12 hours ago Formerly named Hava’i, Raiatea is known as the gods’ cradle, hosting archeological treasures (marae, petroglyphs…) and eons of history and culture. As the first Polynesian island to be populated, Raiatea shelters the most spectacular and first international marae of the Polynesian triangle, called Taputapuatea. This is where inauguration ceremonies, political alliances and …
Show more
See More
5 hours ago The island of Raiatea is the last island in the Leeward Islands that I have not written about so far. I had to go back a third time this summer 2019 to finally have enough content to finalize an article. Some content is lacking due to the fact that I haven’t yet had the opportunity to do all the available activities over my last visits, however I believe the essential is present in …
Show more
See More
11 hours ago Raiatea Tourism: Tripadvisor has 6,420 reviews of Raiatea Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Raiatea resource.
Show more
See More
9 hours ago Known as the ‘sacred island’, Raiatea was once the spiritual capital of the ancient Polynesian world. Off the beaten track, the island is home to a small and proud local population. With breathtaking views at every corner and one of the rarest flowers in the world waiting for you to find it – Raiatea is nature lover’s paradise and it will grow you on very quickly.
Show more
See More
9 hours ago Jan 19, 2017 . As the cradle of Ma’ohi people and culture according to traditional legends, the island of Raiatea is also the third largest island in French Polynesia after Tahiti and Nuku Hiva. There, you will find a very important archeological site, the Taputapuatea marae, which is actually inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site. However, this island is also exceptionally rich in …
Show more
See More
6 hours ago Charter a catamaran to go and explore the sister island Taha’a, known as the vanilla island. Visit a vanilla plantation. Over 80% of Tahiti’s harvest of this world-famous spice is grown here. Visit an agricultural sugar cane rum distillery. Visit one of the island’s pearl farm.
Show more
See More
12 hours ago Birthplace of the Polynesian culture, Raiatea was the first island inhabited by Polynesians. Its past as a great spiritual center, makes it an interesting destination for History connoisseurs. The island boasts various natural assests like the mount …
Show more
See More
11 hours ago The Island Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia, and is located 120 miles north-west of Tahiti. Tahitians believe Raiatea to be the sacred birthplace of their gods and their religious and cultural beginnings. In fact, the most important and well-preserved religious site in all of Polynesia is here.
Show more
See More
3 hours ago Things to do in Raiatea - Our excursions and toursInto the wild, deep into the blue or up in the air, there you go... here is our selection of the best tours and excursions of Raiatea & Taha'a. If you are willing to add a little more spice to your package, you are in the […]
Show more
See More
7 hours ago Jul 12, 2016 . It’s funny how sometimes the places you’re most excited to visit end up being the biggest disappointments. Raiatea sounded like my kind of island: It looked beautiful from the aerial shots I’d seen of the island and its lagoon; it had a fascinating history — it’s believed to have been the starting destination for Polynesian migrations to Hawaii and New Zealand, and …
Show more
See More
9 hours ago Come to discover the island of Raiatea with hiking secured by a qualified guide. You will find the rugged beauty of this island thanks to many available paths. Find below some examples of paths availables... The 3 waterfalls of Hamoa. Distance : 6 km with bathing spot. Duration : 3 to 4 hours.
Show more
See More
9 hours ago Explore the sacred island of Raiatea and it's rich culture with a half-day island discovery tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will travel in an open-air 4x4 vehicle and see the remarkable lagoon and Faaroa Bay as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Taputapuatea, the largest marae in French Polynesia. Ages 3 and up. Price is per person.
Show more
See More
2 hours ago Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands, after Tahiti, in French Polynesia. The island is widely regarded as the 'centre' of the eastern islands in ancient Polynesia and it is likely that the organised migrations to Hawaii, New Zealand and other parts of East Polynesia started at Raiatea. A traditional name for the island is believed to be Havaii.
Show more
See More
11 hours ago Tahaa. The charming island of Tahaa is scattered with small villages nestled along hillside bays. Known as the "vanilla island" because of its large-scale production of the fragrant bean, Tahaa is the ultimate in romantic escapism, tickling your nose as it tickles your fancy with gorgeous views, beautiful beaches and serendipitous lagoons.
Show more
See More
6 hours ago The island of Hawaii is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined (hence, its nickname, “Big Island”), its sheer size is awe-inspiring. You can travel through all but four of the world's different climate zones here, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, a ...
Show more
See More
12 hours ago Raiatea and Tahaa French Polynesia Cruise Port Guide Location: Most cruise ships tie up to the new Gare Maritime cruise terminal in the center of Uturoa, Raiatea the main town on the northern tip of the island. From there, you are taken by ferry to your destination in Tahaa. Printable map to take along. Cruise calendar for this port.
Show more
See More
3 hours ago Raiatea. SocietyIslands.com / The Islands of Tahiti / Raiatea. ... SocietyIslands.com - Complete travel guide to The Islands of Tahiti. Let's make tourism on The Islands of Tahiti great again! Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube. Contact Membership FAQ. Language:
Show more
See More
11 hours ago Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven" and "sky with soft light", was first named Havai'i after the homeland of the ancient Polynesians and is the most sacred island within French Polynesia. This, the second largest Tahitian isle, was the center of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and still lends enchantment to ancient legends told to this day. The green-carpeted mountains …
Show more
See More
5 hours ago star-5. 37. Explore beyond Raiatea with this action-packed day trip to Tahaa island. You’ll be picked up from Uturoa quay on Raiatea and taken over to Tahaa by boat. Explore the island's cultural and natural attractions with a visit to a pearl farm, snorkeling at a coral garden, and lunch on a white-sand beach.
Show more
See More
As the cradle of Ma’ohi people and culture according to traditional legends, the island of Raiatea is also the third largest island in French Polynesia after Tahiti and Nuku Hiva. There, you will find a very important archeological site, the Taputapuatea marae, which is actually inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Today holding strong with a population of almost 11,000 (mostly fishermen and farmers), Raiatea is essentially rural but its largest town, Uturoa, is the capital of the Leeward Islands.
The local tourist infrastructure comprises boarding houses, two marinas, a four star hotel, The Hawaiki Nui and a port for visiting cruise ships. There is also a fledgling local industry in the maintenance of yachts and shipbuilding.
The island is widely regarded as the "centre" of the eastern islands in ancient Polynesia and it is likely that the organised migrations to the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand and other parts of East Polynesia started at Raiatea. A traditional name for the island is Havai'i, homeland of the Māori people.
Half-Day Kayak Excursion on the Faaroa River. Explore Raiatea's lush jungle interior with a guided kayak excursion down the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river. Enjoy peaceful views and discover the rich history of this island while on your river journey.
The main island is of volcanic origin and consists mainly of igneous rocks. On the fringing reef and in the lagoon there are numerous white coral sand motu and rubble. The Royal Family of Raiatea in the 1880s, when Raiatea became a French Protectorate.
Raiatea was discovered for Europe by James Cook on July 20, 1769, during his first voyage. Coming from Tahiti, he sailed with the Endeavour through the Avamo'a Reef passage, sacred to the Polynesians, anchored in Opoa Bay and landed near the Marae Taputapuatea.