Raiatea, Jan 4, 2015

We entered the “lagoon” arround Raiatea about 8 AM today and the water was beautiful! The coral reef around the island protects the island from the tides and strong seas.  There are 8 “passes” through the coral reef to reach the lagoon around the island. 

 

The coral reef

There are many, many small motu islets, some with just one coconut tree.

Motu

Natives welcoming us

Raiatea is the “sacred island” of the Maohi people with its marae temples of worship, most of which were destroyed by missionaries.

There are 2 main roads with most of the 12,000 + residents living around the main village.  The west side of the island has no market, but there is a mobile market bus that travels along the road and delivers staples to the inhabitants.  All the shops were closed today, since today is Sunday.

The 2 gas stations are out of gasoline as their delivery was delayed … holiday, you know.  So, there was a scarcity of available tours.  We took an 2 ½ island bus tour, which visited a small family-owned pearl farm and the Tainuu Marae, on the site of which a church had been built.  

Tainuu Marae

 

Lots of lush vegetation but everything is very expensive.