The Best Raiatea Travel Guide

The Best Raiatea Travel Guide is here! Raiatea is rich with cultural and historical significance. Believed to be the original birthplace of Polynesia, this island is a secret garden of ancient myths and hidden temples, with unique and fascinating heritage that gives the island an intriguing sense of place.

Raiatea was once the cultural and religious center of the Society Islands. Many cultures believe that this is where the great Polynesian migration began, from which large double-hulled sailing canoes set out to colonize Hawaii and New Zealand. Believed to also be the final resting place for the spirits of these ancestors, the island has remained a place of pilgrimage today.

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands, next to Tahiti. Flight time is about 45 minutes from Papeete, or just a few minutes from the neighboring islands of Huahine or Bora Bora. The island shares its expansive lagoon and surrounding coral reef with sister island Taha’a. This central location and large, protected lagoon makes Raiatea one of the best islands in French Polynesia for sailing, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.

Raiatea invites you to immerse yourself in the stories and legends surrounding ancient Polynesia. Whether you are looking to explore her inner jungles or sail the sapphire blue waters on a chartered catamaran, this island will surely deliver on its promise. You can learn more about The Best French Polynesian Islands here, or the Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia here, or on Pinterest.

Nao Nao

Motu Nao Nao is a private island located 1.5 km from the island of Raiatea, only 40 minutes from the airport and the town of Uturoa. The motu has 2 beaches, one of which is more than 800 m long, and 25 ha of lush nature with a great ecological variety. You can stay on this private motu at Motu NaoNao.