Rikitea is a small town on Mangareva, which is part of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia.

Increasing contact with the outside world brought contagious diseases to Mangareva savagely decimating the population.

Rikitea is a port town and tourist center situated on Mangareva Lagoon, which contains a number of motu.

The stones found on the hill were used by the ethnic Mangarevans to predict weather and to look for boats headed for the island.

[7] The church is involved in technical school (CED, "Center for Educational Development) to train people in skill trades such as carpentry, mechanics, electricity, and mother-of-pearl shell engraving.

[8] Father Honoré Laval built 116 stone buildings and arches,[3] and roads were laid.

Riktea has a large nuclear fall-out shelter which was built at the time of the French atmospheric testing at Moruroa.

[3] The town also has post office, a few shops, a military establishment, a medical room, and schools.

[3] Accommodation of note includes Chez Pierre et Mariette near the wharf, with three rooms, and Pension Bianca et Benoit, in the southern part of the town.

Travel by ship originates only from Pape'ete, a journey of 21 days, with stops at four other islands before arriving at the Rikitea.