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Raiatea
is the capital of the Leeward Islands
and the second largest island in
French Polynesia, situated 193 km
(120 miles) northwest of Tahiti.
The
population numbers 8, 560. Uturoa, the
principal village, is the Administrative
Center for the Leeward Island Society
Islands. For the Polynesian Maohi,
ancestor of today's Tahitians, Raiatea
was known as Sacred Havai'I, and was
the center for royalty, religion,
culture, history and heraldry.
A partially paved road circles
the island, winding through fertile valleys and wide
flatland, past farms and orchards. There are several
passes from the ocean to the lagoon, which the neighboring
island of Tahaa also shares.
Due to the ideal sailing and fishing conditions, Raiatea
offers charters and nautical activities year-round.
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