Raiatea

Looking out from Bora Bora or Huahine, your see what appears to be the outline of one island looming on the horizon. It is in fact two distinct islands – Raiatea and Taha’a surrounded by a singular reef that lies 229 kms. northwest of Tahiti.

While not one of the popular tourism stops, Raiatea is signficant as a historical and cultural center. Mount Temehani in the north and Taputapuatea in the south, were the once the most important maraes of Polynesia. And the great Polynesian sailors, who colonized Hawaii and New Zealand, departed from the shores of Raiatea. Today the island is home to 10,000 people and serves as the economic and administrative center of the Leeward islands. Its leading town, Uturoa, with a population of 4,000 is second in populace only to Papeete.

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 in the South Pacific. 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 include the celebrated Mt. Temehani, a sort of Polynesian Mt. Olympus.

Raiatea is served by Air Tahiti with frequent 40-minute flights from Papeete and Moorea, and with several daily 15-minute flights from Huahine and Bora Bora. Taha’a is served only by water taxi from Raiatea’s airport and guests of the Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa can also arrange for a helicopter transfer from Bora Bora airport. Transport from the airport to the hotels should be arranged by your preferred travel professional or by your hotel.

Ferry service also connects Raiatea with Bora Bora, Huahine, and Papeete, but runs infrequently. Both Raiatea and Taha’a have a few taxis, and Raiatea operates the public transit system, Le Truck, with daily routes from outlying villages to the town of Uturoa.

The island of Raiatea is the main hub for sailing activities in French Polynesia. Long regarded as the yacht charter capital of Tahiti, the island is home to several yacht charter companies.

The Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Resort offers sunrise views and close proximity to the main town of Uturoa. In addition to the fine dining restaurant at this resort, there is a open-air and intimate restaurant at the Vahine Island Resort.

The circle-island and interior roads are best explored through hired excursion or by renting a car. To explore the lagoon, choose among motorboat, sailboat, or outrigger canoe rentals for a half or full day.