Huahine Airport

Huahine Airport is not merely a runway; it is your aerial gateway to one of the most authentic and picturesque corners of French Polynesia. Upon landing here, you immediately feel the relaxed atmosphere of the island: the warm breeze, the scent of tropical flowers, and the anticipation of a holiday on the "Garden Island." This small air harbour fits perfectly into the landscape, preparing you for an unforgettable introduction to the island of Huahine.

The main feature of Huahine Airport is its compactness and cosiness. There is none of the hustle and bustle of large international hubs here, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the leisurely rhythm of Polynesian life. The arrival and departure process is quick and stress-free. You will be welcomed by a typical open-air Polynesian terminal, which in itself is part of the exotic experience.

Despite its modest size, the airport has everything necessary to start your journey: car rental counters, a small snack bar where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage, and a souvenir shop. From here, it is easy to reach the island's main town, Fare, and the major hotels. Perhaps the greatest advantage is the stunning views that open up from the window during landing and take-off, allowing you to see the lagoons and green hills of Huahine from a bird's-eye view.

• Official Airport Website: www.tahiti-aeroport.pf (site of the management company ADT)
• Help Desk Phone: +689 40 68 86 59 (administration) or +689 40 86 42 42 (Air Tahiti agency)
• Airport Address: Aéroport de Huahine - Fare, 98731 Fare, Huahine, French Polynesia
• Email: adt@tahiti-aeroport.pf (general for the Tahiti airport network)
• Airport Social Media: Pages of the management company Aéroport De Tahiti (ADT) on Facebook and Instagram
• Lost Luggage Information: +689 40 86 42 42 (Air Tahiti baggage tracing service)
• Passenger Support Contacts: +689 40 86 42 42 (for questions regarding flights and service)

Getting to the airport in Huahine, one of the most picturesque islands in French Polynesia, is a simple task given its compact size. The airport (IATA code: HUH) is located north of the main settlement of Fare, and the trip from there takes just 5–10 minutes. The main ways to reach the terminal are by taxi, pre-booked transfer, or rental car.

Taxi and Transfer are the most popular and reliable options. Most hotels and guesthouses offer a meet-and-greet service at the airport, which is highly recommended to book in advance. This saves you from unnecessary hassle upon arrival or before departure. If you have not arranged a transfer, you can usually find a few taxis at the terminal, but their availability is limited. The cost of a trip to Fare and nearby hotels is generally fixed.

Car or Scooter Rental provides maximum freedom of movement around the island. Many rental agencies can deliver the vehicle directly to your hotel or meet you at the airport. If you have already rented transport, getting to the airport is effortless—roads on the island are few, and there are signs everywhere. Most companies allow you to return the car directly at the airport parking lot before departure, leaving the keys in a designated place.

It is worth noting that a public transport system in the conventional sense is practically non-existent on Huahine. There are no regular bus routes, trains, or metro. Occasionally, local transport known as "Le Truck" circulates around the island, but it does not have a strict schedule and is not a reliable method for catching a flight. Therefore, it is better to choose other options for trips to the airport.

For those arriving by rental car, there is a small complimentary parking area at the airport building. Given the size of the terminal, finding a spot is usually not difficult. Huahine Airport mainly serves domestic flights, connecting the island with other parts of the archipelago, such as Papeete (Faa'a Airport) and Bora Bora (Motu Mute Airport). When planning your departure, simply choose the method most convenient for you—booking a transfer in advance or driving a rental car—and your journey will proceed smoothly.

Huahine Airport (HUH) is a small and very compact regional airport. Its key feature is the presence of just one terminal, which makes navigating it extremely simple and convenient for travellers. Getting lost here is practically impossible, even if you are flying in for the first time.

The terminal is a single-story building designed in an open-air pavilion style. The airport layout is intuitive: all main zones—check-in counters, the departure lounge, and the arrivals area—are on the same level, within walking distance of each other. Thanks to this layout, the issue of transferring between terminals is not relevant here, as all services are located under one roof and in plain sight.

The Departure Zone includes several check-in counters and a single security checkpoint. After screening, passengers enter a small but comfortable waiting hall with boarding gates. The Arrivals Zone is even simpler: it consists of a hall with one baggage claim belt and a direct exit to the city, where taxis and transfer booking counters await travellers.

Since the airport serves only domestic flights, completing all pre-flight formalities takes significantly less time than in major hubs. Flight check-in and security screening rarely last longer than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport approximately 1 hour before departure to avoid any rush. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs, which are duplicated in English, as all key areas are within direct line of sight.

The history of Huahine Airport (HUH) is the story of transforming a secluded island into a popular tourist destination. Opened in 1969, the airport became a vital artery connecting the island of Huahine with Tahiti and other islands of French Polynesia. Its construction was a key event that launched the development of tourism and made the "Island of Women" accessible to travellers from all over the world.

