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.
Where legends began and dreams are fulfilled.
Taha'a - The Vanilla Island
Taha'a, with the rich aroma of vanilla lingering heavily in the air, offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of the Tahitians. The flower-shaped island's simple beauty is charmed by soft mountain shapes and surrounded by tiny motu with bright sand beaches. In the fertile valleys cutting within the island, local farmers grow watermelon, vanilla, and copra.
With a heart-beat rhythm of life unique in the world.
Tiare Apetahi Flower
Upon Mt. Temehani on Raiatea lives the Tiare Apetahi, a flower so rare it can be grown no place else on earth. Each dawn the petals open with a slight crackling sound. Legends describe this as the sound of the broken heart of a common women who was not allowed to marry the son of the Tahitian king.
For the visitor to Raiatea, the legends of this ancient land add fascination to every activity:
- Discovery of the sacred Mt. Temehani Plateau by foot, horseback, or 4x4 excursion.
- Exploration by canoe of the Faaroa River and to the ancient and sacred complex of the legendary Taputapuatea.
- Freedom of chartering a yacht in some of the most famous sailing waters in the world.
- Enchantment from the people and their villages while touring the by bus.
- Adventure into the clear waters with day- or night-time dives.
- Enjoyment of the ambience of the smaller resort atmosphere.
For the visitor to Taha'a, the cadence of life creates activities with a more relaxing pace:
- Exploration of the tiny villages and simple island living along the shores by car or bicycle.
- Discovery of the family-owned pearl farms.
- Enjoyment of the white-sand beaches at a "motu picnic".
- Adventure into the mountains on one of the many ancient hiking trails.
- Relaxation at the luxurious and remote resorts.
Some of the most popular activities on both islands for visitors include:
- Vanilla Plantations
- Island Exploration
- Sail Boat Charter
- Faaroa River Trip
- Marae Exploration
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Picnic on Your Own Island
- Village Hopping and Shopping
- Other activities and sites
Vanilla Plantations
The scented air of Taha'a comes from the fragrance of vanilla pods curing in the sun. Over 80% of Tahiti's harvest of this famous spice is grown here. Plantation tours include strolling among the rows of climbing orchids and a demonstration of the pollination and curing process.
Island Exploration
Both Raiatea and Taha'a are enjoyable islands to explore. By car or bus tour, drive along the quiet circle-island roads and stop at the villages and peaceful shores. By boat, cruise within bays dotted with pearl farms or come ashore on a tiny motu. By foot, follow a guide along ancient footpaths including a trek to the Temehani Plateau and to the slopes of Mount Temehani to see the opening of the Tiare Apetahi flowers.
Sail Boat Charter
Many of the largest sail boat charter companies in the world are located on Raiatea. Here, yachts are launched for voyages among the Society and Tuamotu Archipelagos where passengers enjoy the steady trade winds, temperate climate, and the hundreds of dramatic anchorages around each of the islands.
Faaroa River Trip
Winding through a lush rain forest, the Faaroa River is the only navigable river in Polynesia. These historic waters launched migratory journeys to faraway islands now called Hawaii and New Zealand. Powered outrigger canoes provide a comfortable and unique way to enter the river and explore the coast.
Marae Exploration
The most sacred and best-preserved historical site in Polynesia is Raiatea's Taputapuatea. Now considered a national monument, this immense archaeological area is easily explored by foot and includes dozens of marae and shrines.
Diving
A favorite of all divers, the shared lagoon between the islands is rich with numbers of sites and in variety including landscapes of sea mounts, caverns, drop-offs, and famous wrecks.
Snorkeling
The calm and secluded lagoon is home to a wide variety of reef fish and plant life. Since fish-feeding is practiced, the lagoon attracts large schools of eels, perches, triggerfish, red snappers, silver jacks, tunas, red runners, and reef sharks.
Picnic on Your Own Island
Dozens of tiny motu surround these islands and many are available for half- or full-day use for couples or groups. Most islands can be circled in a few minutes by foot and are the perfect spot to picnic under a coconut tree, snorkel around the island, or relax with a book.
Village Hopping and Shopping
Visitors who seek a simpler life enjoy the villages along the coast of Taha'a.
The quaint village of Haamene has nearby pearl farms and a turtle preserve, the north-shore village of Patio is known for traditional fishing and copra activities, and Tiva is surrounded by Vanilla plantations.
On Raiatea, the villages are also tiny so the best shopping is found in Utoroa, the only town of size on either island, where many quaint shops and markets line the newly renovated waterfront area with art, crafts, and collectibles from local artisans.
Other activities and sites on Raiatea and Taha'a include:
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