The Polynesian navigator, Tupaia, who sailed with explorer James Cook, was
born in Raiatea around 1725. Omai (c.1751-1780), another young man from
Ra'iatea, travelled with European explorers to London in 1774 and also served
as an interpreter to Captain Cook on his second and third journey.
King Tamatoa VI was the last monarch, reigning from 1884-1888
