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.
Learn why our travel experts are the ultimate source on all things Tahiti. We’re here to help.
Browse our exclusive packages and request more information from our travel specialists.
Featuring the Moorea Cook`s Bay Hotel and Raiatea Lodge Hotel
Discover the strikingly beautiful island of Moorea with its rich array of activities. Then escape to what is believed to be the birthplace of Polynesia. Discover the rugged beauty and rich history of the island of Raiatea, the location of UNESCO World Heritage site, Taputapuatea. Includes roundtrip international air from select California cities, all transfers and inter-island air, four nights in a Lagoon View Room at the charming Raiatea Lodge Hotel, three nights in a Lagoon View Suite at Moorea Cooks Bay Hotel, daily breakfast and dinner, ATV Tour, and more.
FROM
$3,250
PP
7 Nights
Featuring the Raiatea Lodge Hotel and Vahine Island Resort
Escape to what is believed to be the birthplace of Polynesia. Discover the rugged beauty and rich history of the island of Raiatea, the location of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Taputapuatea. Then glide across the lagoon to the island of Taha`a to explore the magnificent lagoon, coconut groves, vanilla plantations, and white sand beach. Includes roundtrip international air from Los Angeles, all transfers and inter-island air, four nights in a Lagoon View Room at the charming Raiatea Lodge Hotel, three nights in a Beach Bungalow at Vahine Island Resort, daily breakfast and dinner, and more.
FROM
$3,795
PP
7 Nights
There are two 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 second is the Opoa Beach Hotel, which features white wooden cottages along a lovely beach toward the south end of the island.