Raiatea

The Sacred Island

Raiatea is rich with cultural and historical significance. Believed to be the original birthplace of Polynesia, this legendary island is a secret garden of ancient myths and hidden temples. Her unique and fascinating heritage gives the island of Raiatea an intriguing sense of place.

The Legend

Raiatea, which translates to "faraway heaven," was once the cultural and religious center of the Society Islands. Known in legends as Hawaiki, "the homeland," many cultures believe that this is where the great Polynesian migration began, from which large double-hulled sailing canoes set out to colonize Hawaii and New Zealand. Believed to also be the final resting place for the spirits of these ancestors, the island has remained a place of pilgrimage today.

The Locale

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands, next to Tahiti. Flight time is about 45 minutes from Papeete, or just a few minutes from the neighboring islands of Huahine or Bora Bora. The island shares its expansive lagoon and surrounding coral reef with sister island Taha'a. This central location and large, protected lagoon makes Raiatea one of the best islands in French Polynesia for sailing, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.

Final Impression

Raiatea invites you to immerse yourself in the stories and legends surrounding ancient Polynesia. Whether you are looking to explore her inner jungles or sail the sapphire blue waters on a chartered catamaran, this island will surely deliver on its promise.

READ MORE

TAHITI.COM DISTINCTION

Learn why our travel experts are the ultimate source on all things Tahiti. We’re here to help.

DISCOVER VACATIONS

Browse our exclusive packages and request more information from our travel specialists.

Accommodations

There are three quaint hotels on the island, as well as several pensions and guesthouses. The first option is the charming Raiatea Lodge Hotel, located on the western coast of the island. The other two are on the southern end of the island near the UNESCO Heritage site the Taputapuatea Marae complex - the Opoa Beach Hotel, and Apatoa Beach and Garden Village.

See All

Raiatea Accommodations

← →

Motu Nao Nao

Motu Nao Nao is a 75-acre private-island retreat featuring three beautifully crafted eco-luxury villas, for an intimate maximum capacity of eight. Surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons, the island offers spacious indoor-outdoor living, private decks, and personalized service, along with a wide range of activities including snorkeling, paddle-boarding, kayaking, yoga, cultural excursions, guided lagoon tours, and starlit outdoor movie nights, making it the ultimate escape for exclusive, nature-immersed luxury.

Our Rating

Tahiti Yacht Charter

Experience the luxury of private yacht cruising in Tahiti with custom cruise itineraries through Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine aboard your own private catamaran. Enjoy secluded white sand beaches, stop at a remote motu and swim in translucent lagoons – the beauty of Tahiti Yacht Charter is you can do as much or as little as you want. The crew will tailor your sailing experience to your desires, taking into account the type of catamaran, the season and the duration of your cruise. The fleet of 30 modern and luxurious catamarans can accommodate anywhere from two to twelve people. Each is equipped with two kayaks, two floating hammocks, dinghy, snorkeling and fishing gear.

Our Rating

Apatoa Beach and Garden Village

Apatoa Beach & Garden Village is a contemporary gem nestled in a former coconut grove on the serene southwest coast of Raiatea Island. This unique retreat, opened in 2025, offers stylish glamping accommodations designed for ultimate comfort, privacy, and relaxation. Set between the sea and mountains, the property provides a peaceful and pristine environment where natural beauty defines every aspect of the experience.

Our Rating

Opoa Beach Hotel

The Opoa Beach Hotel is located on a lovely white sand beach on the south side of Raiatea, about thirty minutes from the airport and the main town of Uturoa. This secluded setting affords incredible views of the lagoon and the island of Huahine. The hotel features only ten bungalows situated near the beach, pool or garden. Each guesthouse is designed to reflect a comfortable and charming beach cottage with white teak furniture, tropical decor and a large patio with private hammock.

Our Rating

Raiatea Lodge Hotel

Completely renovated in 2020, the Raiatea Lodge is located on the northwest coast of Raiatea, facing the nearby island of Bora Bora. This quaint hotel is only five minutes from the airport and ten minutes from the main village of Uturoa, serving as the ideal home base from which to explore both Raiatea and Taha'a. Reminiscent of an old colonial plantation, it covers two acres of tropical gardens and features a large swimming pool amidst the foliage, creating an inviting locale for lounging and relaxation.

Our Rating

Recreation

Raiatea serves as the nautical center of French Polynesia. The island is home to nearly all sailboat and yacht charter companies in the region, including Tahiti Yacht Charter and Archipels Cruises. You will find them in the main town of Uturoa, a sleepy waterfront village reminiscent of Papeete from years past. Raiatea is also the only island in Tahiti with a navigable river. The Faaroa River curls through its lush rainforest, providing a great way to explore the island via powered outrigger canoe, kayak or motorboat.

Mount Temehani, the Polynesian equivalent of Mount Olympus, towers over the northern part of the island. You can hike to the top of this extinct volcano and encounter the rare and sacred Tiare Apetahi. This delicate flower only grows in Raiatea and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Polynesians will share with you a popular legend to explain this phenomenon, but it remains a botanical mystery. In addition, there are over two dozen other plant species indigenous to the island.

