Raiatea, located in the center of the “Polynesian triangle” full of islands, attracts not only with its white beaches but also with its unique historical monument. In the heart of the island is based the Taputapuatea Marae complex. It is a political, ceremonial, funeral, and religious center of ancient tribes. It is located on the coast of the peninsula.

Taputapuatea illustrates the thousand-year history of the Maoha civilization. Marais (translated from local dialects as "sacred place") was installed throughout Polynesia. These are squared paved courtyards with a right-angled platform on one end called Ahu. Several entrances are reaching 1.5-2 meters in height. Basalt stones are connected without the use of a solution. Despite this fact, they are very solid. In the center, there is a sculpture devoted to God Oro. Marae is a place where the world of the livings (te ao) intersects with the world of ancestors and gods (te po). The chiefs and shamans made rites ad rituals there.

Taputapuatea was also a political center. Chiefs, warriors, and pagan priests from all over the world and neighboring islands came there. At the meetings, they solved the most important issues about the establishment of borders, the trade, as well as concluded military unions and marriages.

In the picturesque lagoon, close to the complex, you can still find pieces of pottery and wooden canoes. The lucky ones even find jewelry.

The stone statues protecting the entrance to the sacred place have been also preserved. Their black figures are marked on the background of bright green forests and azure waters. The idols are made of black volcanic rocks, several round huge stones are even put at each other. They look like giant warriors from local legends. Even tourists in the 21st century feel uneasy from their looks.

The Taputapuatea complex is located in a very picturesque place. On the one hand, there is a lagoon with a coral reef where sea birds live, on the other - wooded valleys surrounded by rocks and the Sacred Mount Teipatu.