Things to see and do Leeward Islands

Point Tereia hosts the only beach on the main island, and what a beach it is! The landscapes are worthy of the most beautiful postcards. The Mimi snack, good and cheap, is a good source of sustenance. You can then reach the motu Auira, just opposite, in 20 minutes of walking (water up to mid-thigh in principle, maxi up to the waist). At the end of the point of the beach, turn around and look at the peaks of Maupiti: the relief doesn't evoke anything to you? Not even a pregnant woman? Ask if you can't decipher this beautiful gift from Mother Nature!

Uturoa may be the second most important city in Polynesia, but it is still very easy to find yourself in the middle of nature! The access to Mount Tapioi and its pretty belvedere is unfortunately closed, but the tour of the island is highly recommended. A paved road of only 100 km awaits the travelers, delivering magnificent views on the lagoon and the interior mountains. A traverse road leads to two viewpoints: one overlooking Faaroa Bay, the summit of Orataio volcano and the strange bamboo forests; the other overlooking Fetuna Bay and the motu Nao-Nao. It is recommended to rent a car for the day. If you prefer to be guided (a guide always knows a lot more and can share his knowledge and love of the island), choose Trucky Tours. From the old Hawaiki Nui hotel, don't miss a look at the mountain side: a superb view of Mount Temehani, where the Tiare Apetahi grows, a flower endemic to Raiatea.

From PK 15 on the east coast, the Faaroa River flows inland: it is the only navigable river in Polynesia. Check with Lagon Aventure for a half-day river trip.

At PK 17, in the heart of the crater, the view is interesting on Mount Tefatua. Time seems to have stopped and nature is back in control. Further on, the village of Opoa is famous for hosting the descendants of the ancient Arii (kings), and the famous Taputaputaea marae , at KP 31, one of the most important archaeological sites in Polynesia and the South Pacific. The magic of ancestral ceremonies still seems to rustle..

The following kilometers are perhaps the most beautiful. There is no lack of panoramic views of the lagoon. The walkers can reach the sugar loaf of Faeratai, where not less than 3 500 petroglyphs have been recorded. A beautiful waterfall follows the river; count about 40 minutes of walking.

The small villages that follow are enchanting. The west coast of the island is bathed in an old-fashioned tranquility. The road follows the lagoon very closely.

At PK 13 on the west coast, the marae of Tainuu has not retained its charm. However, the upright coral slabs and the engraved stones evoke a glorious past that we enjoy imagining.

You finally reach the Miri-Miri pass, a joy for experienced surfers, around PK 10, while a hiking trail leaves in the direction of Mount Temehani, a superb walk not to be missed. Here you are in Tevaitoa, which has a beautiful white sand beach.

At the southeast end, the marae of Taputapuatea, in the village of Opoa, is the largest and most sacred in all Polynesia: all those built later in the other islands had to have a stone from this marae to have some of its mana. Taputapuatea would pronounce itself in the French Tabou-tabou-Atéa way, so sacred is it. Dedicated to Oro, the popular god of war before Christianization, it only dates back to the 17th century and faces the equally sacred Ava Moa pass, from which canoes from all the Pacific islands arrived to take part in ancestral rites. Among the six known types of marae, it is the only one in its category: it is the only international marae. On site, explanatory panels evoke the importance of marae and this particular site. Marae Hauviri, for example, included the king's throne. Others were used as ceremonial places for dances and pilgrimages, often grandiose. Here, the cult of Oro, the god of war, was celebrated above all. Knowledge and religion were skilfully discussed among priestly experts from all over Polynesia: it is even said that its fame was very widespread and that most of the peoples of Eastern Polynesia considered it as the seat of knowledge, religion and worship. Since July 2017, the marae of Taputapuatea has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List; its volcanic stones and coral slabs, erected and aligned, form a picturesque picture on the edge of the lagoon.

The mountains of Raiatea are little Steep and allow easy hikes, but there are few trails: also advise us to take a guide, especially since it can give you a lot of information about history, botany, legends…

We recommend Gérard (✆ +689 73 96 48), a greedy guide.

Let's start with the Three Cascades. We're starting from Km 5, east coast, for 4 to 6 hours of relatively easy walks, except a few slippery passages, amidst a rich tropical vegetation (giant ferns, mape, bamboo…). You can bathe at the end: supreme reward after effort! This trip is recommended for a short stay in Raiatea.

The second trip takes you to the Faaroa valley. Counting between 4 and 8 hours of walking according to your rhythm is rather easy. This is in fact a number of different loops, as you wish. There are several archaeological sites that once inhabited and lovers of botany will be happy. Closed for a while, this circuit is again possible.

The last hike wins Mount Temehani Nui. The advantage of passing through a guide is that one can start from one point (e. g. the PK 12 on the west coast) to arrive across the island, at KP 2 on the east coast. This thus prevents us from coming back. This hike is aimed at the good walkers. We cross pine forests (possibility of bivouac along the river). Magnificent show at the summit: You can admire Tahaa, Huahine, Bora Bora and even Maupiti in the distance. The hiking takes about 8 hours, with 820 m of difference. Possibility of swimming. Attention: It's not sure you'll have the chance to discover the famous Endémique tiara, don't count too much on it.

Teura and Nariihau offer you exceptional tours on their Polynesian canoe called OTI'A ARE, to discover all the splendors of the lagoon. Between land and sea, the excursions offer the opportunity to discover the sea bed while swimming in the middle of tropical fish and to learn about Polynesian culture and traditions in the heart of Bora Bora's flora. A unique experience on the family motu will make you feel Polynesian for a day.

On this 30-hectare family farm, there are approximately 100,000 cultured oysters. However, only 20,000 pearls will be harvested, of which only half will be marketable. The visit includes the fare and grafting operations at the end of the pontoon. Next, the exhibition of bare pearls (produced on site) or mounted as jewelry in a charming little lounge. You will find a large choice for all tastes. As a producer, the farm offers competitive prices on quality pearls. The welcome is pleasant and the advices smart!

The result of several years of work and research, Mana'o rum is the^first organic agricultural rum in the South Pacific 100% made in Fenua! The sugar canes are cultivated in Polynesia, the harvested juice is fermented on site and then distilled in Tahiti. On the spot, Hitimiri and Anaïs are waiting for you at the tasting room to discover the range of white, amber or old rums. As for shopping, bottles are available in 20 or 70 cl. Coup de coeur selection Hachette des Rhums 2021, Gault et Millau Rhum 2019, Rumporter magazine 2021.

Since 1999, Frank, a jeweller with a passion for shells, opens the doors of his treasure for a unique and very instructive discovery. He has one of the most beautiful collections of the Pacific: more than 500 species are exposed in this small museum. The explanations are free, but it is however correct to stop by the shop to buy a small souvenir, if only to thank your host for having taken the time to educate you about conchyliology.