Bounty Monument Mahina

The Bounty Monument in Mahina is located at the historic Point Venus, a site of immense maritime significance on Tahiti's northern shore. It commemorates the 1788 arrival of the HMS Bounty, commanded by Captain William Bligh, on a mission to gather breadfruit saplings for the British colonies in the Caribbean. This location served as the backdrop for the events leading up to the most famous mutiny in naval history. Point Venus itself is doubly historic, having been named by Captain James Cook, who established an observatory here in 1769 to witness the transit of Venus. The monument stands near the iconic Mahina Lighthouse, built in 1867, and is surrounded by a park that bridges the gap between Polynesian heritage and European exploration. Today, it is a key destination for history enthusiasts who wish to stand where Bligh, Christian, and Cook once landed, marking a pivotal intersection of world history and Pacific discovery.

Nearby cities

Faa'a

Faa'a is the most populous commune in French Polynesia, located directly west of the capital Papeete.

Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the primary economic hub located on the island of Tahiti.

Puna'auia

Puna'auia is a major residential commune on the west coast of Tahiti, known for its university and beaches.

Pirae

Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.

Mahina

Mahina is a coastal commune in northern Tahiti, famous for the historical Point Venus and black sand beaches.

Paea

Paea is a commune on the west coast of Tahiti, rich in archaeological sites and coral reefs.

Papara

Papara is an extensive commune on the southern coast of Tahiti, known for its agriculture and wide beaches.

Arue

Arue is a commune in northeastern Tahiti that offers a mix of industrial areas and exclusive residential neighborhoods.

Taravao

Taravao is a strategically important town located on the isthmus connecting the two peninsulas of Tahiti.

Toahotu

Toahotu is a commune at the entrance of the Tahiti Iti peninsula, known for its white sand beaches and coconut groves.

Afaahiti

Afaahiti is a commune on the Tahiti Iti peninsula, bordering the important commercial center of Taravao.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a village in southern Tahiti known for its lush vegetation and historical links to Paul Gauguin.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a picturesque coastal commune on the southern shore of Tahiti, renowned for its lush botanical gardens and serene beaches.

Paopao

Paopao is a village located at the base of the majestic Cook's Bay on the island of Moorea.

Papeari

Papeari is a coastal village on Tahiti famous for its natural beauty and the Paul Gauguin Museum.

History & landmarks

Point Venus

Captain Cook landed here in 1769 to observe the transit of Venus.

More places

Papeete Town Hall

Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.

Vaiare

Vaiare is the primary port of Moorea and the main gateway for travelers arriving by ferry from Tahiti.

Bounty Memorial Tahiti

This monument honors the historic voyage of the Bounty.

Captain Cook Monument Mahina

A monument at Point Venus honoring James Cook.

Point Venus Lighthouse

This 25-meter high lighthouse was built in 1867.

Monument of the Missionaries

A monument at Point Venus commemorating the arrival of the first Christian missionaries in Tahiti in 1797.

James Norman Hall Home

The former residence of the co-author of 'Mutiny on the Bounty' is now a museum.