Place Tarahoi (Tarahoi Square), Papeete

Tarahoi Square in Papeete is an emblematic hub of Tahitian history, politics, and royal legacy, tracing its roots back to Queen Pomare IV’s royal residence. Originally a marshy land with ancestral significance, Tarahoi became the seat of power for the Pomare dynasty and later the administrative center for the French government in French Polynesia after they took control in 1842. Although Queen Pomare’s grand home no longer stands, the Papeete Town Hall replicates its architectural spirit, serving as a modern homage to the royal past.

The square is bordered by buildings of contemporary political importance. On the left stands the Territorial Assembly, where visitors can walk the halls during business hours. To the right are buildings housing French governmental offices, including the home of the President of French Polynesia. Front and center, a monument to Pouvanaa a Oopa honors the Tahitian leader who fought valiantly in both World War I and for Tahitian autonomy from France, symbolizing the enduring spirit of independence and self-determination.

Central to the square is a historic banyan tree, over 300 years old, entwined with Tarahoi’s past. Once a gathering spot under its shaded canopy, where soldiers relaxed with absinthe, the tree was preserved in 2003 when the square was redesigned to include a parking area. This banyan, likely the only native tree to survive in modern Papeete, stands as a testament to resilience amid change.

The surrounding gardens of Tarahoi were once known as the royal gardens of Queen Pomare IV. Redesigned and reopened in 2013, these lush spaces offer visitors a secluded escape behind the Assembly building, complete with a botanical trail, a freshwater pool, and a serene atmosphere that recalls the royal legacy of the queen.