Visible from Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora, Huahine is situated 110 miles (35 minutes by air) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society islands. Comprising two main islands, Huahine nui (big) and Huahine iti (little) which are joined by a narrow isthmus. Both are enclosed within a necklace of coral. The lagoon, bordered by white sand beaches, is rich with sealife and off-shore motu islets which lie within the barrier reef and provide gardens for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe industry.

A 20-mile, non-paved road winds its way around the two islands, through small villages where the inhabitants live in modest but colourful homes. The principal village of Fare, on the northwest coast, slumbers under the shade of almond and acacia trees but awakens for frequent arrivals of the inter-island ferries from Papeete. Truckloads of bananas and melons are brought onto the quay for market day. People from all over the island mingle with arriving passengers and curious tourists. Then the ships blast their last farewell and the villagers head home and life on this peaceful island resumes its normal pace.