Shopping and Restaurants on Raiatea and Tahaa

Uturoa, Raiatea
Uturoa, Raiatea is French Polynesia's 2nd largest urban setting...

Raiatea & Tahaa
islands have numerous places to shop, plenty of day to day services, and a great assortment of restaurants to dine in.


The majority of these "urban needs" are found in the population centers of both islands: Uturoa, the second largest population center in all of French Polynesia on Raiatea, and Patio, the small but charming village on Tahaa.
    
 Wonderful pearls and jewelry...There are also numerous giftshops, restaurants, and small businesses along both island's encircling roads and at the various hotels and pensions.    

Let this page be your starting guide to figuring out what's what, where to shop, what to buy, and what and where to eat.

The most notable examples of each category are listed below...
   
                                                               LOTS OF SHOPPING

     VARIOUS SERVICES

                                                       RESTAURANTS & DINING

TST makes choosing your favorite island activity easy! If you want MORE choices, simply check out our other "To Do" pages: WATERSPORTS, ISLAND FUN, ADVENTURES, RECREATION & GAMES, or RELAXATION.

Wan't more? Be sure and explore our "WHAT TO SEE" section for even more sightseeing and exploring ideas, touring information, island attractions, and other interesting things to see and do!
  
 


   
Fabulous boutiques of Uturoa, Raiatea

LOTS OF SHOPPING

Wonderful art...Shop till you drop! The best shopping for these islands is in the bustling little "city" of Uturoa, chocked full of stores, boutiques, and businesses. Buy a fine piece of art, unique handycraft, or T-shirt. Pick up some food, get some fishing supplies, whatever...
     
Basic categories for shopping are as follows:


Art Galleries & Workshops

There are a few art galleries in Uturoa, Raiatea, but none to speak of on Tahaa. The galleries listed below offer a fine collection of arts and crafts from French Polynesia and around the world...

ARTS EXPO GALLERY
Apooiti Marina- RAIATEA, Telephone- (689) 66.11.83
Wooden boxes, paintings, lithographies, hand painted fabrics, shirts, bed cushions, jewelry, pearls, gifts...

ANUANUA GALLERY
Uturoa- RAIATEA, Telephone- (689) 66.12.66
Paintings, scrimshaw, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, lithographies, wood and stone carvings, gifts, more...


There is also an "Arts and Crafts Association" on Raiatea:

HAWAIKI NUI (HANDCRAFTS) FEDERATION
Located at the Uturoa airport and the Maritime harbour, Contact: Yolanda HAHE PO Box 299- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA
Telephone- (689) 66.12.37, Tahitian Handicrafts gifts and objects.Telephone- (689) 66.12.37/ 66.33.03, Fax-(689) 66.19.81


(For more artist related info and products, don't miss our ARTISTS, CRAFTSMEN, & OTHER SPECIALISTS section.)


Tikis at La Palme d'Or
Shops & Boutiques

More shopping for thousands of Polynesian goodies! Lots of interesting gift shops and boutiques featuring gift ideas like island handicrafts, clothing, shells, books, art, and more.                                                                                                 
                                       
                                                             ON RAIATEA

TAHINA CURIOUS NATURAL
Tahina, Uturoa- RAIATEA, Telephone- (689) 66.38.70

WASA NUI SHOP
Uturoa- RAIATEA, Telephone- (689)66.18.00

TE FARE BOUTIQUE
PK 1, Uturoa- RAIATEA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.17.17
Tahitian style gifts, local arts, lighting, pottery, curious, and more.

MY FLOWER
Gare maritime d'Uturoa (wharf)- RAIATEA,
Telephone- (689) 66.19.19, Fax- (689) 66.25.53
Polynesian gifts, art, paintings, and more.
ARII BOUTIQUE
Uturoa- RAIATEA, Telephone- (689) 66.35.54, Specialty fabrics and clothing.
BOUTIQUE SEPHORA
Gare maritime d'Uturoa (wharf)- RAIATEA,
Telephone- (689) 66.21.21, Fax- (689)66.25.53
Polynesian gifts, art, paintings, and more.

TAUATEA
(Airport boutique), RAIATEA, Telephone- (689) 66.19.66, Lots of Polynesian gifts, art, novelties, etc.


                     ON TAHAA

MOTU PEARL BOUTIQUE (Pearlfarm Giftshop)
Faa'aha Teuri, 98734, Faaha- TAHAA
Telephone- (689)65.66.67, Fax- (689)65.69.18
Accept Mastercard, Visa, and Eurocard

CHEZ SOPHIE
Hurepiti bay- PO Box 156- 98734 Haamene-TAHAA
Telephone- (689) 65.62.56

VAIPOE PEARL FARM & GIFTSHOP
B.P. 104, Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone and Fax- (689) 65.60.83, Contact: Mrs. Patricia AMARU
Pearl Farm and Family Run Pension and Restaurant featuring daily pearl shows, lagoon pearl and vanilla tours, motu picnics, and snorkel tours. Also, wholesale black pearls and pearl handicrafts can be purchased in our giftshop.
Accept Mastercard, Visa, and Eurocard



General Merchandise

General merchandise stores on the islands are found in Uturoa on Raiatea and Patio on Tahaa. From cleaning, plumbing, and building supplies to clothing, food, music, etc, etc., these stores are always full of locals.

Listings coming soon...



Black Pearls & JewelryUnique pearl creations...

The Black Pearls of French Polynesia are so famous and coveted that TST has dedicated a seperate shopping category for these amazing South seas' treasures. Well known for their quality and beauty, Tahiti and her surrounding islands are the leading black pearl exporters in the entire world.

There are a few Black pearl and jewelry shops located in downtown Uturoa, as well as some fine specialty pearl buying opportunities direct from the pearl farms of Tahaa!

Here's some featured choices:


ARRI BOUTIQUE
Located in downtown Uturoa- RAIATEA- (BP 70, Uturoa), Telephone-(689) 66.35.54, Fax (689)66.24.77
Arii Pearls boutique has a high quality collection of fine jewelry, Tahitian Black Pearls, and other handicraft items from Polynesia.

LA PALME D'OR/ TEHANI
BP. 394 Uturoa, RAIATEA, Telephone/ fax- (689) 66.23.79
Tahitian Black Pearls, watches, fine jewelry, gifts, art and more...

TICO PEARLS
PK1, Uturoa, RAIATEA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.14.00
Tahitian Black Pearls, watches, fine jewelry, gifts, art and more...

VAIPOE PEARL FARM AND GIFT SHOP
B.P. 104, Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone and Fax- (689) 65.60.83
Contact: Mrs. Patricia AMARU
Wholesale black pearls and pearl handicrafts can be purchased in the giftshop on the property. Also, pearl farm tours and a family run Pension and Restaurant featuring daily pearl shows, vanilla tours, motu picnics, and snorkel tours. Accept Mastercard, Visa, and Eurocard

RAI TEVA JEWELRY & FASHION SHOP
Raiatea location in the Gare maritime d'Uturoa
(main wharf), Main office: BP. 4999 Papeete, TAHITI
Telephone- (689)42.33.11 Fax-(689) 82.54.57
Tahitian Black Pearls and fine jewelry, gifts, clothing and fashion,and more... Pearl jewelrer on premises...
Accept Mastercard, Visa, and Eurocard


Specialty Shopping

Raiatea also has some interesting specialty shopping ideas. Here's a list of the best of them...

HAWAIKI NUI (HANDCRAFTS) FEDERATION
Located at the Uturoa airport and the Maritime harbour, Contact: Yolanda HAHE PO Box 299- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA
Telephone- (689) 66.12.37, Tahitian Handicrafts gifts and objects.Telephone- (689) 66.12.37/ 66.33.03, Fax-(689) 66.19.81

ARII- CREATIONS (Tahitian fabrics/ fashions)
Located in downtown Uturoa- RAIATEA- (BP 70, Uturoa)
Telephone-(689) 66.35.54.
Wholesale and retail sales and services. We also have 2 locations in Papeete. 


VARIOUS SERVICES

Of course all inhabited islands of French Polynesia need basic services for day to day living. Examples range from health and personal care to travel and real estate agents and cybercafes, post offices, visitors bureaus, etc.

The more common "services" of Raiatea and Tahaa are found here:


Drug Store/ Pharmacy
Details coming soon...

Beauty Salon
Details coming soon...

Real Estate: See Tahiti Sun Travel's Real Estate section for Polynesian property and estate listings!



Visitors Bureaus

There is a visitors bureau on the island of Raiatea. Their mission is to service island visitors with information and general assistance regarding tourism of the islands of Raiatea and Tahaa, much the same way Tahiti Sun Travel does. (In fact, one of the previous presidents of the tourism bureau is a longtime linking customer! Moana Boubee of the Sunset Beach Motel)

If you need further clarifications of tourism material found in this site that we can't answer, TST recommends printing pages out of this site and showing it to this tourism bureau on the island!


RAIATEA & TAHAA VISITORS BUREAU
Operating out of the Uturoa Harbour- RAIATEA, Telephone- (689) 66.07.77, Fax-(68) 66.07.75



Post Offices
Details coming soon...

"Cyber Points" & Cafes

The cyber cafe "scene" on Raiatea and Tahaa is still pretty prehistoric, however, it's been getting better over the years. What most urbanites and travelers take for granted as "cyber cafes" really haven't existed on any Society Island other than Tahiti (in Papeete) until just recently. Instead, as the internet began to make its mark on these islands, "cyber points" began springing up in random places. Basically, a society island "cyber point" is a no frills access point to the internet and little else. No ambiance or amenities offered. Many are located in the backs of shops or in some dark room, and have the slowest of slow computers... until recently... It now seems the cyber cafe bug has hit these islands like it has in every other developing country on earth and the whole scene is quickly improving.

(Finally), Raiatea actually has a GOOD place to get online and surf, check emails, etc. No coffees or cool music offered as yet in any of these places, but improvements look to be on the horizon.


TECHNI- ILES
PK1, Uturoa, RAIATEA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.37.81
Located at the Europcar office and general store in front of the main ferry dock in downtown Uturoa. (Right next to the Moe Moea restaurant)
2 computers in a backroom with fan. No drinks. You can bring your own laptop. Dialup modem.

More listings coming soon...



RESTAURANTS/ DINING / EATING

Raiatea has more choices of restaurants than Tahaa because of its larger population and the town of Uturoa... Dining locations can basically be divided between the restaurants at the various hotels and pensions, and private, non-hotel related dining.

Cuisine ranges from basic island staples like fruits and fish dishes to world class French and international cuisine, prepared by a variety of chefs, some imported directly from Paris! As with all islands in Tahiti Polynesia, the food is usually delicious, but you may have to sample different restaurants before you find one that suits your taste and budget.


LOCAL & FRENCH CUISINE

Understandably, many of the restaurants on Raiatea & Tahaa feature fine French and Tahitian style cooking techniques and dishes.

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

RAIATEA LODGE HOTEL
BP 680- 98735, Uturoa- RAIATEA
Telephone (689) 66.20.00, Fax- (689) 66.20.02
E-MAIL & Reservations

Most major credit cards accepted
Download Coupon Now!TSTN
EZ Print Internet Coupon Participant.

Get the Coupon now to get a free drink!


FEATURING: High-end, classy dining, with Raiatea's largest wine selection. Delicious French and Tahitian dishes served nightly.

We're on the "Sunset Side" of Raiatea so you can eat your meals or a drink as you enjoy the beautiful sunsets!


Please see our DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE for all the details.




And the rest of the listings...

MOEMOEA
Uturoa Wharf- PO. Box 68- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.39.84, Restaurant - lunches

TAMA'A MAITAI
Apooti Marina- PO. Box 969- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone/ Fax - (689) 66.12.97, Restaurant

MICHELLE
Uturoa Center- PO. Box 315- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone - (689) 66.14.66, Restaurant
CLUB HOUSE
Apooti Marina- PO. Box 492- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone - (689) 66.11.66, Fax- (689) 66.11.67
TE ORA
PO. Box 1248- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone/ Fax - (689) 66.26.22, Restaurant
HIBISCUS (Tahaa)
PO. Box 184- 98 734 Haamene, TAHAA
Telephone - (689) 65.61.06, Fax- (689) 65.65.65
QUAI DES PECHEURS (Fisherman's Wharf)
Uturoa harbour- PO. Box 1049- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.43.19, Restaurant and bar.
CHEZ LOUISE (Tahaa)
98734 Tiva- TAHAA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 65.68.88

EL CARTHAGE
Apooiti Marina- PO. Box 969- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.12.97, Restaurant


INTERNATIONAL / ETHNIC

Here's a list of restaurants featuring international and ethnic cuisine:

JADE GARDEN
Uturoa Center- PO. Box 160-98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone- (689) 66.34.40, Fax (689) 66.13.60
Chinese and oriental cuisine.

MARA'AMU
Martime harbour de Uturoa- PO. Box 29- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone- (689) 66.46.64, Fax- (689) 66.32.16
Chinese and oriental cuisine.

SEA HORSE
Martime harbour de Uturoa- PO. Box 30- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone- (689) 66.16.34, Fax (689) 66.27.91
Chinese and oriental cuisine.

LE NAPOLI
PO. Box 1309- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.10.77
Italian cuisine.


'LES ROULOTTES"

The family run, local food trucks on Raiatea are known as "les Roulettes" as they are on the other islands... This is a generic term meaning "rolling food trucks", and that's exactly what they are... Many of the local people dine at these trucks or in their homes. The food is island food. Pure and simple. Economic and tasty, these are TST's favorite places to eat!




MORE OF THE SAME ON THE OTHER ISLANDS

SHOPPING, SERVICES, and RESTAURANTS on the other islands of
Shop, eat, and be merry!
An Internetwork of Travel and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.





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