Raiatea & Taha'a
Sitting side-by-side within the same turquoise lagoon, the two islands offer a wonderful blend of Polynesian history, lush tropical landscapes and tranquil lagoon scenery.
See the sights
Raiatea holds a special place in Polynesian heritage and is widely considered one of the most sacred islands in the Pacific.
Marae Taputapuātea
Located on the southeastern coast of Raiatea, Marae Taputapuātea is one of the most significant sacred sites in Polynesia. This remarkable ceremonial complex sits beside the lagoon and was once the spiritual and political centre of eastern Polynesia, where priests, chiefs and master navigators gathered for rituals and cultural exchange.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site reflects more than a thousand years of Polynesian history and ocean voyaging traditions. From here, ancient navigators set sail across the Pacific, eventually settling islands throughout the Polynesian Triangle including Hawaii, Easter Island and New Zealand.
Today visitors can wander among the ancient stone platforms and sacred grounds while overlooking the lagoon where traditional voyaging canoes once departed on their remarkable journeys.
Taha’a Vanilla Plantations
Taha’a is affectionately known as the “Vanilla Island”, producing the majority of French Polynesia’s prized Tahitian vanilla. The island’s fertile valleys and humid tropical climate create ideal conditions for growing the delicate vanilla orchid, which must be carefully pollinated by hand before the pods slowly mature.
Visitors exploring the island can tour small family-run plantations where local growers explain the traditional cultivation process, from pollination through to drying and curing the fragrant vanilla pods. Walking through these plantations, the sweet aroma of vanilla often fills the air, creating one of the most distinctive sensory experiences in the Society Islands.
Many lagoon tours around Raiatea and Taha’a include a stop at one of these plantations, allowing travellers to learn about this important local industry while sampling vanilla products such as syrups, oils and liqueurs made on the island.
Coral Garden Snorkelling
One of the most unforgettable lagoon experiences around Raiatea and Taha’a is snorkelling in the famous Coral Garden. Located in a shallow channel between two palm-covered motu on the western side of Taha’a, the site is known for its crystal-clear water and vibrant coral formations.
The gentle current flowing from the outer reef into the lagoon creates a natural drift snorkelling experience. Visitors simply enter the water and glide slowly over colourful coral gardens while schools of tropical fish move through the reef below.
Butterflyfish, parrotfish and brightly coloured wrasse are commonly seen here, along with giant clams nestled among the coral. With its shallow water and exceptional visibility, the Coral Garden feels like swimming through a natural aquarium and is widely regarded as one of the best snorkelling locations in the Society Islands.
Many lagoon tours around Raiatea and Taha’a include a stop at the Coral Garden, often combined with visits to nearby motu for swimming, relaxing on the beach or enjoying a traditional lagoon picnic.
Faaroa River
Hidden within Raiatea’s lush interior lies the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in all of French Polynesia. Flowing through dense tropical forest before reaching the lagoon at Faaroa Bay, the river offers a peaceful journey into the island’s green heart.
Visitors can explore the river by kayak, paddleboard or small boat, gliding slowly upstream through calm waters surrounded by towering jungle vegetation. The gentle current and sheltered setting make the experience suitable for all skill levels, and the journey upriver typically takes around two hours.
As you travel deeper inland, the scenery becomes wonderfully tranquil. Birdsong echoes through the forest canopy while tropical plants line the riverbanks, creating a completely different perspective on Raiatea compared with the surrounding lagoon adventures.
Exploring the Faaroa River offers a rare chance to experience the island’s rainforest landscapes and discover a quieter side of the “Sacred Island” of Raiatea.
Foodie Hot Spots
Relaxed and authentic taste of Polynesian island life
Foodie Highlights
Dining on Raiatea and Taha’a reflects the relaxed rhythm of island life, where fresh lagoon fish, tropical fruits and French-Polynesian flavours come together in simple but memorable settings.
One of the most popular dining spots is Opoa Beach Restaurant, located near the sacred Marae Taputapuātea. Set beside the lagoon, the restaurant serves fresh local fish, seafood and seasonal produce with a blend of Polynesian and French culinary influences.
In the main town of Uturoa, Villa Ixora is known for refined French-Polynesian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, while Fish & Blue is a favourite among travellers for its seafood dishes and relaxed island setting.
For casual dining, small local restaurants and snack bars around the island serve traditional favourites such as poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime), grilled lagoon fish and tropical fruit desserts. Restaurants including Le Napoli, Brasserie Maraamu and La Voile d’Or are also listed among the notable dining options on the island.
Whether enjoying fresh seafood beside the lagoon or sampling local flavours in a village café, dining on Raiatea and Taha’a offers a relaxed and authentic taste of Polynesian island life.
Island Secrets
Rich and rare
The World’s Rarest Flower
Hidden high in the mountains of Raiatea grows one of the rarest flowers on Earth — the Tiare Apetahi. This remarkable white flower grows only on the remote plateau of Mount Temehani, making Raiatea the only place in the world where it can be found.
Botanists have tried for decades to grow the plant elsewhere, but every attempt has failed. The delicate flower thrives only in the unique climate and soil conditions of this sacred mountain, between roughly 550 and 800 metres above sea level.
The Tiare Apetahi is deeply woven into local legend. One story tells of a woman named Apetahi who climbed the mountain after a tragic love story, and the flower that later appeared was said to resemble the shape of her hand — a symbol of eternal devotion.
Today the plant is extremely rare and protected, making sightings a special privilege for hikers exploring the slopes of Mount Temehani with experienced guides. For many travellers, discovering the story of this mysterious flower reveals another layer of Raiatea’s identity as the “Sacred Island” of Polynesia.
A Selection of our Tahiti Resorts
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts combines an authentic spirit with spectacular views of Mt. Otemanu and the lagoon’s shimmering waters. Celebrating Tahiti’s artistic heritage.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is an intimate haven of Polynesian elegance. Stylish bungalows, including dreamy overwater villas, the resort offers a serene setting for romance.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Perfectly placed on a private motu, the resort faces the main island of Bora Bora, framed by crystalline lagoon waters and the volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu. *RESORT CLOSURE 01 JUNE 2026 TO MID 2027.