City: French Polynesia
Top Things to do in French Polynesia
What to do and see in French Polynesia, French Polynesia: The Best Historic Sites
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. James Norman Hall Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
From 1920 to 1951, this was the home of one of Tahiti's famous resident authors, James Norman Hall, the co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty, Pitcairn's Island and other tales of adventure in the South Pacific.
Reviewed By SAB5859 - Banff, United Kingdom
This was a very interesting house to visit. The guide at the house gave us a really good insight into the work of James Norman Hall. The collection of photos and his books were just amazing. We were very lucky as James Norman Halls granddaughter Kate was at the house when we visited, she gave us her personal recollections of her family times in Tahiti and shared some stories about her grandfather. There is a cafe with outside seating. Well worth a visit even if you’re not into books or films.
4. Tiki Village Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,347 reviews
Visitors experience the traditions and life-style of an old Tahitian village through demonstrations of weaving, stone carving, and painting, plus live traditional dance performances.
Reviewed By cyb72800
If you want to experience a traditional Polynesian show and dance, this is the one. It is only available on Tuesday and Fridays nights. There is a shuttle that picks you up at your location and drop you off. They give insight on Polnesian culture and explain how they prepare the food in the fire pit. Afterwards, the host guide the group on a tour on a little history lesson to show paintings, art, wood work, etc. Then, they provide a buffet dinner and show the audience different ways to wear a sarong for both women and men and grab members from the audience to participate. After a full dinner, you will watch the amazing dancing, fire show, and they will grab members to participate. It is a fun and memorable night!
5. Point Venus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 182 reviews
Located on the tip of a scenic peninsula surrounded with black-sand beaches, this area is the historic landing site of many famous explorers such as Captain Cook and Captain William Bligh.
Reviewed By SAB5859 - Banff, United Kingdom
This is a lovely part of the island to visit. The lighthouse built in 1867 is still in excellent condition. The sea is full of fish close to the waters edge including Stingrays. This area is very popular with locals fishing and swimming, the beach is quite big. Well worth a visit when visiting Tahiti.
6. Marae Titiroa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By rcjetskier - Santa Clara, United States
This stop was part of our tour and it was very interesting and I loved hearing about the history. The people on Moorea were so nice and you could just see how proud they are of their heritage. I really would love to go back some day.
7. WWII Guns
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By manocska
Used Google street view to pinpoint the driveway in Faanui leading up the hill to a huge gun. Just find the "Chancelade-base" (ferry service to the Pearl Beach Resort and Spa) and the driveway is almost opposite of the Chancelade leading to the gun. Once up there, there is a great view of the motu with the Pearl Beach Resort and the blue waters surrounding Bora Bora. Schedule no more than 15-20 minutes total for the visit. We encountered no dogs while there.
8. Maison Grelet D’Omoa
9. Fort George Tubuai
10. Fort George
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