Raiatea
RAIATEA: THE SACRED ISLAND
Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven" and "sky with soft light", was first named Havai'i after the homeland of the ancient Polynesians and is the most sacred island within French Polynesia.
This, the second largest Tahitian isle, was the center of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and still lends enchantment to ancient legends told to this day. The green-carpeted mountains covering the interior include the celebrated Mt. Temehani, a sort of Polynesian Mt. Olympus.
Tiare Apetahi Flower: Upon Mt. Temehani on Raiatea lives the Tiare Apetahi, a flower so rare it can be grown no place else on earth. Each dawn the petals open with a slight crackling sound. Legends describe this as the sound of the broken heart of a common woman who was not allowed to marry the son of the Tahitian king.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
• Vanilla Plantations
• Island Exploration
• Sail Boat Charter
• Faaroa River Trip
• Marae Exploration
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Picnic on Your Own Island
• Village Hopping and Shopping