Raivavae
Geography
Raivavae is an island that is part of the Austral Islands in French Polynesia. The island is completely surrounded by a barrier reef, on which are about thirty wooded islets (motu). The biggest islets on the barrier reef are Mano, Haha, Vaiamanu, Araoo, and Haamu. There is also a small island Hotuatua near the main island’s coast. There are four villages on the island: Anatonu, Rairua, Mahanatoa and Vaiuru.
Other names: Vavitu, Vavitao.
Location: 23°52′09″S 147°39′49″W.
Area: 16 km2 /6.17 sq mi
Highest point: 437 metres /1,434 ft (Mount Hiro)
Population: 940 (in 2012)
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| Map of Raivavae Island |
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| Raivavae Island |
History
The first people came on the island about 1000 AD, probably from the Cook Islands or the Tuamotu Archipelago. The island is noted for its archaeological interest, particularly for its large stone statues. Moreover, small forts were discovered on Raivavae perched among the summits, similar to those found on Rapa, a neighbouring island.
5 February 1775 – Spanish explorer Thomas Gayangos discovered the island for Europe. The Spaniards named it Santa Rosa. The inhabitants said the name of their island was Oraibaba.
In the 1820s - the inhabitants converted to Christianity.
28 June 1880 – Raivavae was annexed by France.
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| Raivavae Island |
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| Raivavae Island |
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| Raivavae Island |
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| Raivavae Island |
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| Raivavae Island |
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| Raivavae Island |
Sources
Pacific Islands Volume II Eastern Pacific Naval Intelligence Division 1943
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