Archaeology, Adventists & Aloha Rain: A Second Magical Day in Raivavae
Location: Raivavae, Austral Islands
️ Voyage: Aranui 5 – Austral & Society Islands Expedition
Day 9: November 9 – Circle Island Tour & Polynesian Evening
☀️ Sunshine, Shells & Stories from the Past
Waking up to our second day in Raivavae felt a bit like déjà vu, but in the best kind of way. The skies were sunny, and the vibe was easy — perfect for another full day of exploring this island jewel.
After breakfast, we hopped on a tender and headed ashore for a circle island tour. Our guide? The ever-entertaining and endlessly knowledgeable Mark Eddowes, whose enthusiasm for archaeology makes even ancient stones sound like headline news.
We started off at a Tiki site, where Mark dove into Polynesian history and the meaning behind these mystical stone figures. He told tales of gods, ancestors, and possibly a few overly dramatic stone-carving competitions. (Okay, maybe I made that last one up, but his storytelling makes anything sound possible.)
Lunch with the Locals: Music, Clams, and Clarity
After completing the tour, we returned to the main pavilion near the pier, where the local Seventh-Day Adventist community — whose Sabbath was Saturday, not Sunday — hosted a generous, heartfelt lunch for everyone.
The air was filled with the sound of island music, the scent of coconut and curry, and the cheerful chatter of locals and travelers alike. We wandered through tables displaying handmade shell crafts — where we learned how they bleach, polish, and shine these tiny treasures into jewelry and souvenirs. Zak was fascinated by the intricate process, and Teyauna, of course, snapped a dozen photos for her story.
Lunch itself was pure island goodness: lagoon clams in coconut curry, roasted taro, local greens, and a starchy, satisfying dish called khoi — kind of like mashed root veggie heaven (if you like that kind of thing). It was one of those meals where every bite carries a story.
♂️ Afternoon Wandering and a Touch of Whimsy
After lunch, we took a little family detour — just the four of us — down a quiet island road near the village. The kind of road where time seems to pause. We passed homes with children playing outside, spotted an enormous pig contentedly lounging in someone’s yard, and collected a few sprigs of greenery along the way (Kirsten insisted we contribute to tonight’s Polynesian celebration — and who were we to argue?).
It was a simple, spontaneous half-hour walk, but those are often the most memorable parts of any trip.
By 1:30 p.m., we were back on the tender, ready to return to the Aranui for a little downtime. I worked on some small projects, Zak powered through an audio book, and Kirsten claimed the best deck chair for a breezy nap. Peace, island-style.
Polynesian Night Under the Stars (and a Light Mist)
The evening’s highlight was Polynesian Night — a grand buffet, cultural celebration, and live island music held around the ship’s pool deck. The weather decided to keep things interesting, and a gentle mist of rain began to fall just as the deserts were brought out.
No one seemed to mind. Umbrellas popped open, desserts were heroically rescued and placed under cover, and the soft rain added an oddly magical backdrop to an already stunning event.
The buffet? A feast for the senses. Think: roasted pork, island-style fish, grilled vegetables, coconut milk everything — and dozens of desserts. (Yes, I went back for thirds, don’t judge.)
We danced. We laughed. We got a little soggy. And we loved every second of it.
Reflections: A Day of Depth and Delight
From archaeological deep dives to community hospitality, from wandering pig-spotted roads to a rain-kissed Polynesian night, today delivered a full range of what makes these islands so extraordinary.
It was also a reminder of how much there is to discover when you slow down — and how traveling as a family opens up moments we’d otherwise miss.
Tonight, we sail on… but Raivavae, you’ll be in our hearts (and social feeds) for a long time.