Originally named Havai’I, the name of the Polynesian explorer’s
ancestral home, Raiatea is the second largest island in French
Polynesia. It had been called the “sacred island,” and considered
the cultural heart and birthplace of Tahiti Polynesia. Historians
believe it was a stopover point for early Polynesians en route
from Hawai’i. The primary town of Uturoa is a waterfront city
that reminds one of Papeete in its formative years. This tropical
island is the home of the Haumana, which operates three-, four-
and seven-night cruises from Uturoa and Bora Bora. The large
lagoon that surrounds Raiatea and her sister island, Taha’a,
has become a haven for sailors, deep sea fishermen and scuba
divers.
The neighboring island of Taha’a shares the lagoon and
is only accessible by boat. Since it is the only island of Tahiti
that can be circled completely without leaving the lagoon, it’s
a perfect place for a visit aboard the Haumana. This exotic
island is a tranquil setting that features small motus and deep
bays for fishing and picnics. Its mountains are a perfect place
to enjoy a long hike or visits to its many vanilla farms. In
fact, Taha’a is known as the “vanilla island” because of the
aroma throughout the island of the rich spice. Although tourism
is beginning to arrive, Taha’a still embraces the spirit of
the traditional Tahitian ways and Polynesian culture.
