Marae Arahurahu
Marae 'Ārahurahu
A well-preserved ancient Polynesian ritual site in a valley on Tahiti's west coast, with a black basalt stepped altar and tiki statues that speak of beliefs held before Europeans arrived.
A marae was an open-air religious and social site for ancient Polynesians, used for worship, the inauguration of chiefs and tribal gatherings. Arahurahu lies in Paea on Tahiti's west coast, at the foot of a green valley, and is one of the best-preserved and most fully restored marae on the island. At the end of a rectangular stone-walled courtyard stands a stepped altar (ahu) built of black basalt and coral stone. The courtyard holds tiki statues and wooden offering platforms, surrounded by breadfruit and coconut palms. Every July during the Heiva festival, the site revives ancient rituals and chiefly coronation ceremonies. Admission is free or a small fee, subject to on-site information. Getting there: about 30 minutes' drive south from Papeete along the Ring Road, turning into the valley at the roadside sign. Note: marae are still regarded as sacred, so do not climb the platforms or move the stones. Mosquitoes are numerous in the rainy season.
Opening hours
About 08:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Vaiava Beach (PK18)
- Mara'a Grotto
- Museum of Tahiti and the Islands
- Mont Aorai
- Taharu'u Beach
- Fautaua Waterfall
- Notre-Dame Cathedral of Papeete
- Papeete Market