Raiatea Island

Raitea History

Formerly known as Hava’i, Raiatea is referred to as the cradle of the gods and is home to several archeological treasures (marae, petroglyphs, etc.) as well as centuries of history and culture. Many cultures consider this to be the starting point of the great Polynesian migration, from which giant double-hulled sailing canoes sailed to populate Hawaii and New Zealand. It is known in tales as Hawaiki, “the motherland.”

The island has continued to be a site of pilgrimage since it is said to be the final resting place for their ancestors’ spirits.

Taputapuatea, the most magnificent and first international marae of the Polynesian triangle, is located on Raiatea, the first Polynesian island to be settled. In the past, events including political alliances, inaugurations, and international gatherings would occur here.

The location was prohibited and served as the center of the Polynesian region’s political and religious authorities. Communities from Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands continue to gather at this site of pilgrimage because they view it as the origin of their sacred cultures.

Tahiti Pearl Regatta – largest regatta in the Pacific Islands

The Leeward Society Islands host the Tahiti Pearl Regatta every year, an international tournament. There are no size restrictions and it is open to everybody, single or multiple hulls.

Around fifty boats often participate in the tournament, which sails between Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine, and Bora Bora. The Regatta is not only a significant event in the sailing world’s calendar, but it is also a wonderful chance to find the fabled islands that have fascinated navigators for ages. Enjoy a special occasion while taking part in the locals’ and competing crews’ festivities.

Best Things to do in Raiatea

Marae Taputapuatea

The island’s cult shrine Marae Taputapuatea is without a doubt its top attraction, making a trip there a necessity. The only one in all of Polynesia, the site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.

The main temple and spiritual hub of old Polynesia are represented by Marae Taputapuatea.

There were assemblies, chiefs’ coronations, and welcome and entertainment for state visitors. The marae also served as a venue for knowledge sharing and sacrifices between the various tribes. From this holy location, New Zealand’s colonization was likewise begun. In the past, all outrigger canoes from the Polynesian islands were required to travel through the sacred reef passage Ava mo’a, which is where the place of worship is now situated.

River Faaroa

Of course, exploring French Polynesia’s sole navigable river is a must-do activity while on vacation in Raiatea. The same-named bay in the east of the island is where the Faaroa River empties into the ocean.

There is a modest port facility where you can reserve guided trips up the river in motorized pirogues (outrigger canoes). Only a couple of kilometers of the river are passable inland.

A tour offers a view of the untamed landscape of the sacred islands as it gently travels through the exuberant vegetation, the towering volcanic stone facades, and the impressive waterfalls. Here, the Pacific chestnut (mapa), bamboo, and wild hibiscus (purau) flourish.

Mount Temehani

The climb up the 722-meter-high Mount Temehani, which is primarily made up of a huge plateau, begins at the village of Tevaitoa, which is located to the west of Raiatea. Temehani is known as “the Polynesian Olympus” because it is considered sacred by the Polynesians.

According to Polynesians, when one of their numbers passes away, his soul immediately ascends to the plateau. There is a fork in the road; if the soul is directed to the right, it will enter paradise; if it is taken to the left, it will enter purgatory and fall into the Raiatea volcano crater, which has cooled.

Inexperienced hikers shouldn’t attempt the trip to the plateau because it is not always an easy climb and there are slippery areas. A guide is advised because the track is not designated and is unmarked. A guided day tour of the trail, which is a total of about 18 kilometers long and includes a picnic and swimming in a natural pool, lasts around 7-8 hours. Locally, a two-day tour of the climb that includes an overnight camping trip on the mountain is also available.

The Faaroa Botanical Garden

One of the best things to do in Raiatea is to visit the Faaroa botanical garden. The park is more than 3 hectares in size and has been entirely updated and refurbished. Due to a recently constructed pontoon, you can reach the gardens from both the river and the road. The entire thing provides all the facilities required to spend a wonderful moment of discovery.

The walkways are now clearly defined, and educational panels go into great depth about the island’s botanical diversity. Playgrounds for children and picnic spots have also been installed.

Diving the Nordby shipwreck

It is no secret that the undersea environment at Raiatea is diverse. Napoleon fish, reef, and grey sharks, as well as a plethora of caves and grottos for expert divers, can all be found year-round in the lagoon and on the offshore reef.

The Nordby wreck, which is in Tepua Bay directly in front of the Hawaiki Nui Hotel, adds to the Pacific’s diverse flora and fauna. The Danish three-master was at home on the world’s oceans as a cargo and supply ship.

The Nordby stopped at the port of Raiatea in 1900 while traveling from Auckland to Liverpool to unload cargo. On August 25, a powerful storm engulfed the ship that was anchored and forced it onto a coral reef, where it slowly sank.

Raiatea Island Facts

Raiatea is a large island located in the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia. It is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural history. Here are some facts about Raiatea:

1. Raiatea is the second-largest island in the Society Islands archipelago, and it is located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of Tahiti.
2. The island is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) long and 25 kilometers (15 miles) wide, and it has a population of about 10,000 people.
3. Raiatea is a volcanic island, and it is characterized by steep cliffs, deep valleys, and rugged mountains. The highest peak on the island is Mt. Tefaaroa, which reaches an elevation of 818 meters (2,684 feet).
4. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, which is home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
5. Raiatea has a rich cultural history, and it is home to several ancient marae (temples) that were built by the early Polynesian settlers. These marae are considered important cultural landmarks, and they are visited by many tourists who come to Raiatea to learn about the island’s history and traditions.
6. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Haamene Beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in French Polynesia.
7. The main industry on Raiatea is agriculture, and the island is known for producing copra (dried coconut meat), vanilla, and coffee.
8. Raiatea is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, and exploring the island’s cultural sites.