The Sacred Island
40 minutes on a direct flight from Tahiti-Faa'a, Raiatea was the first island settled by Polynesians and the starting point of the great migrations to the Polynesian Triangle. Known in legends as "Hawaiiki", Raiatea remains to this day the cradle of Polynesian culture.
This island is Polynesia's second economic center and an important nautical base hosting many sailboats and charter companies. It also is the only island in Polynesia with a navigable river: Faaroa River.
Raiatea kept many traces from its past as a great spiritual center, among which the Taputapuatea marae, the largest in Polynesia. Today it has become a place of pilgrimage for Maoris and Hawaiians.
Nearby, Mount Temehani is the only place in the world where a special flower, tiare Apetahi, grows. Another characteristic of Raiatea is that it shares its transparent lagoon with its neighbor and sister island, Taha'a.
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Natural features: many deep bays; a well-preserved spectacular environment (craters, waterfalls); optimum sailing conditions; a navigable river (Fa'aroa) offering novel tours, vanilla plantations. Discover one of the world's rarest plants, the unusual "Tiare Apetahi".
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 shipwreck- a splendid three-master ship that sank in 1900.
Attractive private hotels, family hotels satisfy visitors eager for authentic contact with the islanders and their way of life.
Daily flights and regular boat schedules (2 to 3 sailings per week from Tahiti): Raiatea is a 45-minute flight or a 12-hour boat ride from Tahiti.
