City: French Polynesia
Top Things to do in French Polynesia
Things to do in French Polynesia, French Polynesia: The Best Ancient Ruins
Tahiti and Bora Bora are the most well known French Polynesian islands, thanks to their picture-perfect beaches and romantic ambiance. Indeed, these islands are ideal for handholding, with their lush landscapes and mood-setting features like lagoons and grottos. The heart-shaped island of Mo’orea makes a wonderful base for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its surrounding barrier reef system. Feeding the massive, sacred eels of Huahine is a one-in-a-lifetime way to experience an important local ritual.
Restaurants in French Polynesia
1. Les tiki de Puamau
2. Taputapuatea Marae
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
The largest and most important religious site in Polynesia features the ancient temple area located on the edge of a huge lagoon.
Reviewed By epazota - Minnesota, United States
Who would think in the middle of what felt like no where there is this incredible spot. It is an UNESCO site. It the most culturally important site for the entire Polynesian triangle which includes areas as far away as Easter Island, Hawaii and New Zealand. There are signs to read. I recommend a tour guide if you can. We had a guide whose grandmother was part of the team to reconstruct the site. See this site while you can as the ocean waters are already encroaching some of the sacred spots.
3. Arahurahu Marae
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
This ancient stone platform was used for religious ceremonies.
Reviewed By Dartprof93 - Lebanon, United States
The marae was part of larger tour of many sites on the island that we took. The site itself is quite beauiful surrounded by a variety of trees and plants. The signage is minimal, so unless you have a good guide book, or you already know quite a bit about maraes, you will need a tour guide to make sense of the place. It is fairly close to the main road, but you must take a small road to get to the site. While there is a sign on the main road pointing you to Arahurahu, it is very easy to miss, so beware if you are driving there yourself. What will you see? The partially restored marae itself and some replica statues. The statues are unusually tall for this part of French Polynesia (the tall ones are in the Marquesas, so I'm not sure if the replicas are to scale of the originals. There is also a building with toilets.
