Raiatea & Taha'a
Raiatea's name means “faraway Heaven” and “sky with soft light” and was named Havai'i when the first migrant Polynesians came here thousands of years ago. The island was named after their homeland and became the most sacred of sites all around the islands. Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia, and was transformed into the main thoroughfare for religion and culture among the ancient Polynesians. This air of myth, legend, and enchantment still hangs in the air here today. From the breathtaking mountains to the sparkling waters of the ocean that surrounds Raiatea, this island holds an enticement to everyone to want to stay forever.
Taha'a is the isle of vanilla and can show you the wonderful, simple, everyday life of the natives here. With it's beautiful flower shape, Taha'a has sloping mountains and soft sandy beaches to please everyone's tastes.
On these two islands grows the Tiare Apetahi Flower, which grows no where else on Earth. Legend has it that this flower was created when a young Tahitian girl fell in love with a Tahitian prince and when she was told they could not marry, her heart broke and she died. The flower represents her hand, which was never given in marriage, and they say that the sound the flowers make when they open each morning is the same sound her heart made when it broke.
Some wonderful activities you can enjoy on your stay in Raiatea and Taha'a are:
- Safaris, tours, hiking, and horseback riding to explore the Mt. Temehani Plateau
- Canoe trips down the Faaroa River
- Exploration of the temple complex of Taputapuatea
- Sailing the waters in a yacht or sailboat
- Day or night dives to the shipwrecks in the lagoons
- Pearl farms
- White sand beaches
- Diving and snorkeling
- Hiking
- Shopping
- Deep sea fishing
- Sea turtle preserve
- Botanical gardens
Getting To and Around Raiatea and Taha'a
There is an airport here as well, with daily flights to the other islands such as Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, and Bora Bora. Or you can travel by water taxi from your hotel to some of these islands as well. You can also arrange helicopter travel to Bora Bora through your hotel or travel agent. For those who would like a more leisurely pace, daily ferry trips between islands are always a great way to get from island to island. For getting around the islands themselves, there is Le Truck and a local taxi service for your every need. Or, you can rent a boat or canoe for exploring by water. Some larger boats can be rented with or without a crew and guide for longer trips on the water around these islands.
Restaurants
Several of the restaurants here have open air dining, to help you experience the true flavor of French Polynesia. You can find dishes here that range from the traditional Polynesian to French to American and every other culture in between. So, you are sure to find something to wet your palate.
Hotels and Lodging on Raiatea and Taha'a
There are several wonderful resorts and hotels here on these two islands for you to choose from. No matter how upscale or down home you would like, you can find it here. Some boast private beaches or lagoons for their guests and others can provide you with all the comforts of home on your stay here. Most of the larger hotels and resorts offer great dining with traditional Polynesian shows for you to enjoy during your meals.
When you step foot on the beautiful beaches of Raiatea you are entering treasure island. You will find the history and legend that you don't find on the other islands here. They will keep busy exploring the island and enjoying every minute of it.
You can enjoy the wonder views the island has to offer at the Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel. Diving, fishing, tanning on the sandy beaches, and even horse back riding, along with much much more. You can dine in style at the hotel restaurant and relax without worrying about driving around town.
If you are just looking to relax and not do anything else but be lazy and doing it in style, then you can do just that at the Hotel Miri Miri. You can eat and drink at their restaurant, while watching the sunset and relaxing on the beach. It is a get away paradise that you don't have to dream about.
You will love to explore the island and learn about all the legends that have been pasted down year after year. It is a wonderful place to visit and learn about. You can truly enjoy your vacation in peaceful bliss.
Romance on Raiatea and Taha'a
For those love birds who come to stay here, you can find some of the best places to be alone and spend time with your loved one. From honeymoons to anniversaries to just a getaway vacation, there is something for every lover here. Some of the romantic activities that you can enjoy while on your stay here are: breakfast or lunch on a private beach, sunset sails for two, wedding ceremonies, and spa treatments just for two.