Discover Raiatea
Discover the island of Raiatea
Raiatea Island is the historical cradle, the center of the Polynesian triangle. Visiting Raiatea means immersing yourself in Polynesian history and culture. The island is located 193 km northwest of Tahiti and has an area of 238 km2. The air connection is done in 40 minutes from Papeete. Its population of just over 12,000 is mainly concentrated in the north of the island, along the coast and near the airport.
Cradle of Polynesian culture. Formerly called «Havaī'ī» it is considered the cradle of the gods and houses archaeological treasures (marae, petroglyphs, etc.) that tell the story of a people and a unique culture in the world. Raiatea offers an authentic charm, that of the richness of its history, its legends, its sacred mountain…
Being the first island in the region to be populated, it is home to the most spectacular marae of the Polynesian triangle: the marae Taputapuātea, located in the village of Opoa (south of the island). It is considered the largest and most sacred territory because it was the seat of religious and political power of Polynesia.
The center of religious and political power throughout the Polynesian region including the communities of Hawaii, New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
The island is full of natural resources, such as this lagoon with multiple treasures, sharp reliefs and fragrant vegetation. It will seduce nature lovers and history lovers.
The multiple legends associated with mythology give an atmosphere of mystery and magic to the various places of interest: Mount Temehani, culminating at 772 meters, a kind of Polynesian Olympus and «fragrant paradise», shelters a plant unique in the world, the strange Tiare apetahi: pretty white flower formed by a half-corolla of petals almost similar to those of Tiare Tahiti.
This flower, which has become the emblem of the sacred island, still watches over this island preserved from modern unrest.
South of Raiatea, there are also beautiful waterfalls and there is also the only navigable river of Polynesia, the Faaroa River on which you can glide quietly aboard a kayak or a canoe to admire nature in its purest state.
Raiatea is also the largest recreational boat base on the Society’s islands. The lagoon has 11 passes including the famous Te Ava Piti that the big boats cross to reach Uturoa, the capital of the island.
Raiatea, the second economic hub of Polynesia, comes alive with the arrival of these luxury charter companies and the shops of the main quay as well as the market offer their best local products.
For diving enthusiasts, the diversity of the lagoon common to Raiatea and Tahaa will enchant you: coral gardens, caves, drifting dives in the passes, discovery of the wreck of the Nordby, 19th century Danish schooner immersed in 30 meters of depth.
Recently, Raiatea has built tourist sites such as the Botanical Garden of Faaroa which allows to visit a site filled with the beautiful plants that this island shelters. A belvedere in the ferry on Faaroa that offers a magnificent view of the entire valley and just opposite a walk of the gabbros that lasts 5min and offers a view of the beautiful rocks of Raiatea.