On the way to the holy island….

After a 40 minute flight from Tahiti, you have reached Raiatea. You will be able to take walks on Uturoa’s quay, the capital city of the island, as much as you like and have a break and sit at the terrace of a restaurant to enjoy a fresh fruit juice or a snack.
Then go and discover this island which is full of mystery…
To warm up, you can hike about an hour and a half to the top of Mount Tapioi. The result is worth the effort because as a reward a breathtaking view of Huahine, Taha’a and Bora Bora islands is expecting you up there. If you still have energy, you can also climb up the highest mount of the island: Mount Temehani which is 2400 feet high. On the way, you will observe a lot of different plants, alleys planted with pines beside coconut groves, a surprising mix very charming for the sight as well as for the fragrance. It is also during this climbing that you will discover a unique plant, the strange “Tiare apetahi”, that has become the sacred symbol of the island.
You can easily drive around the island. Observe the landscape and stop on the road whenever you like to take a picture of the mountain which is covered in trees, looking so imposing but fragile at the same time. In the South of the island you will see numerous waterfalls and the international Taputapuatea marae which has now been added to the French projected list for world heritage of the UNESCO.
Last but not least, you can take a boat trip to the neighbouring island, Taha’a, to observe through your diving mask the wonderful submarine grounds of its coral gardens.

© Picture L. Desmons