Huahine lies 175 km (110 miles) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands, visible from Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. Comprised of Huahine Nui (big Huahine) and Huahine-Iti (little Huahine), the two islands are joined by a narrow isthmus and are enclosed within a protective coral necklace. Off-shore "motu" islets lie inside the barrier reef, providing luscious gardens for Huahine's watermelon and cantaloupe industry. A road, mostly un-paved, winds 32 km (20 miles) around the two islands, passing through small villages where the 4,480 inhabitants live in colourful , modest homes. The lagoon, bordered by white sand beaches, is rich with sea life, and the Village of Maeva is a wealth of archaeological sites. The principal village of Fare slumbers under the shade of almond and acacia trees, and awakens with delight for the frequent arrivals of the inter-island ferries from Papeete. Then truckloads of copra, pigs, taro, bananas,and melons are brought to the quay for market days. People from all over the island mingle with arriving passengers and curious tourists, all enjoying the bustling activity and wandering in and out of the various Chineese shops along Fare's waterfront. Then the ships blast their farewell and head out the pass, the last Le Truck leaves town, headed for the villages once again. And life on this peaceful island resumes its normal pace.