Wednesday, February 1, 2023 – Photo of the Day – Raiatea, French Polynesia

Where in the World Are We?

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands, after Tahiti, in French Polynesia. The island is widely regarded as the “center” of the eastern islands in ancient Polynesia and it is likely that the organized migrations to the Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand, and other parts of East Polynesia started at Raiatea.

A traditional name for the island is Havai’i, the homeland of the Māori people. Situated on the southeast coast is the historical Taputapuatea marae, which was established by 1000 CE. The site was the political and religious center of eastern Polynesia for several centuries and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017 for its historical significance.

The main township on Raiatea is Uturoa

Today’s Excursion – SACRED ISLAND BY LE TRUCK

We toured Raiatea and visited its most famous sacred landmark as we traveled in casual, alfresco style in a windowless bus known as “Le Truck”. We took in the sights of somewhat-urban Uturoa and the green coastline where the Fa’aroa River meets Raiatea’s surrounding lagoon and all the while feeling the tropical breezes in your hair from our bench seat in “Le Truck.” Our main destination today is Marae Taputapuatea, an open-air temple complex comprising seven ceremonial structures constructed of stone and coral. This is one of French Polynesia’s largest ancient temple sites and the place where the early migrations throughout the South Pacific started. From here, indigenous outrigger crews braved great open ocean distances to
establish new settlements in Hawaii, New Zealand, and other far-flung locales many centuries ago. This particular sacred site is
dedicated to Oro, the bloodthirsty god of war who demanded human sacrifices. But none recently.

2nd Excursion – FAAROA RIVER & MOTU BY CANOE

We traveled by motorized outrigger canoe from Raiatea’s lagoon up into the lush Fa’aroa River landscape, then enjoyed a beach break on a coastal islet. We glided from the pier through the waters of Raiatea’s deep blue surrounding waters, in time reaching the mouth of Polynesia’s only navigable river. Heading upstream into the island’s interior, pass riverbanks brimming with wild hibiscus, bamboo groves, chestnut trees, and brilliantly colorful ginger flowers. It’s a magical place – as far as the eye can see, nothing but luxuriant tropical foliage, verdant mountains, and waterfalls. Along the way, our guide added to the atmosphere with
fascinating stories of the famous ancient voyages that emanated from this river to all the islands of the Polynesian Triangle. Once back out in the coastal lagoon, our captain pulled in for a delightful stop at one of the motu islets along the barrier reef – where we swam, relaxed, and enjoyed some refreshments before we left the outrigger behind at the pier and returned to our ship.