Your dream itinerary: 8 days in the heart of Polynesian legends

This itinerary plunges you into the heart of Polynesia’s myths and magnificent landscapes, visiting accessible sites steeped in history. Each stage will lead you to a physical monument, guardian of an ancestral story, with all the information you need to discover it.

Bear in mind that this program is a typical itinerary, designed to give you a glimpse of Polynesia’s legendary treasures in a limited time. To truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an island and take full advantage of its activities and legends, we strongly recommend a minimum two-day stay. This will allow you to explore at your own pace and savor every moment without rushing.

Day 1: Arrival in Tahiti – Legendary Immersion

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Tahiti Faa’a International Airport (PPT), transfer to your accommodation in Papeete or on the west coast. Take time to settle in and freshen up.

• Late afternoon: Head to Marae Arahurahu in Paea.

  • The Monument: A fully restored coastal marae, with its stone altars and tikis.

  • The legend: This marae is famous for being one of the few where re-enactments of ancient ceremonies, such as the Heiva, are still held, perpetuating the traditions and legends associated with the rituals.

  • Access: Easily accessible from the main road on Tahiti’s west coast, with parking nearby.

  • Online source: Marae Arahurahu sur Tahiti Heritage

• Evening: Dinner in a food truck in Papeete to sample the local flavors.

Jour 2 : Exploration de Tahiti – Côte Est Mythique

• • Morning: Explore Tahiti’s east coast. Your first stop: the Three Faarumai Waterfalls in Tiarei.

  • The Monument: Three spectacular natural waterfalls: Vaimahuta, Haamaremare Rahi and Haamaremare Iti. Please note that only one waterfall is accessible (updated July 22, 2025).

  • Legend: Their waters symbolize the transformation of Princess Faùai and her lover Ivi, who, fleeing the wrath of Faùai’s father, were absorbed by the mountain, giving rise to these waterfalls.

  • Access: The site is very popular and well signposted on Tahiti’s east coast, with a parking lot providing easy access to the paths leading to the waterfalls.

  • Online source: Les Légendes de Faarumai sur Tahiti Heritage

• Afternoon: Continue to Mahina to discover the Mahina i te mata hi’o noa stone.

  • The Monument: A special stone whose name means “Mahina to the observing eye”.

  • The Legend: This stone is associated with tales of surveillance or protection, where it plays the role of observer or guardian of the place.

  • Access: Located by the roadside on Tahiti’s north coast, this stone is easily visible and accessible.

  • Online source: Pierre Mahina i te mata hi’o noa sur Tahiti Heritage

• Late afternoon: Return to your accommodation or explore nearby Pointe Vénus, a historic site with a black sand beach.

Day 3: Moorea – Sister Island and its Secrets

• Morning: Short flight (or ferry) to Moorea. Pick up your rental car or arrange a transfer to your hotel.

• Afternoon: Discover the famous Opunohu Bay and admire Mount Rotui.

  • The Monument: Mount Rotui, recognizable by its distinctive shape overlooking Opunohu Bay.

  • Legend: Mont Rotui is said to be the body of a giant octopus named Tau Mata Fee Faatupu Hau, transformed after being deceived by men, its tentacles forming the valleys of Moorea.

  • Access: Opunohu Bay is easily accessible by car from Moorea, and the mountain is visible from many viewpoints around the bay.

  • Online source: La Légende de la Pieuvre de Papetoai sur Tahiti Heritage

• Late afternoon: Contemplate the Mou’a Puta (Pierced Mountain).

  • The Monument: Moorea’s iconic peak is recognizable by the hole that cuts through the mountain.

  •  The legend: Its formation is often attributed to a spear thrown by the god Pai, or an arrow launched by a legendary hero during an epic battle.

  •  Access: Visible from many points on the island of Moorea, including the coastal road and viewpoints along inland roads.

  • Online source: La légende du Mou’a Puta sur Tahiti Heritage

Day 4: Huahine – The Authentic Island and its Heritage

• Morning: Flight to Huahine, a wilder, less touristy island. Transfer to your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Explore the archaeological complex of Maeva, home to Marae Manunu.

