Raiatea

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Raiatea Lagoon

Raiatea is known throughout the Society Islands as the “Sacred Island” and cultural heart of this island group. Uturoa is the largest city on Raiatea and home of the daily market, which is very colorful and well worth visiting. This bustling market place along the harbor starts at sunrise with the fresh fish of the day, homemade foods, fruits, pastries and local arts and crafts. Wednesday and Fridays are the busiest as this is when vendors from the nearby island of Tahaa come to the market to sell their wares. This is a good location for purchasing products locally made featuring vanilla, coconut, and the Tiare flower.

Many believe Raiatea to have been the cultural and religious center of the ancient Polynesian civilization. Known then as Havai’i, this island is thought to be the island that Polynesians left from to settle Hawaii, given the same name as ancient Raiatea. There are many archaeological remains on Raiatea supporting this island as the most important in ancient times, including one of largest and most well preserved ruins, the Taputapuetea Marea, an ancient religious center. Wander the area yourself, or have a guided tour for full explanation of the history of this area, and the island.

Tahaa has the only navigable river in French Polynesia, which is the Faaroa River, which cuts up through a gorge in the island. River tours are available via motorized canoes to see the natural wildlife, flora and fauna, alongside this river and in the interior of the island.

Every October Raiatea is part of a 3 day canoeing event called the Hawaiki Nui Va, with over 100 outrigger canoe teams racing between Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora. As you travel through the islands, you may see locals out practicing for the new found sport of outrigger canoe racing that has been resurrected from ancient times.

Raiatea Map

"People really do wear flowers in their hair and play the ukulele, and everyone is nice. I think Bora Bora is now our favorite island. We spent hours in the huge lagoon snorkeling and swimming."
--Mr. N