Raiatea
French Polynesia · Leeward Islands · 3 m
Description
Raiatea is a culturally and spiritually significant island in French Polynesia and, in many Polynesian traditions, is regarded as an important ancestral and gathering place. Its most famous site, Taputapuātea, is a vast marae complex on the southeastern coast that once served as a major religious, political, and ceremonial center of Polynesia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inland grows the endemic Tiare Apetahi, found on one mountain and nowhere else, and the Faaroa, the only navigable river in the territory, winds through dense vegetation. The sheltered lagoon makes the island the yacht-charter base of the Society Islands.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Taputapuatea Marae (UNESCO)
- Mount Temehani & Tiare Apetahi flower
- Faaroa River boat trip
- Uturoa market & waterfront
- Raiatea lagoon snorkeling
- Nordby Shipwreck diving
- Te Ava Piti Pass diving
- Three Waterfalls hike
- Faaroa Valley botanical garden
- Faaroa Valley Belvedere
- Macaranga Ridge Trail
- Gabbro Walk
- Te-Ara-Hiti-Ni'a viewpoint trail
- Yacht charter and sailing
- Tahaa lagoon excursion(Day trip)
- Raiatea lagoon boat tour
- Uturoa street art
- Marae Tainuu
- Marae Avera
Getting there
- Airports:
- RFP
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry