Things to Do in Taiohae

Dark sand beach along the bay with calm, shallow water. Toilets and a few picnic tables under the ironwood trees.

🕐 Daily 6:00–18:00

💡 Don't swim after heavy rain – run-off makes the water cloudy. Best for a paddle or watching the supply ship come in.

Stone cathedral built in the 1970s with striking Makatea coral walls and carved wooden interior. The painted ceiling shows local sea and bird life.

🕐 Daily 7:00–17:00

💡 Park at the harbour and walk up – the intricate pearl-shell inlays on the altar are easy to miss in bright sunlight.

Covered market hall with local fruit, vegetables, fish and basic handicrafts. The real action is the stalls outside the building.

🕐 Mon–Sat 6:00–12:00

💡 Arrive before 9am for the freshest breadfruit and ura (spiny lobster). No haggling – prices are already low by French standards.

Ancient stepped stone platform and petroglyph site used for chiefly ceremonies. Set back from the road by the school.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Go early morning to avoid heat and see the carved turtles and fish in the slanting light – they're on the lower boulder.

Short, steep dirt track leading to a rocky point with a wide view over the entire Taiohae Bay and the surrounding peaks.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Wear proper sandals or trainers – the path is loose gravel. There's no rail at the top, so keep kids close.