Plizio Visual Lab
Mahina
ℹ️Practical info — Mahina
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit Point Venus lighthouse in the late afternoon for sunset views and a historical perspective.
- The black sand beach can get very hot midday. Bring water and sandals as amenities are limited.
- Parking near the lighthouse is generally free but fills up quickly on weekends.
- The bay is fairly calm, but always heed local warning signs regarding water currents.
🍽 Food
Raw fish salad in coconut milk - look for local roulottes (food trucks) near the beach.
Tahitian donuts - grab them fresh in the morning from small bakeries along the main road.
Fresh local catch, often served with a vanilla sauce at beachside eateries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Colorful wrap skirts from small vendors around Point Venus.
Pick up papayas and bananas from roadside stalls along the coastal road.
Well-suited for a picnic under the shade of the ironwood trees.
The eastern end of the black sand beach is quieter and great for a long walk.
Water temperature…
Mahina is a spirited coastal commune on the northern shores of Tahiti, steeped in both Polynesian culture and significant maritime history. Its most famous landmark is Point Venus, where Captain James Cook landed in 1769 to observe the Transit of Venus for the Royal Society. The area is also home to the island's only lighthouse, built in 1867, which remains a sturdy symbol of the colonial era. Visitors are drawn to Mahina's impressive black sand beaches, a hallmark of Tahiti's volcanic origins, providing a dramatic backdrop for swimming and relaxation. The bay is a favored spot for surfers and sailors due to its consistent swell and wind conditions. Inland, the commune is flanked by lush, jagged mountains that offer scenic hiking opportunities through tropical valleys and past hidden waterfalls, making Mahina a diverse destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- Location: French Polynesia
- Top sights: Salle du Royaume des Témoins de Jéhovah · Église adventiste du 7è jour · Temple Getesemane
- Nearby: Pirae (5 km)
- Population: ~14.369 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 190 | 175 | 134 | 116 | 90 | 69 | 52 | 47 | 40 | 84 | 113 | 221 |
Geography
Facts
- population: 14,000 (2017)
- area: 51 km²
- lighthouse built: 1867
- Cook observation: 1769
- fort built: 1844
- highest elevation: 2,066 m (Mount Aorai)
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mahina (10)
Temple Getesemane
Protestant temple in Mahina, named after Gethsemane. A place for prayer and community work.
Église St Paul
Church in French Polynesia, France. Dedicated to Saint Paul. A Catholic place of worship.
Chapelle de Muriavai
Chapel in Mahina, in the Muriavai district. Serves the local community for prayer and devotion.
Belvédère du Tahara'a
Viewpoint in Mahina. Gives a wide view over the north coast of Tahiti and the sea.
Phare de la Pointe Vénus
Lighthouse in French Polynesia, France. Marks the northern tip of Tahiti, Pointe Vénus.
Venus Beach
Beach in Mahina on the north coast of Tahiti. Named after nearby Pointe Vénus. Sandy beach for swimming.
Frequently asked questions
What is the landmark of Mahina?
Is the black sand beach safe?
Can you snorkel here?
What is the atmosphere in Mahina like?
Is there accommodation there?
Mahina: where is it located?
Mahina: what is there to see?
Mahina: when is the best time to visit?
Mahina: why is it worth visiting?
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