Raiatea is about 135 miles northwest of Papeete, or Tahiti, and is a large and tall volcanic island whose central mountains reach heights of about 3,350 feet.  Raiatea is one of two twin islands.  Raiatea’s twin island, Tahaa, sits just across a mile-wide lagoon.

Raiatea’s central location and large lagoon have made it popular with yachters.  The Marae Taputapuatea in the southeast corner of the island is a popular tourist destination  Those chartering a boat to cruise the Society Islands may well begin and end their trip there.