Paopao: Discover Mara’e and Colonial Houses

Paopao offers several different starting points for a trip: Mara’e Ofa’i Tama, with some of its boundaries still visible; colonial houses with distinctive verandas and balustrades; and the Débarcadère de Paopao on Ōpūnohu Bay. History, architecture, and experiences on the water each offer a different focus. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these sides of the area will shape your trip.

Mara’e Ofa’i Tama and its history

Mara’e Ofa’i Tama was once an important mara’e dedicated to children. Today, only a few stones remain standing; they reveal some of the boundaries of the former monument. What is visible, then, is a scattering of stones and parts of the former boundary, not the complete site. Since 1980, efforts have been made to preserve the memory of the mara’e and its heritage. The mara’e is opposite Paopao Primary School. Its former importance, dedication, and preservation efforts bring different aspects of its history to life: the site’s former role, its connection to children, and the ongoing work to preserve its memory.

Arrivals and activities at the Débarcadère

The Débarcadère de Paopao is on Moorea’s north coast, in Ōpūnohu Bay. It serves as an access point for visitors arriving by sea. Its facilities include a parking lot, secure mooring piers, and passenger waiting areas. The landing therefore serves several functions related to arriving, mooring, and waiting. Boat trips, water sports, and discovery tours of the bay depart from the Débarcadère. It is both an access point for visitors arriving by sea and a starting point for these activities. The discovery tours travel through the bay; boat trips and water sports offer additional types of activity. If you’re planning an excursion, check current operators and availability. Local conditions are also a useful guide when it comes to infrastructure.

Colonial houses and the history of vanilla cultivation

Paopao has numerous colonial houses with verandas and white, zigzag balustrades. The zigzag outline of these features is a distinctive façade detail that differs from a straight parapet; the verandas add to the houses’ appearance. Architecture enthusiasts will find striking forms here that catch the eye. Some of the colonial houses belonged to families who became wealthy through vanilla cultivation. Its most successful period was in the 1910s. The architecture can therefore also be connected with an economic past: the prosperity of those families was tied to vanilla cultivation, and the 1910s marked its most successful phase.

Which focus suits your trip?

When choosing a hotel in Paopao, it’s worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip. Are you interested in the history of Mara’e Ofa’i Tama, the architecture of the colonial houses, or the Débarcadère as a starting point for activities? The first two themes offer a way to explore Paopao through its history and architectural styles; the landing is associated with arriving by sea and with excursions or water sports. These different focuses give you a practical guide for your search: decide whether you’re most interested in local history and architecture or in the activities at the landing.

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