Papeete Sightseeing: Royal Tombs and Falls

November 5, 2026

Sightseeing around Papeete mixes colonial-era buildings, royal history and coast-road stops. Most places are free to see, and several are solemn sites where quiet behaviour matters. Distances are from central Papeete.

Mairie de Papeete

The town hall on Rue Paul Gauguin is described as a replica of the royal palace of Queen Pomare IV. Its counter is open Monday to Thursday 07:30 to 15:30 and Friday 07:30 to 14:30. It is also where hikers buy permits for the Fautaua Valley, though the permit office keeps shorter hours, so see the walking page before you go.

Parc Bougainville

This shaded park runs near the Boulevard Pomare waterfront, with large banyan trees and a monument. It is a short walk from the Marche and the ferry terminal, so it fits easily into a morning.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The cathedral on Rue du General de Gaulle is an active church. Dress modestly, keep your voice low and do not take photographs during Mass. Mass and visiting times are posted by the parish at cathedraledepapeete.com .

Tomb of King Pomare V, Arue

At Outu’ai’ai Point in Arue, at about kilometre 7.4 on the coast road, a pyramid-shaped tomb of coral blocks is topped with an urn. It was built after Queen Pomare IV died in 1877, and King Pomare V was buried there in 1891. Treat it as a royal tomb, and keep conversation and photography respectful.

Point Venus

About 10 km north-east of Papeete on Matavai Bay, Point Venus is where Captain Cook watched the 1769 transit of Venus. The lighthouse was built in 1867 and first lit on 1 January 1868, and the interior is usually closed to visitors. The black-sand beach and the grounds are free to walk.

Arahoho Blowhole and Faarumai

The Arahoho Blowhole on the east coast reopened on 30 October 2026 after cliff works. In big swell it throws spray and noise through the opening, and it is a viewing stop only, so stand well back. Nearby, the Faarumai waterfalls are open daily. Vaimahuta (80 m) is a few minutes’ walk, and Haamaremare Rahi (100 m) and Haamaremare Iti (40 m) are 20 to 30 minutes further. Those two close on works days, and the basalt wall has collapsed in places, so call the Service du Tourisme on +689 40 47 62 00 before you go.

Marae Arahurahu, Paea

This restored temple site on the west coast is open daily, and Polynesian shows are sometimes held there. Marae are sacred ground, so keep off the stone platforms and take nothing away.

Taharuu Beach

A black-sand beach in Papara, about 45 minutes by car, with a picnic area, toilets and showers. Surf and currents can be strong, and no lifeguard cover is confirmed.

Tours that cover several of these stops are listed at Papeete sightseeing tours .