About Raiatea
Explore Tahiti
Overview
Considered the homeland of the first Polynesians, Raiatea holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Tahitians. Its ancient Taputapuatea marae, a sacred gathering place once thought to be the central religious and political area of Polynesia, is listed for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally called Havai’i, Raiatea means “faraway heaven.” Hiking its lush, green Mt. Temehani feels like you’re on your way. This region of the world is surely heaven on earth, from its lush volcanic mountains and vivid cerulean lagoons to its endless blue skies and warm, welcoming people. .
A member of the Society Islands, Raiatea and Taha'a are enclosed within one main coral reef, with a two-mile channel in-between. These two sister isles may once have been a single island. Uturoa, Raiatea’s main village in the north, holds the majority of the island’s population, which numbers a little over 12,000. Natives of Hawaii, New Zealand and the Cook Islands still meet at the historic Taputapuatea site, which they consider home to their sacred culture. Part of French Polynesia, Raiatea is an overseas collective of France. Tahitian, French and English are all spoken on this exquisite isle, the cradle of Polynesian civilization.
What To Do
Cruise along the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in the Tahiti. Explore the sacred marae at Taputapuatea, thought to be the original home of the ancient Polynesian people. Stop and smell the fragrant tiare apetahi flower as you hike towards the heavens on Mt. Temehani.
Charter a sailing catamaran or yacht and see if you can count all the shades of blue in Polynesia’s translucent waters. Sail to the nearby “Vanilla Island” of Taha’a and visit a fragrant vanilla plantation.
More than 80 percent of Tahitian vanilla is produced on this lovely, flower-shaped island.
When to Go
Pacific trade winds help cool the warm Tahitian air. With nearly 3,000 hours of sunlight per year, Tahiti offers year-round summer.
There are two main seasons in Raiatea. Average temperatures hover between 71 F and 80 F from March to November. During the warmer months of December through February, the temperatures generally fall between 77 F and 95 F. This rainier season also sees short showers, lasting only around thirty minutes. The already lush vegetation looks even more spectacular during this time.
Fast Facts
Raiatea and Taha'a share the same lagoon. The airport for both islands is on Raiatea. Boat transfers are required to get to Taha'a.
Even though English is spoken on Raiatea and throughout Tahiti, French and Tahitian are the official languages. Learning a few basic phrases in Tahitian, such as n?n? (until we meet again), m?uruuru (thank you) and ‘ia ora na (good morning), will further endear you to these charming people.
The legendary tiare apetahi flower grows only atop Mount Temehani on the flower-shaped isle of Raiatea.
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