ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS
Go there and contact
Huahine abounds in archaeological remains, particularly between Maeva and Faie, where the royal families once resided. Fifty-four marae were inventoried in 1925, ten more were subsequently discovered and sixteen have since been restored. This is the largest concentration of marae in French Polynesia, attesting to an ancient occupation by the first Polynesians; most date back to the 16th century. In the village of Maeva, not far from the airport, you can see some twenty of these stone constructions, as well as the fortification walls, reconstructed or left as they are. This site provides invaluable information on a period when the royal power, of which Maeva was the central place, undertook major hard construction work, whereas even today, most fares are made of wood. The fare pote'e is a huge, empty thatched hut, a reconstruction of a meeting place that could accommodate 350 people. The Manunu marae stands between sea and lagoon on motu Oavarei, representing the island community. A huge mass, 40 m long and 6.50 m wide, formed by a triple wall of slabs over 2 m high, it is said to contain, near the altar, the tomb of Raiti, the last high priest of Maeva; when he died in 1915, one of the marae 's rows of stones collapsed. The site has recently been refurbished to make it more accessible to tourists, and comprehensive information panels have been installed.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners
