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Marae Tainuu

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Marae Tainuu is situated on the scenic west coast of Raiatea, often referred to as the 'sacred island' of French Polynesia. Located in the village of Tevaitoa, this marae is distinguished by its monumental stone wall that stretches for nearly 50 meters, comprised of massive, upright basalt slabs known as orthostats. For centuries, it served as the paramount ceremonial and political hub for the Tevaitoa clan, hosting sacred rites and important communal gatherings. The site holds a unique place in history due to the 19th-century church built directly upon its foundation by missionaries, creating a striking juxtaposition of traditional Polynesian and Christian architecture. This layering of history provides a tangible look at the cultural shifts that occurred following European arrival. Today, the marae remains a site of great cultural pride and historical significance, offering visitors a quiet place to reflect on the ancient traditions and the enduring spirit of the Raiatean people.

Location: French Polynesia
Top sights: Hemisphere sub · Eglise évangélique de Pentecôte
Nearby: Uturoa (5 km)

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	28	28	28	28	27	27	26	26	26	26	27	27
Rain mm	198	174	142	118	93	60	42	42	34	72	111	216

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Marae Tainuu in Tevaitoa on the west coast of Raiatea is open to visitors. You can view the impressive stone wall and platforms from outside. The grounds are freely accessible.

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Typical hours

The site is usually accessible during daytime. As there are no fixed hours, best visited between sunrise and sunset.

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Photography

Photography is welcome. Take the opportunity to photograph the tall stone wall in its full size. Avoid flash for authentic shots.

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Time needed

Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to walk around the wall and terraces. The site is compact, but the stone wall details are worth seeing.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with other marae in Tevaitoa, such as Marae Tainuu (Tevaitoa). A trip to Faaroa Bay is also worthwhile.

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Getting there

The marae is located in the village of Tevaitoa on Raiatea's west coast, about 20 minutes by car from Uturoa. Follow the coastal road and signs.

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Insider tip

Visit the site in the late afternoon when the setting sun bathes the stone wall in warm light. A short walk along the coast afterwards completes the trip.