Plizio Visual Lab
Haamene
ℹ️Practical info — Haamene
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Haamene has limited ATMs, so withdraw cash in the main villages before arriving.
- Rent a scooter to explore the island, as public transport is virtually non-existent.
- The deep bay is incredibly sheltered; rent a kayak for a calm exploration of the coastline.
- Since Taha'a is the 'Vanilla Island', buy vanilla directly from the local farms rather than tourist shops.
- Bring mosquito repellent, as the lush, deep valleys around the bay can be buggy.
🍽 Food
Try freshly caught fish served in a creamy, local vanilla sauce, available at family-run pensions around the bay.
The Polynesian classic of raw tuna and coconut milk, first-rate for a light lunch at the local roadside snacks.
Fresh ocean catch, often simply grilled and served with local root vegetables.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy plump, aromatic vanilla beans directly from the smallholder farmers in the valleys behind Haamene.
Local coconut oil infused with Tiare flowers and often scented with the local vanilla.
Paddle the quiet, deep waters of Haamene Bay, far from the bustle of the main island.
Walk up the road that crosses the island for peaceful, panoramic views of the water.
Water temperature…
Haamene is a settlement on the island of Raiatea in French Polynesia, located on the west coast. The village is known for its black sand beach, formed by volcanic activity. Haamene is agricultural, with cultivation of vanilla, pineapple, and coffee. The economy is supplemented by tourism, with guesthouses and small hotels providing accommodation. The population is about 300. Historically, Haamene was an important place for Polynesian navigation, as ancient mariners planned their voyages from here. Nearby is a marae dedicated to the gods of the sea. Haamene has a primary school and a church. The lagoon is rich in marine animals, including sharks and rays. Local cuisine features dishes with coconut milk and fish. An annual festival celebrates traditional navigation. The area is good for hiking and birdwatching.
- Location: French Polynesia
- Top sights: Fahaa Church · Marae Onetari · Vallée de la Vanille
- Nearby: Niua (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 198 | 174 | 142 | 118 | 93 | 60 | 42 | 42 | 34 | 72 | 111 | 216 |
Geography
Facts
- The black sand beach is 800 m long.
- Vanilla production on Raiatea is 1 ton annually.
- Haamene has 298 inhabitants (2017 census).
- The festival takes place in July.
- Water depth in front of the beach is 2 meters.
- Coffee plantations cover 10 hectares.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Haamene (3)
Frequently asked questions
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