Raiatea, Taha’a, the sister Islands
Raiatea and Taha'a are two separate islands sharing the same lagoon, 120 miles North East of Tahiti, between Huahine and Bora Bora, among the Leeward Society islands.
When the Polynesian explorers first discovered Raiatea, they named it Havai, after their legendary ancestral home. Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia after Tahiti and has become the administrative and trading center of the Leeward islands.
The island tour reveals lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, and pineapple and vanilla plantations.
Sharing a common lagoon with Raiatea, Taha’a is accessible only by boat, and is the only island in the Society archipelago that can be completely circled by boat inside the protected lagoon. Tahaa is responsible for the majority of vanilla production in French Polynesia.
With its many deep bays and surrounding motus, Tahaa is an ideal island for an escape from the modern world. Exploring the reef and the beauty of the turquoise lagoon, enjoying a picnic on a deserted motu or hiking in the mountains and through the vanilla plantations are a few of the many exciting things to do on Taha’a. Only a few hotels and guests houses accommodate tourists in Taha’a, which make it a very remote and authentic island.
The large protected lagoon around Raiatea and Tahaa, have brought these two sister islands to be one of the top locations for sailing, deepsea fishing and scuba diving.
All our Raiatea and Taha’a Hotels and Resorts :
Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel **** : nice setting and views, overwater bungalows, pool, diving, quality accommodations, good mid range resort
La Pirogue **** : great location on motu, beach lagoon and views, small family run hotel, nice bungalows, pleasant and remote
Vahine Private Island Resort **** : great location, beautiful beach, lagoon and views, overwater bungalows, small remote and very romantic
Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa ***** : great location, on private island, beach, lagoon and views, pools and spa, private jacuzzi, overwater bungalows, unique and very luxurious , top resort in French Polynesia
All our Raiatea and Taha’a Pension:
Vini Beach: nice location and views, oceanfront, bungalows with kitchen, pool, small establishment
Hotel Atiapiti: beachfront, nice views, bungalows with kitchen, restaurant, Polynesian style accommodations
Le Passage: ocean view, swimming pool, restaurant, very small family operated establishment
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Island Guide
Bora Bora, the Romantic Island
Bora Bora island is possibly the most famous island in the world. Lush tropical rainforests, white sand beaches and palm covered motu surrounding the island and the gorgeous azure lagoon, make this island the perfect nest for romantics and honeymooners... Bora Bora is love at first sight.
Tahiti, Queen of the Pacific
Tahiti, often called the island of love, is the largest of all French polynesian islands. Deep valleys, waterfalls cascading into cool rivers and streams hide between the beautifull moutains, overlooked by majestic peaks. The flat coastal lands, are planted with fields of tropical flowers and home to most of the island's population. Tahiti's beaches vary from black sand beaches on the north east coast and white sand beaches on the south west coast. Papeete, the capital, is the place to shop for authentic souvenirs at the great local market
Moorea, the Bay Island
Crystalline lagoons, home of dolphins and rays. Waterfalls tumble down the steep pineapple covered mountains. Volcanic peaks rise high above the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Oponohu Bay. Peaceful meadows and gardens of hibiscus, birds of paradise and many more exotic plants will renew your belief in the majesty of nature. Less than ten minutes away by air from Tahiti, Moorea is ideal for a day's visit.
Huahine, Garden of Eden
Huahine, picturesque, with its lush rainforests, rich and fertile soil growing abundance of vanilla and bananas on the slopes of a very diverse and dramatic geography, is one of Polynesia's best kept secrets. A scenic road winds around the two small islands that compose Huahine, through charming villages, beautiful vistas of crystal-clear lagoons, rich with sea life, where lie motu islets bordered by white sand beaches and coconut trees. Maeva village is a wealth of archeological sites that go back to 1000 years. The spell cast by Huahine will last a lifetime.
Raiatea, Taha'a
Far less traveled then Bora Bora or Moorea, these two sister islands offer an experience of a true unspoiled Polynesia. They share a wonderful lagoon rich in sea life, and ideal for sailing, scuba diving and outrigger canoeing.
Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven", also called "The Sacred Island", is the cultural heart of all Polynesia and holds much fascinating history, legends, as well the most significant archeological sites.Taha'a, filled with a rich aroma of vanilla lingering in the air, is "The Vanilla Island". This flower shaped island charms us with the simple beauty of its soft mountains and surrounding of tiny motu on the endless lagoon. Taha'a still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia.
Rangiroa
Life on these remote atolls is simple and normally quiet and peaceful. In the small villages the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotu, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish parks, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Tikehau, Remote, Beautiful, Magical
Tikehau, considered to be one of the most beautiful atolls of Polynesia, is a graceful crown of pink-sand beaches. In this pristine world, fish seem to outnumber people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, snorkling, exploring the Isle of Birds and enjoying endless hours of kayak ballads encountering rays, exotic fish and coral gardens. The local people, friendly inhabitants of the small village of Tuherahera, invite you to share their world beyond imagination.
