Landmarks Around Papeete, Near to Far

November 5, 2026

Landmarks are grouped here by distance from central Papeete: in town, along the east coast, and further out. Almost all are free to see.

In town (walkable)

Landmark	Notes
Mairie de Papeete, Rue Paul Gauguin	Replica of Queen Pomare IV’s palace by one description; counter open Mon to Thu 07:30 to 15:30, Fri 07:30 to 14:30
Parc Bougainville	Shaded waterfront park with banyans and a monument
Notre-Dame Cathedral	Active church on Rue du Général de Gaulle; modest dress, quiet, no photos during Mass
Paofai Gardens	About 5 hectares of trees by the lagoon

Mass times and visits: cathedraledepapeete.com .

Just east: Arue and Mahina

Tomb of King Pomare V (Arue, kilometre 7.4). A pyramid of coral blocks with an urn on top, at Outu’ai’ai Point. Queen Pomare IV died in 1877, the tomb was built afterwards, and her son King Pomare V was buried there in 1891. Keep the visit short and quiet, as it is a royal grave.

Point Venus (Mahina, about 10 km). On Matavai Bay, where Captain Cook observed the 1769 transit of Venus. The lighthouse went up in 1867 and was lit on 1 January 1868; you can view it from outside, but not usually enter. The beach has black sand.

Further east: Tiarei

Arahoho Blowhole. On the Papenoo and Tiarei boundary. It reopened on 30 October 2026 after cliff-securing works. In heavy swell it throws spray and noise through the opening, so watch from the platform only.

Faarumai waterfalls. Open daily, with no entry charge listed. Vaimahuta (80 m) is a few minutes’ walk. Haamaremare Rahi (100 m) and Haamaremare Iti (40 m) are 20 to 30 minutes further, and are closed on works days. Rock has fallen from the basalt wall in places. Call +689 40 47 62 00 to check.

West coast

Marae Arahurahu, Paea. A restored Polynesian temple complex, open daily; shows are staged there from time to time. It is sacred (tapu) ground, so keep off the platforms and leave stones and plants undisturbed.

Taharuu Beach, Papara. Black sand, picnic area, toilets, showers, about 45 minutes by road. Surf and currents are strong at times and no lifeguard cover is confirmed.

Join a tour

Many of these stops appear on circle-island itineraries; compare Papeete sightseeing tours .