Raiatea
The sacred island of the Society group, holding Taputapuatea and the only navigable river in the territory.
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Raiatea was Havai'i, the name Polynesians carried with them across the ocean, and it was the religious and political centre of the Society Islands before Tahiti overtook it: canoes setting out to settle New Zealand and Hawaii are held in tradition to have departed from here. The marae complex at Taputapuātea on its southeastern shore is inscribed by UNESCO. The Faaroa is the only navigable river in French Polynesia, and Mount Temehani rises behind.
What you actually see
- Taputapuatea - the UNESCO-inscribed marae complex on the southeastern shore.
- The Havai'i tradition - the island as the origin point of Polynesian voyaging.
- The Faaroa river - the only navigable river in the territory.
- The shared lagoon - the reef Raiatea and Tahaa sit inside together.
When to go
May to October is the dry season. The Hawaiki Nui canoe race passes in November. Cyclone season runs November to April.
Honest expectations
The island has few beaches of its own; the sand is on the motu offshore. It is quieter and less developed than Bora Bora, which is either the point or the drawback. Interpretation at the historic sites is limited.
Nearby
Taputapuatea is on the southeastern coast, and Tahaa is north.
What to pack for Raiatea
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
