Although the Catholic cathedral is placed squarely in the town centre, Tahiti remains predominantly Protestant, a lasting legacy of the LMS missionaries. The large pink Temple de Paofai makes an unforgettably colourful scene on Sunday morning, when it is bursting at the seams with a devout hat-wearing congregation dressed in white and belting out soul-stirring himene (hymns).

The church is on the site of the first Protestant church in Pape’ete, which was built in 1818.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Musée de la Perle

0.03 MILES

This pearl museum was created by pearl magnate Robert Wan with aims of luring visitors into his glamorous shop. It’s a worthwhile, small and modern museum…

2. Robert Wan Musée de la Perle

0.03 MILES

This pearl museum was created by pearl magnate Robert Wan with aims of luring visitors into his glamorous shop. It’s a worthwhile, small and modern museum…

3. Ministère de la Culture

0.2 MILES

To the west, along Av Bruat, is the Ministère de la Culture. There’s an exhibition space here that is worth a peek.

4. Jardins de Paofai

0.22 MILES

This is the main walking area along the waterfront, where you’ll find paved walking paths that meander past blooming planter boxes and the occasional tree…

5. Place To’ata

0.25 MILES

This square is an evolving multi-use development project on Pape’ete’s western edge. The far end of the square is home to a 5000-seat pavilion, which is…

6. Parc Bougainville

0.27 MILES

A great spot to just chill out, Parc Bougainville is a tropical oasis in the middle of the city. Lush and cool, it’s fronted by a 1909 bust of the great…