Amaru: Crafts and Historic Sites

Amaru brings together several cultural topics that are easy to distinguish: crafts in the village, the foundations of Marae Tonoha'e, and the royal cemetery by the sea. They range from activities and items made to archaeological remains and a resting place for several generations of rulers. This variety can be put to practical use when planning your trip: consider whether you are particularly interested in craft processes, architectural traces, or a place with royal connections. If you are planning a family trip, these different perspectives can help you choose your destination together.

Crafts in the Village

In Amaru, you can experience the weaving of baskets, peue mats, and hats; the processing of fara, or pandanus; and the making of pupu, or shell, necklaces. These examples go beyond a general impression of craftsmanship: they describe the weaving of different objects, the processing of a material, and the making of jewelry. This lets you distinguish the activities by what is made or processed in each case. If you are traveling with children, you can focus your shared interest on tangible things: What is woven, which material is processed, and what is made into a necklace? These questions draw attention to the work you can experience in the village and make the different activities easy to understand.

Marae Tonoha'e and Its Foundations

Marae Tonoha'e is on a hill behind the beach of the present-day village of Amaru. What remains are broken foundations made of old coral slabs. Its location and condition give the site a clear character: this is a fixed place with architectural remains whose material and state of preservation are specifically identified. This distinguishes the marae from the work carried out in the village. The craft activities focus on processes and products; the marae, on archaeological traces of a particular place.

The Royal Cemetery by the Sea

The cemetery by the sea in Amaru is a landmark on Rimatara. As a royal cemetery, it is the resting place of several generations of Rimatara’s kings and queens. Alongside the archaeological remains, this gives Amaru a second, clearly distinct historical connection: here, the focus is on a royal resting place spanning several generations. The contrast can help you decide what interests you: the marae is defined by its foundations of coral slabs, while the cemetery is defined by the generations buried there. Craft as an activity, archaeological traces, and a royal resting place each offer a distinct focus.

Choose Amaru as a Destination

If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Amaru, the cultural topics can help you make a more specific decision about your destination. Consider whether you are particularly interested in the work carried out in the village or in the historic sites, and what fits your travel plans. If you are planning with your family, you can weigh the different options together.

Discover more destinations: Rairua, Vaiuru.

For the broader travel overview: Austral Islands.