Raiatea - The Sacred
Island
Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven" and "sky
with soft light", was first named Havai'i after
the homeland of the ancient Polynesians and is the
most sacred island in the South Pacific.
This, the second largest Tahitian isle, was the center
of religion and culture over 1000 years ago and still
lends enchantment to ancient legends told to this
day. The green-carpeted mountains include the celebrated
Mt. Temehani, a sort of Polynesian Mt. Olympus.
Where legends began and dreams are fulfilled.
Taha'a - The Vanilla Island
Taha'a, with the rich aroma of vanilla lingering
heavily in the air, offers a glimpse of the traditional,
tranquil life of the Tahitians. The flower-shaped
island's simple beauty is charmed by soft mountain
shapes and surrounded by tiny motu with bright sand
beaches. In the fertile valleys cutting within the
island, local farmers grow watermelon, vanilla, and
copra.
With a heart-beat rhythm of life unique in
the world.
Tiare Apetahi Flower
Upon Mt. Temehani on Raiatea lives the Tiare Apetahi,
a flower so rare it can be grown no place else on
earth. Each dawn the petals open with a slight crackling
sound. Legends describe this as the sound of the broken
heart of a common women who was not allowed to marry
the son of the Tahitian king.
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