Raiatea is one of the Society Islands. Raiatea is unique among the Tahitian Islands. It and its little sister Tahaa are far removed from the more touristy islands like Moorea and Bora Bora. Raiatea is the administrative centre of the Western islands and so has more businesses and industry. There are places to stay and it is the place to see where the ancient Hawaiians left from to colonise Hawaii.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
You can walk a few places on Raiatea but it will be hot and tiring. It would be better to rent a scooter for a day or to get a guided tour.
Taputapuātea. The political, ceremonial and funerary centre of the Mā'ohi people, which together with the surrounding valleys, lagoons and coral reefs have been listed as a world heritage site. Free. (updated Jul 2017)
Take a guided tour. The river tour is worth the time. The day-long excursion to Tahaa is well worth the money. Rent a scooter and explore the ruins of the temple where the Hawaiians left from. Snorkel and dive all you can. Relax. Life is slower here. Don't expect anyone to be in a hurry.
Food here is expensive. The best and cheapest food can be found a block off the dock in Uturoa. Look for snack restaurants where you can have dinner for 1000-1500 F (francs).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €119 — book ahead for the popular ones.
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In Aug, Raiatea typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 19 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-08-19. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
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