RAIATEA

Raiatea is revered by Tahitians as the origin of their religion and ancient culture, the royal heart of Polynesia. According to legend this was the birthplace of the Gods and it was from here that entire tribes sailed off to colonize the new shores of Hawaii and New Zealand. Visitors can climb the sacred slopes of Mount Temehani to glimpse the rare Tiare Apetahi, a flower found nowhere else on earth. Or venture up the Faaroa, the only navigable river in French Polynesia. With the large protective lagoon, this is a great place for diving. Raiatea is the perfect venue for nature lovers and hikers.

TAHAA

Tahaa is the sister island of Raiatea - they share a lagoon. It is also known as the Vanilla Island because of its numerous plantations of this fragrant plant, whose sweet aroma lingers in the air, and because it produces 80% of the Vanilla in French Polynesia. Fishing and farming are the main livelihoods, but visitors come for the great beaches, coral gardens, and sandy motus that dot the lagoon. Life is simple and untouched by modernization. Stay in a bungalow or visit from Raiatea - a short speed-boat trip away. Tahaa is slowly awakening to tourism so now is the time to enjoy the full flavor of original Polynesia.