The Monument: A very well preserved marae, part of the large Maeva archaeological complex near the lagoon.

• • The legend: Huahine is often called the “Island of Women” and its marae, including Manunu, are linked to tales of powerful queens and royal lineages, testifying to the political and religious importance of these structures.

  •  Access: Located in the village of Maeva on Huahine, the marae can be reached on foot or by car from the well-marked archaeological site.

  • Online source: Marae Manunu de Maeva sur Tahiti Heritage

• Evening: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Huahine.

Day 5: Raiatea – The Cradle of the Gods

• Morning: Short flight from Huahine to Raiatea. Pick up your vehicle or arrange a tour.

• Afternoon: Spend your time visiting the majestic Marae Taputapuatea.

  •  The Monument: The largest and most sacred marae complex in all of Eastern Polynesia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of large stone slabs and altars.

  •  The Legend: A major religious and political center of antiquity, dedicated to the god Oro. It was from here that the great migrations to Hawaii and New Zealand began.

  •  Access: This emblematic marae is easily accessible by road on Raiatea’s southeast coast.

  • Online source: Marae Taputapuatea sur Tahiti Heritage

• Evening: Dinner in Raiatea.

Day 6: Tahaa – Vanilla Island and Hiro’s Tracks

• Full day: Day trip to Tahaa (often by boat from Raiatea, as the two islands share the same lagoon).

  • Visit a vanilla farm, a pearl farm, and of course, explore the sites associated with Hiro’s Footprints.

  •  The Monument: Marks or depressions in the rock, supposedly the footprints of the hero Hiro.

  •  The Legend: The demigod Hiro, famous navigator and builder, is said to have left his footprints as he crossed the island or performed one of his many feats.

  •  Access: With a local guide, these sites are often included in land tours of the island.

  • Online source: Tales of Hiro and his exploits are very present in Polynesian mythology, and local tourist sites on Tahaa mention him..

• Evening: Return to Raiatea.

Day 7: Mataiva and Bora Bora – Island Treasures (optional / for the more motivated)

• Full day: This day would require an additional domestic flight (and potentially an overnight stay if you wish to explore further). If time and budget allow, fly to Mataiva Atoll or Bora Bora.

  • In Mataiva: Visit the Marae Papiro de Tu Paure.

    • The Monument: An important marae, with its typical stone structures.

    • The Legend: This marae is linked to the legend of King Tu Paure and to significant events in the atoll’s history.

    • Access: Access to Mataiva is generally by domestic plane, followed by local transport on the atoll.

    • Online source: Marae Papiro de Tu Paure sur Tahiti Heritage

  • In Bora Bora: Discover Ofa’i Honu (Turtle Stone) or Marae Fare Opu and its turtle petroglyphs.

    • Ofa’i Honu (Monument/Legend/Access/Source: see Day 1 – if not visited in extension)

    •  Marae Fare Opu (Monument/Caption/Access/Source: see Day 1 – if not visited in extension)

    • Online source: Marae Fare Opu et pétroglyphes de tortues sur Tahiti Heritage

• Evening: Return to Tahiti or overnight on the island visited if you wish to extend your trip.

Jour 8 : Départ de Tahiti

• Morning: Enjoy a final Polynesian breakfast.

• Day: Transfer to Tahiti Faa’a International Airport (PPT) for your return flight.

Extension options: Marquesas Islands

• Meae Lipona and Tiki Takai in Paumau, Hiva Oa: If you have more time (3-4 extra days) and a bigger budget, a flight to the Marquesas will allow you to visit this impressive site.

  • The Monument: An imposing meae (marae in the Marquesas) and the Tiki Takai, an ancestral stone sculpture.

  •  The legend: These figures and places of worship are at the heart of Marquesan myths, embodying spirits, ancestors or divinities, and serving as the setting for ritual ceremonies.

  •  Access: On the Marquesas island of Hiva Oa, these archaeological sites are accessible via local roads, often as part of an organized excursion or with a rental car.

  • Online source: Meae Lipona et tiki Takai sur Tahiti Heritage