'Ārahurahu Marae, Windward Islands Travel Guide

4.5 (171)

Explore 'Ārahurahu Marae in Tahiti, a restored Polynesian temple offering a glimpse into the island's ancient spiritual and cultural heritage.

'Ārahurahu Marae, located in Pā'ea, Tahiti, is a restored archeological site offering a glimpse into pre-European Polynesian culture. This sacred open-air temple, surrounded by lush jungle, was a central gathering place for rituals, war councils, weddings, and celebrations.

A brief summary to 'Ārahurahu Marae

8C3C+6C5, Pā'ea, PF

Monday 7 am-6 pm
Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
Thursday 7 am-6 pm
Friday 7 am-6 pm
Saturday 7 am-6 pm
Sunday 7 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring 'Ārahurahu Marae.

Visit during the Heiva festival in July to witness reenactments of traditional Polynesian ceremonies.
Remember to show respect for the site as it holds deep historical and religious significance for the Polynesian people.
Take your time to wander the grounds and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred site.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Tahiti Lagoon Paradise

Grottes De Mara'a

Lac bleu

Arahoho Blowhole

Motu One

Explore 'Ārahurahu Marae on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near 'Ārahurahu Marae, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Papeete, take the bus towards Pā'ea. Line 2 is the most common route. The bus fare is approximately $6-$7. Get off at the stop closest to 'Ārahurahu Marae in Pā'ea. From there, walk south for about 5 minutes to reach the site.
Taxi

Taxis are available from Papeete to 'Ārahurahu Marae in Pā'ea. The taxi ride takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $110-$140.

Discover more about 'Ārahurahu Marae

Nestled in the Tefa'aiti Valley in Pā'ea, Tahiti, 'Ārahurahu Marae is a significant cultural site that provides a window into the rich heritage of pre-European Polynesia. Reconstructed in 1953, this marae, or open-air temple, stands as a testament to the spiritual and social lives of the ancient Polynesians.Marae served as central gathering places for various important events. They were venues for religious ceremonies, war councils, weddings, and celebrations of military victories. 'Ārahurahu Marae, in particular, played a vital role in the daily life of the local king and the community. The site includes a sacred courtyard (tahua), a surrounding wall (patu), an altar (ahu), and red unu (carved wooden pieces dedicated to guardian spirits).Today, 'Ārahurahu Marae is the only fully restored marae in French Polynesia and is maintained like a museum. Visitors can explore the site, walk the trail lined with tikis, and soak in the atmosphere of a time when the marae was the island's heartbeat. The site is also used for reenactments of old Polynesian ceremonies during the Heiva festival in July. When visiting, it's important to remember that this is a historical and religious site of great importance to the Polynesian people.