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.

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Accommodations

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.

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Raiatea Accommodations

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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.

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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.

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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 nine 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.

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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.

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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