Explore Raiatea and Tahaa

Raiatea was the center of Tahitian royalty, religion, and culture for over a millennium, but its modern main attractions are its extraordinary natural beauty and seclusion, the massive Taputaputea marae, the largest and most sacredreligious site in Polynesia, and 2,500-foot Mt. Temehani, which watches over an island still relatively untouched by modern life -- and virtually "undiscovered" even by most visitors to French Polynesia.

Taha'a, Raiatea's sister island and a short speedboat hop away, is almost untouched by the 20th century, with spectacular bays carved from verdant hills. Stay at Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa and immerse yourself in exquisite beauty.

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Raiatea is revered by the Tahitians as the birthplace of their religion and culture. According to legend, it was from her shores that ancient Polynesian explorers set off for Hawaii and New Zealand.

This awesome, mountainous island is a place of waterfalls and fertile valleys, intersected by the deep and narrow Faaroa Bay and the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia. There are no beaches on Raiatea itself, yet it is surrounded by tiny coral motus (islets) lined with beautiful beaches that are the popular spots for sunbathing and swimming. A climb up Mount Temehani will reward the adventurous with a rare glimpse of the Tiare Apetahi, a flower which grows no place else on earth.

The main town here is Uturoa, the administrative center for the Leeward Islands. Its market, loaded with bounty from the land and sea, is a great place to mix with the locals. Among the specialty items you'll find are oranges, tobacco, vanilla, fruits, vegetables, and seafood. In addition, Raiatea (along with neighboring Taha'a) is famed for its pearl farms.

Raiatea was the center of Tahitian royalty, religion, and culture for over a millennium, but its modern main attractions are its extraordinary natural beauty and seclusion, the massive Taputaputea marae, the largest and most sacredreligious site in Polynesia, and 2,500-foot Mt. Temehani, which watches over an island still relatively untouched by modern life -- and virtually "undiscovered" even by most visitors to French Polynesia.

Taha'a, Raiatea's sister island and a short speedboat hop away, is almost untouched by the 20th century, with spectacular bays carved from verdant hills.

Taha'a offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of the Tahitians. The flower-shaped island is centered by soft mountain shapes and surrounded by tiny motu with bright sand beaches. In the fertile valleys cutting within the island, local farmers grow watermelon, vanilla, and copra.

Approximate Air Travel Time

• New York City: 14.25 hrs
• Miami: 14 hrs
• Philadelphia: 14.25 hrs
• Boston: 14.5 hrs
• Los Angeles: 8.5 hrs
• Chicago: 13 hrs
• Dallas-Fort Worth: 11.75 hrs
• San Francisco: 11 hrs

Topography

The Society Islands are a volcanic archipelago located south of the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Most islands contained in what is known as the Society Islands are volcanic, with sharp and sudden peaks dominating the midsection of the island. Bordering both the sea and land of the islands are lagoons that are sheltered from the sea by a coral reef. The beaches have white sand and are backed by dense tropical foliage, heavy with blossoms.

Climate

The Society Islands are blessed with a mild tropical climate and temperatures that rarely vary from 75° with low humidity. The trade winds are constantly cooling the islands, and the rainy season still sees more sun than rain.

Raiatea Attractions

Taputapuatea Archeological Area

An essential stop for those interested in archaeological treasures. Here, scientists have uncovered relics linking the island of Raiatea to Hawaii, corroborating the belief that Raiatea was a staging ground for ancient Polynesian mariners.

Apooiti Marina Complex

Home to the Clubhouse - touted as the largest restaurant on Raiatea/Tahaa - this marina is one of the more contemporary attractions in the area. The restaurant's large veranda is the ideal place to enjoy a drink on a warm evening.

Na Te Ara Museum

At the Apooiti Marina Complex, this small, fascinating museum boasts an assortment of flora and fauna indigenous to French Polynesia. The exhibit is a bonanza for wildlife lovers, and includes exotic butterflies, shells, coral, turtles, beetles and crustaceans.

Faaroa River

Winding its way though valleys, gorges and rainforests, the Faaroa river holds a mythic place in Tahiti's history. Bordered by wild hibiscus trees, this is the place where hundreds of brave Maori families departed on their migratory voyages to settle in New Zealand.

Raiatea Activities

Faaroa River Cruise

Spend a morning enjoying the sights and sounds of Raiatea on a Faaroa River Cruise. The cruise runs up the magnificent Faaroa River and lagoon, and includes some time for snorkeling as well.

Horseback Riding

What could be more romantic than a horseback tour through the wilds of Raiatea? Ride stately Marquesan horses through the mountainous tracks. Breathe in the fragrant, fruit-scented air as you gallop along the numerous rivers... a captivating experience.

Beaches

Though Raiatea is bereft of beaches on the main island, a number of superb beaches dot the outlying reefs. Rent a boat and sail to white-sand paradises like Motu Nao Nao, Opeha Point, Motu TauTau and Motu Tehutu.

Biking

Rent a bicycle and take a casual ride down the sideroads and byways of Raiatea. Traffic on the island is relatively light, creating a perfect environment for cyclists to enjoy the island's blue seas and green mountains.

Shopping

Vendors located on the Raiatea waterfront provide an atmosphere of an old-world marketplace. And be sure to check out Arri Boutique, which stocks hand painted, one-of-a-kind T-shirts and pareos with Tahitian motifs.

Tahaa Attractions

Haamene & Hurepiti Bays

These two narrow and fjordlike passages cut deep into the Tahaa landscape. Easily accessible by foot, both bays offer stunning panoramic vistas of the island's peaks and valleys.

Marae Taputapuatea

This Polynesian temple is a national monument, featuring six stone shrines located on a flat, sandy point. Throughout the history of French Polynesia, a number of human sacrifices were performed at this site.

Tahaa Activities

Island Tour by Canoe

A unique way to experience Tahaa is by canoe. Exploring the island this way, you'll visit and vanilla plantation and take some time to learn a little about the world-famous black pearls of French Polynesia.

Hiking

When in Tahaa, do as the locals do: walk. As evidenced by the abundance of well-maintained trails here, walking is a basic form of transportation, and a great way to enjoy the Tahaa's peaks, plateaus and lagoons.

Scuba

Take a dive into the beautiful blue waters off Tahaa and marvel at the island's undersea wrecks, fish and plant life. The island has a number of interesting dive sites, including numerous lagoon dives. There's no better way to explore Tahaa's undersea world.

Snorkeling

Home to a wide variety of reef fish and plant life, the Tahaa area offers excellent snorkeling. Since fish feeding is practiced, the lagoon attracts schools of eels, perches, triggerfish, red snappers, silver jacks, tunas and red runners.

Fishing

Thanks to the area's relatively low population, the waters around Tahaa are never short of fish. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of this situation by chartering a fishing boat for a half- or full-day. Cast your line and catch jackfish, mahi-mahi, marlin and sailfish.

Nightlife

Most of the nightlife activities in the Society Islands revolve around the resort hotels. Ask at the front desk for information on what is going on. The most popular activities include traditional Tahitian dances and plays, as well as beach parties.

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Ready to book your Raiatea or Tahaa vacation or honeymoon? Don't worry, our Tahiti Travel Advisors are delighted to assist you with your Tahiti vacation travel plans at a time convenient for you. Call 1-888-420-9053 for courteous and timely attention or...

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