Marae Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast of Raiatea, is the largest outdoor marae (temple) in French Polynesia. You can embark on a Jeep Safari tour into the island's interior jungle and pay homage to this massive archaeological site, discovering other small historical remnants along the way.

See All

Raiatea Activities

← →

Guided Hike to Hidden Waterfalls, Intermediate

Embark on a half-day guided hike through the lush, unspoiled landscapes of Raiatea, where dense tropical vegetation and scenic forest trails lead you deep into the island`s interior. Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide shares insights into Polynesian flora and the island`s rich cultural heritage, enhancing the journey with meaningful storytelling. The experience is rewarded with the discovery of hidden waterfalls cascading through the jungle, offering a serene and refreshing escape in a truly untouched setting. Difficulty: Intermediate. Close-toed shoes required.
Available only for guests staying at Apatoa Beach and Garden Village
Operates: Every Day

FROM

$125

Horseback Ride Between Mountain and Lagoon

Discover Raiatea`s breathtaking landscapes on an adventurous horseback ride between lush mountains and the turquoise lagoon. This excursion offers unique panoramas and a peaceful connection with nature for unforgettable moments in the heart of the island.
Available only for guests staying at Apatoa Beach and Garden Village
Operates: Every Day

FROM

$157

4x4 Cultural Adventure of Raiatea

Embark on a guided 4x4 journey through the history and spirit of Raiatea. This excursion takes you across the island`s lush landscape to visit the sacred Marae Taputapuatea, an Unesco World Heritage site and the most important ceremonial center of Polynesia. Along the way, discover local traditions and cultivation practices: coconut plantations, honey production, and the ancestral techniques of the traditional Polynesian garden (Fa`apu). A Unique Experience that connects you to both the cultural heritage and the living practices of Raiatea.
Available only for guests staying at Apatoa Beach and Garden Village
Operates: Every Day

FROM

$165

Guided Hike to Discover the Tiare Apetai and Waterfalls, Intermediate

Join a guided hike through Raiatea`s lush landscapes to encounter the legendary Tiare Apetai. Along the way, immerse yourself in tropical vegetation and be rewarded with the sight of hidden waterfalls cascading through the forest. Your guide will share stories about the island`s flora, traditions, and the cultural significance of this rare flower, making the experience both adventurous and enriching. Difficulty: Intermediate. Close-toed shoes required.
Available only for guests staying at Apatoa Beach and Garden Village
Operates: Every Day

FROM

$170

Sunset Cruise and Tapas on the Lagoon

Experience sunset over Raiatea while aboard the resort`s luxuriously appointed 28-ft Beneteau Flyer. As you glide across the lagoon, enjoy a selection of wine, beer, house punch, soft drinks, and assorted tapas.
Available only for guests staying at Apatoa Beach and Garden Village
Operates: Every Day

FROM

$305

Private Snorkeling Safari in Southern Raiatea

Set off on a guided snorkeling safari in the pristine waters of Souther Raiatea. Discover an unspoiled lagoon and immerse yourself in a vibrant coral garden, home to colorful marine life and breathtaking underwater scenery. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and spirit of Raiatea`s lagoon.
Available only for guests staying at Apatoa Beach and Garden Village
Operates: Every Day

FROM

$440

Private Boat and Captain

Experience the beauty of Raiatea`s lagoon entirely on your own terms aboard the resort`s luxuriously appointed 28-ft Beneteau Flyer. With a dedicated captain, your journey is fully customizable, allowing you to explore the island at your preferred pace. Cruise along the coastline as you take in the views, pause to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or step ashore on a secluded motu for a moment of tranquility. You may also choose to visit a local pearl farm or venture to the famed motu Taputapuatea.
Price is per person, based on two people traveling together.
Available only for guests staying at Apatoa Beach and Garden Village
Operates: Every Day

FROM

$505

Take a Look Around

- Raiatea Lodge Hotel
- Sailing in Raiatea
- Raiatea Sunsets
- Raiatea Sunset Views
- Raiatea Sunset Views
- Taputapuatea, Raiatea's UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Taputapuatea, Raiatea's UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Raiatea's Tropical Flora and Fauna
- Taputapuatea, Raiatea's UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Vanilla Farming on Raiatea
- Bicycle Riding on Raiatea
- Raiatea Views
- Taputapuatea, Raiatea's UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A Small Motu off the Coast of Raiatea
- Opoa Beach Hotel, a Raiatea Beachfront Hotel
- Paddleboarding on Raiatea's Faaroa River
- Snorkeling in Raiatea
- Raiatea Sunsets
- The Sacred Tiare Flower That Can Only be Found on Raiatea
- Ancient Marae on Raiatea
- Raiatea at Dusk
- Raiatea's Faaroa River - the Only Navigable River in French Polynesia
- Raiatea's Harbor - Where Most Yacht Charters Begin
- Hiking in Raiatea
- Raiatea's Lush Landscape
- Raiatea's Lush Tropical Landscape
- Raiatea
- Local Children Playing in Raiatea's Faaroa River