Visit this elegant memorial made of coral and learn about the alcoholic final Tahitian monarch who replaced his mother’s remains with his own.
The Tomb of King Pomare V is a monument that pays tribute to the last king of Tahiti. Constructed primarily from coral stones, the structure holds aloft a red Grecian urn and has several intriguing features. Visit this memorial for a glimpse into Tahiti’s past and enjoy views of the South Pacific Ocean.
Take a guided tour of the Tahiti coastline and stop at this point to learn about the king’s place in the island’s culture and history. He reigned from 1877 for 3 years and was responsible for giving Tahiti and its dependencies to France, at which point his position as king was abolished. Just over a decade later, he died of alcoholism.
Capture photos of the elegant memorial with a picturesque backdrop of the ocean. It has a red frame surrounding a wooden door, which matches the red emblem and rooftop urn.
Note that the structure was initially built in honor of the king’s mother, Queen Pomare IV. However, the king had her remains removed a few years after its construction so his own remains could eventually occupy the impressive spot. It is said he wanted his corpse to enjoy the ocean vista. Visit the nearby Royal Pomare Cemetery for the graves of his mother and the previous rulers in his family.
Embark on a leisurely stroll with your family along the shore. Have a picnic in the shade of the trees that surround the monument. Plenty of hotels and resorts are located in this coastal region. Go for a few drinks at one of the hotel bars and watch the sunset. Visit the area surrounding the monument for free. It is open to the public at all times.
The Tomb of King Pomare V is on a headland just east of a small harbor on the northern shores of Ārue. Drive east from Pape’ete for almost 20 minutes to get here. See nearby sights, such as the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the Royal Pomare Cemetery and Yacht Club Tahiti.
