Marae Taputapuātea, Raiatea

4.6

#2 of 15 in Historic Sites in French Polynesia

World heritage site · Ruin · Historic Site

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The ruins of a special place of worship and funerals, Marae Taputapuātea sits at the center of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taputapuātea, an area of forested valleys, lagoon, and open ocean. The rock walls and plinths remind visitors of the spiritual past of the islands, the influence of the sun on ceremonies, and the structures that were designed to show faith and worship. Culturally important and located in a scenic spot, the well-signposted site includes informative panels with texts and diagrams that help you imagine how the place of worship would have looked in the past. Plan your Marae Taputapuātea visit and explore what else you can see and do in Raiatea using our Raiatea trip itinerary website.

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Marae Taputapuātea reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

330 reviews

Google

4.6

By dccv1

This is a very important site to the local population and well worth a visit. Pick up a brochure and read it before heading out to walk the site. It is a lovely spot on the water with a real "feel...

This is a very important site to the local population and well worth a visit. Pick up a brochure and read it before heading out to walk the site. It is a lovely spot on the water with a real "feel... more »
By 776timothym

Make sure you pick up a guide / booklet from the visitor centre (across the road from the ruins) - there’s one for the ruins and the sites are numbered according to the booklet and one for the walk...

Make sure you pick up a guide / booklet from the visitor centre (across the road from the ruins) - there’s one for the ruins and the sites are numbered according to the booklet and one for the walk... more »
By derek d

It does not take much time and it shows the historic archeology of the culture, much of which was destroyed by the missionaries.

It does not take much time and it shows the historic archeology of the culture, much of which was destroyed by the missionaries. more »

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Google

By Victor Garcia

Nice historial site with remains of what once was the central temple and religious center of Eastern Polynesia and since 2017 is part of the UNESCO world heritage list. Definitely worth stopping if your have a vehicle in Raiatea and can get to the south part of the island. The enclave is unique as it was the gateway for ships to get into the island if approved by the ancient authorities. You will be able to hike a bit on the other side of the road to where the viewpoint was located for those incoming ships.

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By Shelley

Interesting visit with just the right amount of information about the history etc. Worth a visit and perhaps a visit to the pearl farm a few kms further south on the island.

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By S H

Unique history. Never knew about this site. I'm glad to have taken this tour and lear more about the history of Raiatea.

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By Hannah Cheadle

Beautiful historic stop. Learned a ton about Polynesian culture. Well maintained grounds and UNISCO heritage site. Highly recommend!

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By kathryn cronwall

Sacred archeological remains of a culture that utilized these short platforms constructed of volcanic rock for various purposes. Some were for weddings, others for games, the Royal Marae for sacrifice. A beautiful place to step into the past.

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