See also :
Map of the Society Islands
Map of French Polynesia

According to Polynesian tradition, Raiatea -formerly known as Havaiki, the "sacred island"- was the first inhabited island and Hiro -a descendant of the creator god Taaroa and Oro- was its first king, founder of the dynasty and the Taputapuatea marae at Opoa. The many legends that arise from mythology lend a mysterious and magic atmosphere to the various places of interest. Mt Temehani (772m), a sort of Polynesian Olympus and "fragrant paradise", where the strange and unique "Tiare apetahi" plant is found, watches over this island that is still untouched by the turbulence of modern life. Its mountain range divides the island from north to south. Its many waterfalls, the deep and narrow Faaroa Bay and its fertile valleys are equally attractive as its charming lagoon with its many islets.

In the northern part of the same lagoon, the island of Tahaa according to legend was detached from Raiatea by a sacred eel possessed by the spirit of a princess. This island of soft mountain shapes and filigree coastline has been nicknamed "the vanilla island" because of its many vanilla plantations. The many motu with their stunning white sandy beaches and the turquoise-toned lagoon charm every visitor and cruise passenger.

The market at Uturoa, the commercial center and port of call for cruise liners, is loaded with produce of the land and the sea, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays, the market days. Nature smiles on these two islands whose high quality vanilla and copra is well-known, along with the variety and plentiful supply of its fruit and vegetables and the treasures of its underwater life.

Source :
GIE Tahiti Tourisme
http://www.tahiti-tourisme.pf