Unlike large international hubs, the development of Huahine Airport was not aimed at gigantic expansion, but at ensuring stable transport accessibility. Since its opening, it has served primarily for regional flights, operated mainly by Air Tahiti. There have been no significant reconstructions that drastically changed its appearance; the airport has retained its authentic Polynesian charm. Its terminal is a simple, partially open structure that immerses guests in the relaxed atmosphere of a tropical paradise immediately upon arrival.

Among the interesting facts about the airport's history is its unique location. The runway is built on a motu (a small coral islet) in the north of the lagoon, making landing and take-off particularly picturesque. Throughout its history, the airport has not set records for passenger traffic, but its main achievement is invaluable: it has become a gateway to the amazing world of Huahine's culture and nature, providing a stable link with the outside world and supporting the island's economy for decades.

Huahine Airport (HUH) is a small and compact regional air hub, so the range of services here corresponds to its size. The terminal offers all the basic amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight, focusing mainly on domestic travel.

Dining and Shopping. In the airport building, you will find a small cafeteria where you can buy beverages, sandwiches, and light snacks. The choice of restaurants here is limited. There is also a small shop offering souvenirs, travel essentials, and press. For serious shopping or a full meal, it is better to go into town.

Comfort and Connectivity. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. There are power outlets in the waiting hall for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. There are generally no specialized VIP halls or business lounges for all categories of passengers here. The main waiting area is equipped with comfortable seating.

Financial and Medical Services. An ATM is installed at the airport where you can withdraw cash. There may not be a currency exchange point, or it may operate on an irregular schedule, so it is recommended to exchange money in the city in advance. A medical point operates in the terminal to provide emergency assistance.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and accessible restrooms. To receive assistance with boarding and moving around the terminal, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. Changing tables are provided in the restrooms for passengers with small children.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels, conference rooms, or business centres on the airport territory itself. However, since the air hub is located just a few kilometres from the centre of the resort area, you will easily find many accommodation options and business spaces in the immediate vicinity.

When planning a departure from Huahine Airport (HUH), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport with a limited range of services. Dining options here are modest and designed primarily for a quick snack before a flight, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

In the airport's single terminal, you will find a small café located in the general area before security control (landside). The choice of establishments is small, and there are no large restaurant chains or bars here. Usually, it is one or two points offering a basic assortment for travellers. Their operating hours are directly tied to the flight schedule—they open a few hours before departure and close after the last plane leaves.

The menu in local cafés typically includes:

• Hot and cold beverages: coffee, tea, juices, water.
• Pastries and sandwiches: croissants, buns, ready-made sandwiches.
• Light snacks: chips, nuts, biscuits.

Sometimes you can find simple hot dishes, but do not count on a wide gastronomic selection. Unfortunately, Huahine Airport does not have specialized restaurants with vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or gluten-free menus. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are strongly advised to eat in the city before travelling to the airport or to bring food with them. Prices in the airport café are expectedly higher than in establishments in Huahine itself, but remain within reasonable limits for an air terminal.

Thus, for a quick snack or a cup of coffee before departure, the available cafés will be sufficient. If you are counting on a full meal, the best solution would be to visit one of the numerous restaurants in town before arriving for check-in.

Travelling through Huahine Airport is a calm and simple start or end to your adventure in French Polynesia. This small regional airport serves mainly domestic flights, and its atmosphere is much less hectic than in large international hubs. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is usually sufficient to arrive at the airport 1–1.5 hours before departure. This time is enough to pass check-in and security screening without rushing. Procedures here are quick and without long queues. Nevertheless, it is always useful to check the recommendations of your airline, for example, Air Tahiti, which operates most local flights.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. When flying between islands, the most valuable asset is the view from the window. Be sure to try to occupy a window seat to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of lagoons and atolls from a bird's-eye view. Since seating may be free on some flights, early check-in will increase your chances of choosing the best seat.

Luggage Rules. Standard restrictions for hand luggage (liquids up to 100 ml, no sharp objects) apply here as well. However, pay special attention to the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. On small aircraft plying between the islands, rules can be stricter than on international flights. Be sure to check the baggage allowance on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Huahine Airport is not a major transit hub. If you have a connection planned, it will likely be on the same flight or with the same airline, which simplifies the process. Customs and border control take place at the first airport of arrival in the country (usually Papeete). For flights between the islands of French Polynesia, customs inspection is not conducted.

Saving Time and Money. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Book tickets in advance, especially during the high season, to get the best prices. Since the choice of cafés and shops at the airport is limited, you can bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. The airport is small, and in the event of a flight delay, waiting options are limited. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, or pre-downloaded movies with you. All current information about the status of your flight will be provided by airline representatives at the check-in counter—keep in touch with them. Having travel insurance can also be useful for covering unforeseen expenses.