Raiatea - Raiatea

Raiatea

State	France
Region	Society Islands
Surface	170 km²
Inhabitants	12 024 (2007)

Raiatea is one of the Society islands.

To know

Raiatea was the first island where Polynesian peoples settled and for this reason it has a sacred character. Its ancient name was "Havai'i Nui" which means "Great spring water". The first European to set foot was James Cook in 1769.

Archaeological sites abound in Raiatea. These are sacred places used for religious ceremonials known as "Marae" which literally means a place without trees. In fact, they consisted of an open space enclosed with stones or pieces of wood and in the center of which stood a stone. The most famous of these sites is that of Taputapuatea, which is open to the public.

Geographical notes

The highest peak is Mount Tefatoaiti almost 1,000 m high.

Territories and tourist destinations

Raiatea Islands (south) and Taha'a (north): full screen map.

Urban centers

Taputapuatea - Town in which the archaeological site of the same name is nearby.
Uturoa - The main center equipped with a runway for landing aircraft and a pier for mooring ships.