Nature is certainly one of the riches of these magnificent islands, which are comparable in size to Europe. Nevertheless, the vestiges left by the ancestors of the islands' inhabitants are in themselves an attraction for all those who would like to know more about the civilization of the native people, known in Tahitian as the “Ma'ohi” (or Polynesians). This people harmonized their way of life with their natural environment.

The story of a people
These altars, called “Marae”, were sacred places used not only for the worship of our ancestral gods, such as Ta'aroa, Tane, Ti'i, Tu, or Ro'o, the creator gods, or Hiro, the god of thieves, or Hina the moon goddess, for whom many legends have been dedicated; but also for other important events such as the crowning of a king, the holding of a council of war, or a wedding, to name but a few.

Le marae Arahurahu de Paea
The most visited Marae today is located at the bottom of a valley in the Paea district, on Tahiti's west coast, and bears the name “Arahurahu”. This name evokes the history of pre-European Polynesia. Presumably, the name of this Marae originates from the story of a warrior who died in battle and was cremated on the site. The supreme chief of the Tumataira valley is said to have deposited his ashes here, called “arahu” in Tahitian. The historic site was renovated in 1953 and inaugurated just under a year later. On this occasion, the first historical re-enactment was held on the theme of the investiture of a great chief. Since then, this ritual has been repeated every year during the Heiva I Tahiti in July. We suggest you visit it on one of our half-day tours of the island.