Fodor's Expert Review Marae & Fare Pote Museum
Maeva is rich in archeological sites; there are the remains of a handful on the shore of Lake Fauna Nui along with a replica of a 19th-century fare pote (meeting house). Today the meeting house is used as a museum and cultural center, displaying ancient tools, woven cloth, and historical pictures. It's only open when cruise ships are in port. The 2.5-km (1.5-mi) Matairea-rahi trail is virtually littered with the remnants of ancient temples and islanders' home; some 20 or so can be seen on the trail. The Matairea-rahi Marae was the most important temple in the Society Islands before the building of Taputapuatea on the island of Raiatea, and was used for solemn ceremonies including human sacrifices. Signs, in English and French, can be found near the lakeside marae and the Fare Pote. They explain the meaning of temple design and the purpose of the replica wooden totem poles (some decorated with animals) that are wedged into the stone platforms on the lakeshore. The path leading... READ MORE
Maeva is rich in archeological sites; there are the remains of a handful on the shore of Lake Fauna Nui along with a replica of a 19th-century fare pote (meeting house). Today the meeting house is used as a museum and cultural center, displaying ancient tools, woven cloth, and historical pictures. It's only open when cruise ships are in port. The 2.5-km (1.5-mi) Matairea-rahi trail is virtually littered with the remnants of ancient temples and islanders' home; some 20 or so can be seen on the trail. The Matairea-rahi Marae was the most important temple in the Society Islands before the building of Taputapuatea on the island of Raiatea, and was used for solemn ceremonies including human sacrifices. Signs, in English and French, can be found near the lakeside marae and the Fare Pote. They explain the meaning of temple design and the purpose of the replica wooden totem poles (some decorated with animals) that are wedged into the stone platforms on the lakeshore. The path leading to the hillside trail, however, is a little tricky to find. You will find the start of the trail a little farther along the road from the public bathroom.
READ LESS
