Papetoai Octagonal Church
Temple protestant de Papeto'ai
A white octagonal Protestant church built in the 1820s on the site of an ancient marae. It is one of the oldest European-style buildings in the South Pacific.
The Octagonal Church of Papetoai lies in Papetoai village, on the west side of Opunohu Bay. The London Missionary Society first built it on top of an ancient marae between 1822 and 1827. It is one of the oldest surviving European-style buildings in the South Pacific, and it was later rebuilt while retaining its octagonal plan. The small white building sits beside the village cemetery. On weekdays you can admire it from outside. On Sunday mornings during services, you can hear local worshippers singing hymns in Tahitian, which is quite moving. Admission is free. Please keep quiet and dress respectfully.
Opening hours
Exterior open all day; Sunday services approx. 09:00
Nearby sights
- Magic Mountain
- Opunohu Bay
- Ta'ahiamanu Beach
- Moorea Tropical Garden
- Mount Rotui
- Motu Tiahura & Stingray Snorkel Site
- Manutea Rotui Juice Factory
- Opunohu Agricultural School