Hawaiki Nui Hotel

Hawaiki Nui Hotel

History

Until 1897 Raiatea (spreading sky) was the alliance between a Tahitian prince and a princess from Havai'a which would remain a bastion for the ma'ohi royalty during their revolt, before becoming a French protectorate nine years later. During the 20th Century, the island has slowly evolved.

The importance of the district of Opoa (in the southeast corner of the island) has gradually decreased with the establishment of Uturoa in the north by the missionaries at the turn of the 19th century.

It was to become the chief district of the Leeward Islands, acquiring municipality status at the end of World War One.

Today, Uturoa is a true economic center with its seaport, airport, commercial and educational establishments.
Ten thousand inhabitants populate over 171 square miles.
The island of Raiatea has maintained its special peacefulness, so characteristic of Polynesia, with its quiet life and gentle people.

The jagged mountain outline of Raiatea reaches up to 3,336 feet and offers a beautiful lookout, particularly from the top of mount Temehani, home to the unique flower: Tiare apetahi.

Raiatea's deep valleys and isolated villages complete a picture of nature in its most primitive state. Numerous deserted motus encircle the island with their sparkling white sand beaches.

There is no doubt that this little corner of the South Pacific is a true paradise on earth.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise to discover the RAIATEA PEARL RESORT as a top quality accommodation on this sacred island.
The hotel is situated on the fringe of the lagoon in the magnificent Tepua bay.

There are 32 rooms, including eight garden bungalows and twelve overwater bungalows, combining traditional style with modern comforts to host both local and international guests.

Accommodations

Each room is equipped with a minibar, television, video/stereo system, telephone and safety deposit box.

The garden bungalows offer a lounge area, while the overwater bungalows have a lovely veranda overlooking the lagoon.

In addition, the RAIATEA PEARL RESORT has an indoor-outdoor bar, and its restaurant is reputed to be the finest on the island.

The hospitality is in keeping with the legendary Polynesian welcome.

There is also a lovely boutique and a swimming pool to accommodate everyone.

However, the RAIATEA PEARL RESORT is above all, the gate to discovering the island of Raiatea. The sacred Raiatea, the secret Raiatea... a tropical volcanic island in all its splendor.

Activities

The two sister islands, Raiatea and Taha'a are unique in that they are two high islands trapped in an immense lagoon and protected by a common barrier reef.

They offer 158 square miles of land to be explored on foot, on horseback or by jeep.

And Raiatea boasts the only navigable river in French Polynesia, the Faaroa.

The numerous bays and alluvial plains, the mountains and plateaus are an enchanting splash of color and aroma (lemon and grapefruit trees, pineapples, mangos, guavas, papayas, chestnuts, frangipani, ylang-ylang, tiare and vanilla...) all contrasting with the green valleys.

The scenery is a constant invitation to dream. From high above, the colors of the lagoon splinter into an exploding symphony of blues and greens with occasional highlights from the coral reef and white sand beaches.

Add to all of this, the many waterfalls and rivers which are the perfect compliment 177-square-mile lagoon and its 11 islets.

Sacred Raiatea and Taha'a (the island of vanilla) are choice destinations for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

There are more than 50 catalogued sites for both beginners and experienced divers.

As well as the coral drop offs and abundant underwater plant and animal life, there are several wrecks to visit, such as the Nordby, a 57 ton schooner (164 feet long) which sank in 1900 and can be found directly in front of the RAIATEA PEARL RESORT.

A visit to the magical universe of the sister island, Taha'a, promises a timeless encounter with the Polynesia of yesterday.

Traveling by outrigger canoe allows time to pass slowly, making possible a fragile link between an often inaccessible Polynesian lifestyle and the visitor to this remote world. This excursion gives the visitor an opportunity to discover the feeling of authenticity by revealing little by little the tiniest of the island's nuances.

Hiro, the mythological warrior born in Taha'a, still seems to dominate this sanctuary, whether on the lagoon, among the pearl farms, above the vanilla plantations, or among your friendly hosts.

Your stay at the RAIATEA PEARL RESORT will be a little bit like discovering the soul of the ancient Polynesians, those navigators and conquerors who continue to reign among these Leeward Islands.