Located at the base of a cliff, surrounded by a vast, green jungle, this sacred three-story marae structure of black stone was built as an ancient temple or meeting place for rituals, which has since been restored and is still in use today.
Arahurahu is the only marae (an ancient temple or meeting place) in all of French Polynesia that has been fully restored, and it is maintained like a museum.
Follow the trail lined with authentic tikis and you will meet the nicely restored, 'Ārahurahu Marae.
The marae is worth a visit: Soak up the place to get a feel for a time when this was the island’s heartbeat.
Ancient Polynesians built temples, known as marae, as places to worship their gods. Life across Polynesia was once defined by ritual power and in many places, chiefs were too sacred to actually look at. It was known that if you helped bury a chief, then you’d not be allowed to utilize your hands for nine months or more.
Beyond acting as a place of worship in ancient culture, this particular marae was used for important events from war councils to weddings to celebrating battle victories.
Today, many locals still appear for worship, meetings and celebrations, keeping some old traditions alive.
Step back into history and explore this amazing architectural site for yourself. If you are interested in including this unique experience in your Tahiti yacht charter, please speak with your preferred yacht charter broker to incorporate 'Ārahurahu Marae into your yacht charter itinerary.
