When the Polynesian explorers discovered the island we know today as Raiatea, they named it “Havai’i” after their legendary ancestral home. Second only to Tahiti in size, Raiatea is the administrative and trading center of the leeward islands. The principal “city” of Uturoa is a sleepy little waterfront town reminiscent of Papeete from years past.

The “Haumana” operates 3, 4 and 7-day cruises out of Uturoa or Bora Bora, plus Archipels Cruises is based here. With the large protected lagoon around Raiatea and her delightful sister island of Tahaa, the area has naturally become one of our top destinations for sailing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving.