A story, a vessel

Join us on a journey through the history of Vaeara’i. More than just a vessel, its name – imbued with mana -finds its origins in Raiatea, the Sacred island and cradle of Polynesian civilization.

Did you know?
Vaeara’i, which literally means “foot of the sky” (‘āvae: foot and ra’i: sky), is a sacred place in Raiatea, in Opoa. It refers to the site where the god Taaroa Nui first set his (right) foot on earth after its creation. His second foot was placed at Teava Piti, the pass at the entrance of the present-day capital, Uturoa.

Vaeara’i is located at the foot of Mount Tea’etapu, facing the marae of Taputapuatea. From the summit of Tea’etapu, Taaroa Nui watches over the entrances through the Teava Moa pass, the pass of Opoa.

Vaeara’i is considered by the elders as the starting point of Polynesian migrations, as it is from there that the foundation stones of the marae spread across the Polynesian triangle.

Today, the Vaeara’i vessel sails across Polynesian seas, just as the foundation stones once traveled in the time of the tupuna (ancestors). Vaeara’i, more than a simple boat, represents a link between people and distant lands.