Marae Tahiri Vairau & Beach


This partly restored marae built of coral slabs sits in a coconut grove beside a lovely strip of coral sand, about 400m past Plage du PK9. The beach offers shimmering waters and is great for sunbathing, picnicking, swimming and snorkelling. Beware of falling coconuts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Plage du PK9

0.34 MILES

A bit of a local’s secret, Plage du PK9 is – you guessed it – 9km west of Rotoava (go past the airport and follow the dirt track towards the northern pass…

2. PK10.5

0.72 MILES

The PK10.5 marks the end of the dirt road, just on the edge of the phenomenal Garuae Pass. By incoming or outgoing current, the pass gets really rough,…

3. Ancien Phare de Topaka

4.07 MILES

This photogenic 15m-tall grey turret (dating from 1957) looks as if it’s on loan from a medieval castle. The lighthouse is no longer in operation. To get…

4. Lagon Bleu (Motu Tehatea)

7.84 MILES

Simply divine. Near the northwestern corner of Fakarava, Lagon Bleu features an indescribably lovely stretch of white-sand coral beach, turquoise-blue…