Places to visit

The citizens of Huahaine take pride in their Polynesian ancestry and heritage, and their self-esteem is reflected in the island’s landmarks. Huahine has an abundance of well-preserved historical structures.

The island is especially known for its many “marae” - imposing lithic stones sculpted long ago by the island natives in honor of the gods.

Fare Pote’E

Currently under restoration, this vintage meetinghouse located along a coastal road in Maeva is being transformed into a small museum and cultural center. The area is home to several 16th-century lakeside “marae” - ancient stone structures. Walk further along the coastal road and you’ll witness a group of stones in a “V” formation inside the lagoon. These rocks are actually old fish traps.

Marae Anini

This 19th-century archeological site on Huahine Iti was once a place of worship of the dieties Oro and Hiro. It is rumored to have been a sacrificial shrine.

Marae Manunu

Home to one of Huahine’s most renowned “marae” monoliths, Marae Manunu is one of the island’s most magnificent sites. The sacred stone, which was reconditioned by American archeologist Kenneth Emory in 1933, posesses a curious rectangular shape and is approximately 100 feet long.

Matairea-Rahi

One of the most sacred and important structures in Huahine, Matairea-Rahi features the foundations priest’s homes, as well as a massive fortification wall built to protects the hilltop sanctuary against sea raiders.

Maeva

Formerly the royal headquarters of Huahaine, Maeva is now best known for its many marae stones and archeological artifacts, which can be observed all about the area (within a five kilometer stretch, visitors can see 16 restored marae stones). These lithic stones rise from the ground like some Polynesian version of England’s Stonehenge.