Top 10 Sacred Sites to Visit in the Islands of Tahiti
Top 10 Sacred Sites to Visit in the Islands of Tahiti
When tourists think about the Islands of Tahiti, their thoughts often drift towards glistening azure lagoons, emerald mountains, and powdery white or black sand beaches. However, these jewel-like paradise islands hold much more than just natural beauty—they house an enchanting blend of Polynesian and Tahiti culture, rooted deeply in its rich history and traditional practices. A compelling narrative of this culture is found within the sacred sites or maraes that adorn these islands. Here are the top 10 sacred sites to immerse oneself in the heart of Tahitian culture:
Taputapuatea Marae, Raiatea
Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Raiatea. It is the most significant of all maraes in Polynesia. Enveloped in spirituality and mystique, this large open-air temple complex was a central hub for religion and learning in ancient times.
Marae Arahurahu, Tahiti
Siented along the lush green mountains of Tahiti, the Arahurahu Marae beautifully preserved, uniquely being regularly used for the re-enactment of ancient Polynesian ceremonies during the Heiva i Tahiti Festival.
Marae Titiroa, Maupiti
Tucked away in the tranquility of its untouched environment, Marae Titiroa offers visitors a glimpse into pre-European Polynesian civilization. The ancient stone structures scattered across a splendid coral floor exhale an air of mystery and intrigue.
Marae Anini, Huahine
Located in the lush Faie Valley, the Anini Marae honors the island’s legendary eel with human eyes. The authenticity of this sacred site remains undisturbed, drawing tourists seeking a surreal journey back in time.
Marae Manunu, Ua Pou
Marae Manunu in the Marquesas’ Ua Pou island retains the same charm that had once attracted the renowned artist, Paul Gauguin to the Marquesas. It invites tourists to explore and understand the cultural richness of Tahitian society.
Marae Rauhuru, Tahiti
Located in Paea, Marae Rauhuru commonly known as the Farehape Marae, offers a glimpse into the rituals and traditions conducted in honor of Polynesian gods.
Marae Vaiotaha, Bora Bora
Situated on the stunning Bora Bora, the Marae Vaiotaha was thought to be the ancient spiritual center of the island, staging significant political and religious events.
Marae Nu’urua, Tahiti
Marae Nu’urua, located at the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, holds an essential place in the heart of Tahitians owing to its role in the revival of Polynesian cultural identity.
Marae Ta’uto’ura, Moorea
Ta’uto’ura, located in Opunohu Valley, has a rich archaeological wealth. It’s dotted with a plethora of stone structures, serving as a reminder of Moorea’s vibrant past.
Marae Taharuu, Tahiti
The Taharuu Marae, located in Papara, is one of the largest in Tahiti. Here, you can visualize the grand and ceremonious occasions, filled with dance, music, and food that marked Polynesian life.
These sacred sites hold the stories of the Polynesian ancestors in their silent stone structures. Each marae is symbolic, opening up a world of ancient Polynesian wisdom—where sacred priests or Tahuas communicated with the gods, where rituals and sacrifice took place, and where the beautiful and intense Tahitian history echoes. To look at a Tahitian marae is to journey through the soul of Polynesian culture. Their stone altars may not whisper their stories, but they reverberate through the cultural roots of the Islands of Tahiti.