FRENCH POLYNESIA

Society Islands - RAIATEA

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands, after Tahiti and is widely regarded as the "centre" of the eastern islands in ancient Polynesia and it is likely that the organised migrations to the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand and other parts of East Polynesia started at Raiatea. The historical Taputapuatea marae was established by 1000 AD on the southeast coast  and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Raiatea 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.