Top 10 Things To Do In Raiatea & Tahaa

Raiatea and Tahaa, the ‘sacred island’ and the ‘vanilla island’, both share the same blue lagoon. In fact, if you’re coming all the way out here, you’re actually getting to see two tropical islands for the price of one. From exhilarating hikes to white sand beaches, the two islands are far off the tourist map – and that’s a good thing! I spent a full week exploring these two islands while backpacking across the South Pacific Islands. Here’s my personal list of the top things to do in Raiatea and Tahaa.   

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10. Stroll Around Uturoa

If you’re coming to Raiatea from anywhere other than Tahiti, strolling around the streets of Uturoa will feel like crossing the avenues of Manhattan. Well… maybe not exactly. French Polynesia’s second-biggest town has a lot of charm to it. Maybe it’s because the town is tucked between the blue lagoon and the imposing Mount Tapioi, or maybe because it’s got a cool little food market with the freshest of fruits & veggies. Whatever the case may be, it’s great to be in the ‘big city’ in the middle of nowhere, and don’t forget to grab some dinner at the food trucks (roulotte) with the locals at night.

Uturoa Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Mount Tapioi hike aerial view of Uturoa Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Uturoa Market Raiatea Island French Polynesia drinking coconut

9. Wreck Dive Or Paddle Up A River

Raiatea and Tahaa may not be famous for their scuba diving, but the only real wreck dive in French Polynesia just happens to be right here – the Nordby! Alternatively, you can join a kayaking tour up the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia.

Raiatea Island French Polynesia river

8. Drive Around Tahaa

Whether on your own or as part of a tour, traveling the roads of Tahaa feels like traveling back in time. Bay after bay of emerald water and villages where not much happens, are what await you. Head inland for some serious views and always be on the lookout for wild hibiscus on the roadside, a flower that changes its color throughout the day!

mountain road tahaa french polynesia

Fahaaa Bay tahaa french polynesia island tour

wild hibiscus in island tour tahaa french polynesia

7. Visit A Vanilla Farm

They don’t call Tahaa ‘the vanilla island’ for nothing. Some of the finest beans in the world are grown right here and you have the chance to see how it’s all done… and buy some of course. With optimal growing conditions, vanilla is the prime crop in Tahaa. But turning the sweet-scented flower into a bean is not an easy task. The insects normally responsible for pollination are nowhere to be found in French Polynesia (can’t they switch with the mosquitos?). So farmers have to do the delicate process by hand! Perhaps this explains the steep price of the beans but whatever the case may be, you can’t visit Tahaa without stopping by a vanilla farm.

vanilla grower tahaa french polynesia
vanilla flower at vanilla farm tour tahaa french polynesia
vanilla polinating at vanilla farm tahaa french polynesia

6. Feel The Mana In Marae Taputapuatea

If Tahaa is ‘the vanilla island’ then Raiatea is ‘the sacred island’. Why? It’s home to THE most important ancient temple in the vast Polynesian Triangle, a newly named UNESCO World Heritage Site. Centuries ago, priests, chiefs, and dignitaries would somehow manage to gather here for important religious ceremonies and key decision-making. Even today, it’s a deeply spiritual place, shrouded in mana and super impressive.

Marae Taputapuatea Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Marae Taputapuatea Raiatea Island French Polynesia closeup

Marae Taputapuatea Raiatea Island French Polynesia alter

5. Hike Mount Tapioi

It ain’t the tallest on the island but it sure got amazing views. The hike to the summit of Mount Tapioi only takes about an hour, but superfit locals manage to jog up in just a fraction of that. What’s at the top? Have a look for yourself – the gorgeous lagoon, neighboring Tahaa, and even Bora Bora in the far distance. Not bad! 

mount tapioi hike panoramic view of tahha Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Mount Tapioi hike panoramic view of Raiatea Island French Polynesia
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4. Splash In The Three Waterfalls

Deep, and I mean deep in the thick rainforest of Raiatea – three waterfalls are waiting to be discovered (known locally as Les Trois Cascades). You’ll have to cross a few rivers, maneuver around giant bamboo and somehow survive the ferocious mosquitos. Is it worth it? You bet! The third waterfall is actually one waterfall splashing into another. It’s so pretty out here that producers overcome the challenges and haul their equipment out here whenever they need to shoot a nice-looking waterfall for a shampoo commercial.

les trois cascades three waterfalls Raiatea Island French Polynesia hike

les trois cascades three waterfalls hike raiatea french polynesia descending

les trois cascades three waterfalls Raiatea Island French Polynesia big waterfall

les trois cascades three waterfalls Raiatea Island French Polynesia

3. Spot One Of The Rarest Flowers In The World

Shaped like a hand, unscented and totally in low numbers – nobody really knows (including scientists) why the heck the tiare apetahi only grows on the island of Raiatea and only on a specific plateau! Legend has it that the flower originates from the hand of a lovestruck ancient Tahitian woman, others say it somehow came from Hawaii. It ain’t easy spotting the flower, with a challenging seven-hour hike. But when you find it – consider yourself part of an exclusive botanical club.

Temehani Plateau hike Raiatea Island French Polynesia Tiare Apetahi rare flower

2. Find The Perfect Beach

To satisfy your craving for white sand and palm trees you’ll have to pay a visit to one of the small islands (called motu) scattered around the very edge of the shared lagoon between Tahaa and Raiatea. They’re pristine, have a rich tropical marine life and you simply won’t want to leave. In that case, why not just stay here? If you’re up for some luxury, one of French Polynesia’s top resorts just happens to call one of the prettiest motu home.

lagoon motu tahaa island french polynesia

beautiful white sand beach on motu at le tahaa luxury resort french polynesia

plam trees on tropical motu le tahaa luxury resort french polynesia

clown fish in coral garden le tahaa luxury resort french polynesia

1. Road Trip Around Raiatea

A day that I guarantee you won’t forget, rent some wheels and complete the 100 kilometers or so of coastal road that hugs Raiatea. The prettiest sections of coastline are also the loneliest ones, and you’ll have them all to yourself. There’s nothing out here but gorgeous scenery and your only concern will be to carefully select where to pull over for a stop – because you’ll want to every 5 minutes!  

Roadtrip Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Raiatea Island French Polynesia mountain scenary

Raiatea Island French Polynesia motu

Massive cliff Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Hotopu Bay Raiatea Island French Polynesia

Ready To Visit?

There you have it! The top things to do in Raiatea and Tahaa. For more information about Tahaa and Raiatea, check out the resources below. For more information about traveling in French Polynesia, check out this guide.

Tahiti, Tailor Made!

The Islands of Tahiti are among the last places to be colonized by mankind, 118 islands, each with its unique personality.

Get expert advice and assistance with planning your trip to the destination where tropical dreams come true!