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Raiatea ~ The Sacred Island
(Society Islands)

Considered to be the most sacred of the Polynesian islands, Raiatea was the first island to be settled some 1000 years ago when the first Maoris disembarked from huge bamboo canoes. Originally known as Havai, it was rebaptised by the daughter of Queen Rai and warrior Atea in memory of her deceased parents, and became Raiatea which means both faraway heaven and sky with soft light...

It is said that any marae (temple) on another island had to incorporate a stone from the ancient Marae Taputapuatea on Raiatea. This Polynesian temple is a national monument, featuring six stone shrines located on a flat, sandy point. A great number of human sacrifices were performed at this historic site. There are organized excursions to Marae Taputapuatea or you can just rent a car and visit it on your own, but definitely put this on your "to do" list.

Raiatea is a huge mountainous volcanic island, second only in size to Tahiti. Its lush green interior makes it the perfect place for hiking or horseback riding. There are a good number of well-maintained trails here. A climb up Mount Temehani may reward the adventurous with a rare glimpse of the Tiare Apetahi, a flower that grows no other place else on earth. Winding its way though valleys, gorges and rainforests, the Faaroa River holds a mythic place in the history of Raiatea. This balmy green haven, bordered by wild hibiscus trees, is the historic site where hundreds of brave Maohi families departed on their migratory voyages to settle Hawaii and New Zealand. It is the only navigable river in Polynesia and runs in to the huge Faaroa Bay. This is an excellent excursion.

The waters around Raiatea abound with fish and fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of this by chartering a fishing boat for a half or full day. Cast your line and catch jackfish, mahi mahi, marlin, sailfish and tuna. Home to a wide variety of reef fish and plant life, the lagoon offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Many locals swear that the best way to see Raiatea is by sailboat. In fact, Raiatea is known as the yachting and sailing capital of Tahiti and Her Islands and has more than a half dozen yacht charter companies.