Ruahatu is the Polynesian Neptune, god of the sea. According to the legend from Raiatea it is he who caused the flood that struck the sacred island and submerged the mountain Temehani. But Ruahatu, in love with the Princess Airaro, spared the royal family and all those who shared their refuge on the islet of Toa Marama, beside the great pass, Ava Rua.

In this painting, Ruahatu holds the marae Manunu, on Huahine, neighboring island to Raiatea. Though consecrated to the god Tane, this sanctuary (or according to legend, its foundation stone) was indeed relocated by Ruahatu after the flood that struck Raiatea.

   Representation of Ruahatu