Raiatea-Taha’a

Raiatea

168 km² • Approx. 12 400 residents • 1 017 m (Mount Toomaru)

The spiritual and cultural heartland of Polynesia, Raiatea is believed to be the island from which the great voyaging canoes set out across the Pacific. Its iconic Taputapuātea marae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still bears witness to this remarkable heritage today. With its mountains, navigable river and surrounding lagoon, Raiatea is also a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and explorers.

Access

45-min flight from Tahiti

Good to know

The Tiare Apetahi, an emblematic flower that grows exclusively in the highlands of Raiatea.

Ideal for

Culture, sailing and charter, hiking, multi-island itineraries combined with Taha’a.

Not to be missed 

• Taputapuātea marae (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2017)
• A journey upriver on the Faaroa River
• Temehani Plateau and its Tiare Apetahi
• Uturoa Market
• Nao Nao motu
• Diving on the wreck of the Nordby
• The ascent of Mount Temehani

Taha'a

88 km² • 5 296 residents • 590 m (Mount Ohiri)

You smell the island before you see it. Taha’a produces most of French Polynesia’s vanilla, and the drying houses perfume the surrounding valleys. It shares its lagoon with Raiatea within the same surrounding reef — a unique configuration in Polynesia. Drift through the coral garden between the motu of Tautau and Maharepa, visit a pearl farm along the way, and discover an island without a single traffic light.

Access

45-min flight to Raiatea, followed by a 30-min boat transfer

Good to know

Taha’a and Raiatea share the same lagoon, a unique configuration in Polynesia.

Ideal for

Honeymoon, privacy, gastronomy, charming guesthouses.

Not to be missed 

• The coral garden between Tautau and Maharepa motu
• The vanilla plantations of Haamene Valley
• A pearl farm
• Hurepiti Bay
• The Mount Ohiri viewpoint
• Pari Pari Rum Distillery
• The motu along the west coast at sunset

Image credits
1 – Philippe Bachet
2 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Alika Photography
3, 6, 7, 8 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Gregoire Le Bacon
4 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Stéphane Mailion
5 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Audrey Svoboda