Raiatea: The Sacred Island of French Polynesia

• HelloIa orana
  [ya oh-rah-nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [nah-nah]
• YesE
  [eh]
• NoAita
  [eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMauruuru
  [mah-roo-roo]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryParuru
  [pah-roo-roo]
• How are you?Aita pea pea?
  [eye-tah pay-ah pay-ah]
• Fine. And you?Maita'i. E 'oe?
  [my-tah-ee. eh oh-eh]
• Do you speak English?Ua haere 'oe i te reo Anglais?
  [oo-ah ha-eh-ray oh-eh ee te ray-oh ahng-lay]
• I don't understandAita e mohio
  [eye-tah eh mo-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTe paruru i te meniu, maruru
  [teh pah-roo-roo ee teh meh-nee-oo, mah-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita e 'ai i te rori
  [eye-tah eh eye ee teh roh-ree]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTe paruru i te moni, maruru
  [teh pah-roo-roo ee teh moh-nee, mah-roo-roo]

• Help!Aide!
  [eye-day]
• Go away!Haere i te taime!
  [ha-eh-ray ee teh tay-may]
• Call the Police!Haere i te fanaa
  [ha-eh-ray ee teh fah-nah-ah]
• Call a doctor!Haere i te hauora
  [ha-eh-ray ee teh how-oh-rah]
• I'm lostE haere i au haere
  [eh ha-eh-ray ee oh ha-eh-ray]
• I'm illE haere i au haere
  [eh ha-eh-ray ee oh ha-eh-ray]

• I'd like to buy...Te paruru i te hana...
  [teh pah-roo-roo ee teh hah-nah]
• I'm just lookingE haere ae au i te titaua
  [eh ha-eh-ray eye oh-oh ee teh tee-tah-oo-ah]
• How much is it?E haere ae au i te titaua
  [eh ha-eh-ray eye oh-oh ee teh tee-tah-oo-ah]
• That's too expensiveTe aroha roa
  [teh ah-roh-hah roh-ah]
• Can you lower the price?Haere i te faahoro
  [ha-eh-ray ee teh fah-ah-ho-roh]

• What time is it?He aha te wa?
  [heh ah-hah teh wah]
• It's one o'clockE tahi te wa
  [eh tah-hee teh wah]
• Half past (10)I te toru
  [ee teh toh-roo]
• MorningPoipoi
  [poh-ee-poh-ee]
• AfternoonAuahi
  [ow-ah-hee]
• EveningHinehine
  [hee-neh-hee-neh]
• YesterdayIneine
  [ee-neh-ee-neh]
• TodayAtea
  [ah-teh-ah]
• TomorrowApopo
  [ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Wha
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-noh]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Aha atu te...
  [ah-hah ah-too teh...]
• What's the address?He aha te tuhinga?
  [heh ah-hah teh too-hee-ngah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Haere i te faahoro mai i au (i te mahere)?
  [ha-eh-ray ee teh fah-ah-ho-roh my ee oh (ee teh mah-heh-ray)]
• When's the next (bus)?He aha te ra e hee atu?
  [heh ah-hah teh rah eh hee ah-too]
• A ticket (to ....)Tele i te...
  [teh-leh ee teh...]

Raiatea, known as Havai'i in ancient times, is often considered the cultural and spiritual heart of French Polynesia. It is believed to be the birthplace of Polynesian culture and the original home of the Maori people. The island's sacred status is underscored by its numerous marae, ancient Polynesian temples and meeting grounds, that dot the landscape.

The Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant historical sites on Raiatea. Dating back over a thousand years, this marae served as a central religious and cultural hub for the Polynesians. It was a place where leaders and navigators from different islands gathered to offer sacrifices and seek guidance from the gods.

European explorers first arrived in Raiatea in the 18th century. Captain James Cook visited the island in 1769 during his first voyage to the Pacific. Cook's interactions with the island's inhabitants provided valuable insights into Polynesian navigation and culture. The arrival of Europeans also marked the beginning of significant changes for the island's society.

In the early 19th century, Christian missionaries arrived in Raiatea, led by figures like John Williams of the London Missionary Society. The introduction of Christianity had a profound impact on the local culture and social structures. Traditional religious practices were suppressed, and many ancient marae were abandoned or dismantled.

Raiatea became part of French Polynesia in the late 19th century. The island was officially annexed by France in 1888, and it became a key outpost in the French colonial empire. The colonial period brought both development and challenges, including the introduction of new economic activities and the imposition of French administrative structures.

Today, Raiatea is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island continues to be a vital link in the Polynesian cultural network, with ongoing efforts to preserve its historical sites and traditions. Modern Raiatea is a blend of ancient Polynesian culture and contemporary influences, offering visitors a unique window into the past and present of French Polynesia.

Raiatea is located in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The easiest way to get there is by flying into Fa'a'ā International Airport in Tahiti, then taking a domestic flight to Raiatea Airport. Air Tahiti provides regular flights between Tahiti and Raiatea. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can also reach Raiatea by ferry from Papeete, Tahiti, which offers a more scenic but longer journey.

Once on Raiatea, transportation options include rental cars, scooters, bicycles, and taxis. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Uturoa, the main town. Bicycles and scooters can be rented for shorter trips and to explore the island at a leisurely pace. Taxis are available but can be expensive, so it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting the journey. There is no public bus service on the island.

The official currency of French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Uturoa, but it's wise to have enough cash before venturing to more remote areas of the island.

Raiatea is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach or in rental cars. The island has a low crime rate, but it's best to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. The main hospital is located in Uturoa and offers reliable medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Uturoa where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Public Transport: There is no public transport system on Raiatea. Taxis and rental vehicles are the main modes of transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ia Orana' (hello). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be polite when offered food. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Raiatea like a local, visit the Uturoa market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Polynesian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and island. Don’t miss visiting Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to understand the island’s historical and cultural significance. For a unique experience, consider a lagoon tour or a hike up Mount Temehani for breathtaking views.