Taputapuātea marae
Taputapuatea · East coast of Raiatea, French Polynesia
The religious heart of Polynesia, a World Heritage Site since 2017.
Know before you go
- Don't step, sit or lie on the marae stones or move them
- don't talk loudly or take photos casually during ceremonies
- it's best to visit with a local guide and follow their lead.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Taputapuātea is the central marae of Eastern Polynesia: from around AD 1000, canoe voyagers set out from here to settle Hawaiʻi, New Zealand and beyond, and all of Polynesia regards it as an ancestral homeland. Its stone platforms face the lagoon, and ceremonies once brought together chiefs from across the islands. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017.
Local customs
The marae is still a sacred space: visit in silence and don't climb on the stones. The local community holds traditional ceremonies and canoe festivals, and being invited to watch is a great honour for outsiders.
Religion & beliefs
- In traditional polytheistic belief, the war god ʻOro was the main deity here
- after Christianity arrived the ancient rites stopped, but memories of faith in ancestors and the ocean live on in songs and tattoo designs.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't step, sit or lie on the marae stones or move them
- don't talk loudly or take photos casually during ceremonies
- it's best to visit with a local guide and follow their lead.
Locals appreciate DO
The people of Raiatea are proud of their island as 'the cradle of Polynesia', and canoe voyaging is becoming popular again among young people.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- It is on the east coast of Raiatea, reached by boat or small plane from Tahiti
- a local guided tour brings the stones to life
- sunscreen and insect repellent are essential.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Tahitian raw fish
- Roast pig from the earth oven
- Vanilla
Tahitian raw fish (poisson cru, marinated in coconut milk and lime), roast-pig earth-oven feast (traditional ahima'a, at festivals), dishes flavoured with vanilla (from Taha'a), taro / breadfruit, tropical fruit
| Where to eat | Restaurants and roulotte food trucks in Uturoa on Raiatea, guesthouse (pension) dinners (booking needed); no food around the marae |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Polynesian marae are sacred — don't eat on or climb the stone platforms, and dress appropriately; many places close on Sundays (church) |
| Typical price per person | XPF 3,000–5,500 ≈ CNY 209–383 |
| Tips | Guesthouse meals are the best way to eat local food on the islands — order a day ahead; for raw fish, choose places using the day's catch. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
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watashiwani from Brooklyn, NY · CC BY 2.0
Photos
Photos
Michel-georges bernard · CC BY-SA 3.0
Michel-georges bernard · CC BY-SA 3.0
Kounilig · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
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