RAIATEA, French Polynesia
"Sacred Island" Apetahi Full Day Tour
Featuring Marae of Taputapuatea
Private tour with
Mas, including Group Healing / Meditation with Mas
Mon. January 29, 2024
Approx. 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Meet at 7:45 am)
Polynesian Spirituality
According to Polynesian beliefs, order in the universe could not occur until humans and gods interact. Maohi (indigenous Polynesians) prayed, presented offerings, communicated with their gods, and consulted their ancestors in paved rectangular courtyards called marae, which were outlined by stone enclosure walls and contain altars called ahu. Along the walls were planted banyan, aito, rosewood, or tamanu trees, which were said to ward off evil spirits.
Marae marked the bond of each Polynesian with his land, people, clan, or family. Each marae contains a stone that comes from its "father" marae. All marae have a "father"— except the marae of Taputapuatea, which is the most sacred of all marae and which is said to have for "father" the god Oro himself (god of war and of the fine arts). Marae with a "father" stone from Taputapuatea enjoy the highest rank in the spiritual hierarchy.
The most sacred site in Polynesia, Marae Taputapuatea, designated in 2017 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is found on the "Sacred Island" Raiatea. Recognized as the ancestral homeland of Polynesian culture, this holy gathering center is known as the birthplace of the god Oro, the origin of the Maohi people, and the connection with Polynesian ancestors.
The central pilgrimage site for Polynesian spirituality and location for religious and cultural events for over a millennium and for thousands of miles, Taputapuatea translates as “sacrifices from abroad.” Chiefs, priests, and warriors traveled long distances from other island nations to gather at the renowned site. Voyagers passing by traditionally stopped there to pay their respects. Marae Taputapuatea was the pilgrimage site where chiefs were initiated, and when the drum of Ta’imoana sounded, human or animal sacrifices were offered.
There are three distinct sacred areas at the complex: Marae Taputapuatea, Marae Tauraa, and Marae Hauviri, each serving different roles. Ra'iatea is referred to as the sacred island of Havai'i or Havaiki, the ancestral home of all Polynesians).
Itinerary
Depart from tender port, on the way to the west coast of Raiatea. During our trip, the possibilities of discoveries are numerous and are made according to the opportunities. Indeed, the turquoise or big blue lagoon are so many playgrounds and often offer majestic ballets of dolphins. You will be amazed!
Cap to South !
Sail along the town of Tevaitoa whose particularity is to have wild bays punctuated by several green cliffs and waterfalls.
Blue Lagoon
Stop at the coral garden of Nao Nao to offer you a beautiful snorkeling between coral potatoes and multicolored fish. Then, in this little corner of paradise, a picnic on board will be served to you.
Fareaatai
Following this relaxation and tasting stop, we will leave for the east of the island with a stop in front of the “sugar loaf” of Fareaatai. It will also be the perfect opportunity for a nap on the trampoline above the blue lagoon.
Bird Motu
Stop at the “bird motu” for a magnificent snorkeling.
Taputapuatea Marae
Sail onward to an exceptional archaeological site classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Guided tour by the sea or short hike (30 min) through a path set up at the top of its hill.
Discover an incomparable atmosphere with the greatest respect for this sacred place, which delivers a strong spiritual message. Walk on its floor, tiled with ancient stones, and feel a vibrational presence, forces acting around you, and mysterious atmospheric energies. But a good part of the marae's message remains an enigma.
After experiencing this sacred land, you can contemplate the picturesque landscape of Faaroa Bay and, weather permitting, go a little inland along its river.
Return to modern times at around 4:30 pm at the tender port for return to ship.
Highlights
Complete tour of the sacred island.
Let yourself be carried away into this unique experience!
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Sailing along the west coast of Raiatea
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Lunch on board and swimming at Motu Nao Nao
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Snorkeling at the Birds motu
• Marae Taputapuatea
• Faaroa River (depending on the weather)
Raiatea, whose emblem is the endemic flower "Tiare Apetahi," is nicknamed "the sacred island" in reference to the land where the first Polynesians are said to have originated. With its dense vegetation and varied landscapes, this tour of the island offers a true pictorial journey.
Food and Beverage
Included: Lunch onboard the canoe will be a choice of Tahitian marinated raw fish, Chinese noodles, or salad. Icecubes,
Drinking water,
Local fruits,
Masks and snorkels.
Recommended Dress
Wear bathing suit (lyrca) under comfortable, lightweight clothing, closed-toe sensible walking shoes, and hat.
What to Bring
Bring towel, sunglasses, biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, umbrella, bottled water, sandals, waterproof or windproof vest, Mask and snorkel will be provided. If you wish, you may bring your own water shoes, mask and snorkel, fins.
Restrictions
Passengers need to be able to get on vehicles and vessels on their own.
Meeting Instructions
Details will be provided on your ticket.
REGISTER HERE NOW
Temehea Tohua is the ancestral home of Queen Vaekehu—the last chieftainess of the Taiohae. She married another chief and reunited the two halves of the once divided tribe. The site now contains a number of carved stones brought from around the Pacific for the First Marquesan International Art Festival. The Marquesas Islands were settled by Polynesians around 200 BC and have cultural and language links with other Polynesian peoples across the Pacific.
