX.
Edited by Jake (09/07/08 03:39 PM)
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#76157 - 09/07/08 07:30 PM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: Jake]
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finley
Junior Member
Registered: 03/23/08
Posts: 35
Loc: Virginia, USA
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I will do our trip report island by island, so I can break it up. We arrived in Huahine after 24+ hours of flying from DC. So, we got there in the morning and stayed 3 nights at Relais Mahana. The hotel was very nice. The first day was a blur. The 2nd day, we took a 1/2 day 4x4 tour with Poto? of Huahine Explorer. It was a great trip! (Make sure you use the bathroom before you go and don't drink anything prior to the trip. It's 4 hours and there are no potty breaks except in the woods.)
He was a great tour guide and we learned a lot about Huahine and met some of the local people.
On our last day there, we took the Relais Mahana full day boat excursion. I wouldn't recommend it. We spent most of our time riding around the island on the covered boat. The snorkeling stop was less than 10 minutes, and they didn't put down a ladder until the end. We sat for more than 20 minutes on a dock waiting for lunch to arrive. Then, we went to a motu and waited for the boat driver to cook our lunch. The motu was nice, but I think the trip could have been done in half a day.
No complaints about Relais Mahana. When we checked in, we had reserved a garden bungalow, but they upgraded us to a beach bungalow at no extra cost, since it was available.
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#76182 - 09/08/08 09:12 PM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: finley]
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vaitape
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/09/02
Posts: 1387
Loc: socal
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Jake, Glad you had a great time. We saw the Mantas the first 2 nights we were there in July but then they were gone....or came later than we stayed awake. A magical ballet, eh?
Thanks for your post!
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#76191 - 09/09/08 03:47 PM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: vaitape]
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islandboyatheart
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/19/05
Posts: 1376
Loc: Florida
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Glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip Jake. Nice to see the Mantas are still visiting. I hope the camera was working this go-around.
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#76196 - 09/09/08 06:55 PM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: islandboyatheart]
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holte
Expert Advisor
Registered: 11/19/04
Posts: 2417
Loc: Duluth, Minnesota
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Jake-is the new Temara done with the addition? Is Eden Parc open again? Any other info on Huahine?
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#76197 - 09/09/08 08:25 PM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: holte]
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vaitape
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/09/02
Posts: 1387
Loc: socal
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Holte, when we were there in July, the "special event" addition was almost completed (you're speaking of the new building next to the patio on the right as you look at the lagoon)....looked very nice. Eden Parc was closed. Any changes in August Jake?
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#76207 - 09/10/08 06:51 AM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: vaitape]
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Jake
Member
Registered: 08/29/03
Posts: 311
Loc: Phoenix AZ
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Islandboy; the new cameras did work this trip. was nice to get more than 2 pics without a malfunction.
Holte; yes the new addition is done. Eden Parc is still closed. They are rebuilding the main pier at the Fare waterfront. Construction time, according to the sign posted, is seven months but I've no idea how long that sign has been there.
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#76211 - 09/10/08 08:03 AM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: Jake]
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Pacific Andy
Supreme Advisor
Registered: 10/16/01
Posts: 4278
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Temara is done and Marc is stimulating the US economy. He bought all the materials at Home Depot in LA
_________________________
Once You Go You Get It
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#76692 - 09/29/08 09:20 AM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: Jake]
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islandboyatheart
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/19/05
Posts: 1376
Loc: Florida
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Jake, your luck rubbed off on me - my underwater camera broke 2/3 way through my trip. Oh well, glad your new one was up and running.
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#76721 - 09/30/08 07:10 AM
Re: Short trip report Huahine, August
[Re: islandboyatheart]
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Jake
Member
Registered: 08/29/03
Posts: 311
Loc: Phoenix AZ
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islandboy, I know that feeling all too well. I hope we haven't started a trend.
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