Raiatea : the sacred island

Home of the Polynesian culture, the sacred “Havai” is known to be the first island where the first Maoris disembarked more than 1,000 years ago from huge bamboo canoes. Rebaptised by the daughter of Queen Rai  and warrior Atea in memory of her deceased parents, the island became “Raiatea” which means “soft light skies”. According to the legend, Raiatea would be the departing point for warriors’ souls to the Maori’s homeland, Hawaiki.

Tahiti and Her Islands’ second most important economic zone,  Raiatea is also an important cultural and spiritual center.
The Taputapuatea Marae, near Opoa, home of god Oro, saw the great double canoes leave in different directions to form what was to become the great Polynesian triangle. Opoa’s valley, filled with ancient legends, hosts many vanilla plantations.

Raiatea, the sacred island, offers the magical atmosphere of an island rich in legends. From the Faaroa Crater (named after the only navigable river in Polynesia), passing before numerous waterfalls to the summit of Mount Temehani where the tiare apetahi flower grows (a gardenia unique in the world), various excursions allow you to cross the majestic mountains which divide the island. Raiatea also offers scuba divers the pleasure of exploring her marvellous underwater gardens near the coral reef.

The largest of the Leeward Islands, Raiatea shares the southern part of her lagoon with Tahaa, the vanilla island. As well as famous surf spots such as Faaroa or Miri Miri, one can discover wonderful, white sand beaches and underwater gardens on the motus (islets) close to the coral reef surrounding the island.

The cradle of Polynesian culture: the first island to be settled, according to oral traditions. Raiatea is home to the spectacular first royal marae of Polynesia, “Taputapuatea”, where historical initiation ceremonies and international gatherings took place. A site imbued with magic, this sanctuary was the seat of religious and political power for the whole of French Polynesia.

The real boating capital of the islands: many charter companies are located around the bays, providing a large and varied fleet. Fully-equipped luxury yachts offer an innovative refined approach with total user-friendliness.

A special underwater world where diversity reigns: coral gardens; caves; drift diving in the many passes; exploration of the Norby shipwreek- a splendid three-masted ship that sank in 1900.

Health: 1 dispensary, 1 hospital

Banks: 1 “Banque de Polynésie”, 1 “Banque Socredo”, 1 “Banque de Tahiti”.