Places to visit

For centuries, Moorea has been a source of ancient artifacts. On this unique island, the historic and the contemporary blend in rapturous harmony.

Chez Pauline

Old Polynesian charm blends with quaint European style at this curious guesthouse. Chez Pauline is a great place to purchase souvenirs and relics, including grinding stones, prehistoric stone tikis and wooden artifacts culled from around Moorea’s Afareaitu Village.

Haapiti Village

Seemingly oblivious to the ravages of modernization, this rural community is notable for its wooden homes, hibiscus bushes and modest churches. A leisurely village that affords visitors a glimpse of the old Moorea.

Kellum Garden Stop

This historic homestead was built in 1925 by an American family, and has since become a curious piece of Moorean history. Located at the base of Mount Rotui, the farmhouse-style Kellum Stop is notable for its variety of plants and flowers, not to mention its largely unspoiled, “old world” charm.

Le Belvedere Lookout Point

Perhaps Moorea’s most spectacular scenic overlook, Belvedere Lookout Point provided the setting for the film saga, “Return of the Bounty,” featuring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins. As the locals will tell you, the Point offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Opunohu Valley. From your perch on the crater’s ridge, you will enjoy a superlative vista of the Cook and Opunohu bays.

Marae Nuurau

Situated in rural Varari, the Polynesian temple known as Marae Nuurau features gorgeous walls made of coral.

Opuhi Plantation

Plant enthusiasts will surely want to visit this botantical garden/plantation. Owner Alex Du Prel grows a vast assortment of exotic crops, including breadfruit, ginger, mango and vanilla. Trivia fans, take note: Du Prel formerly managed Marlon Brando’s property on Tetiaroa.

Paopao & Opunohu Valleys

No visit to Moorea would be complete without stops at these adjoined sites. The Opunohu Valley has yielded many ancient remnants over the years, most notably the stone “marae” temples and archery platforms, which were used by Polynesian royalty in pre-Christian days (archery was a sacred sport in ancient Tahiti). Start your excursion by hiking through the Paopao Valley, and conclude your journey in Opunohu Bay.

Papetoai Village

History buffs will want to make a stop at the historic octagonal church located in the northern coastal village of Papetoai. Established by the London Missionary Society in 1822, the church is the oldest European building in use in the South Pacific.

Tiki Theatre Village

Unlike many of Moorea’s authentic historical sites, Tiki Village is actually a recreation of a pre-colonial Tahitian village. A massive tiki-like sculpture greets visitors at the entrance. The Tiki Theatre Village dance troupe performs four times weekly, and their kinetic shows must be seen to be believed.