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Grottes de Mara'a: Tahiti's Enchanting Grottoes
Discover the Grottes de Mara'a in Tahiti: natural caves, clear pools, lush vegetation, and Polynesian legends await on the west coast.
The Grottes de Mara'a are a series of three natural caves located in Pā'ea, Tahiti, featuring clear pools of water and lush vegetation. These grottoes offer a serene escape and a glimpse into Tahitian history and natural beauty.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Grottes De Mara'a
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
7C4M+29V, Unnamed Road, Pā'ea, PF
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Getting There
Car
If driving from Papeete, take Route 1 (the main coastal road) towards Pā'ea. After approximately 30 minutes, turn onto Unnamed Road, following the signs for Grottes De Mara'a. Continue straight until you reach the entrance. Parking is available nearby, and there are no fees for parking.
Public Transport
From Papeete, take the public bus (Line 1) from the Papeete Bus Terminal towards Pā'ea. The bus ride will take approximately 45 minutes. Disembark at the stop closest to Pā'ea. From there, walk towards the Grottes De Mara'a, which is located along an unnamed road. Follow the signs or ask locals for directions. Bus fare is approximately 300 XPF.
Walking
If you're already in Pā'ea, the Grottes De Mara'a are about a 20-minute walk from the village center. Head southeast on Route 1, then turn onto Unnamed Road. Follow the road until you see the entrance to the caves on your left. There is no fee to enter the Grottes De Mara'a.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the humidity can make the ground slippery.
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Bring water and a camera to capture the beauty of the site.
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Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
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Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like the Marae Arahurahu or the black sand beach of Taharuu.
Discover more about Grottes De Mara'a
Nestled on the west coast of Tahiti in the commune of Paea, the Grottes de Mara'a are a trio of natural caves steeped in mystery and Polynesian legend. The caves are easily accessible and offer a refreshing, verdant environment perfect for a nature break.
The largest and most impressive of the three is Te-ana-pape-ō-Vai-pōiri, known for its crystal-clear pool. Moss covers the rocks, and the water's reflection creates an optical illusion, making the cave appear deeper than it is. The arched ceiling seems to lower, enhancing this effect. In reality, it extends over 80 meters in length, 30 meters in width at the entrance, and reaches 10 meters in height.
The other two caves, Mata-va'a and Vai-pātōtō, are smaller and more discreet. Mata-va'a, is surrounded by dense vegetation, with plants cascading towards the water. Vai-pātōtō is the smallest, celebrated for its natural beauty and diverse plant life.
According to oral tradition, the Grottes de Mara'a are linked to the tragic legend of Eteturi and Manai, two fishermen who broke a taboo by consuming food reserved for the gods. The caves were considered passages to invisible worlds, holding the power of spirits and ancestral memory. The caves evoke a sense of the surreal, inviting contemplation of the sacred dialogue between humanity, earth, and the divine.
A brief summary to Grottes De Mara'a
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