At the northernmost tip of Tahiti lies a site steeped in both legend and history: Pointe Vénus. Known in Tahitian as Teara o Tahiti or Tepaina Venuti, this enchanting spot in the commune of Mahina is home to the island’s only lighthouse – a towering sentinel that has watched over the Pacific since the 19th century.
Overlooking the serene Matavai Bay, the Pointe Vénus Lighthouse is not just a navigational structure – it is a monument to discovery, scientific exploration, and cultural convergence.
🌌 From the Stars to the Sea
The name “Pointe Vénus” pays tribute to a pivotal moment in scientific history. In 1769, British explorer Captain James Cook chose this location to observe a rare astronomical event: the transit of Venus across the Sun. The aim? To calculate the distance between Earth and the Sun – a breakthrough in understanding our solar system. To carry out this mission, Cook and his crew established Fort Venus, a fortified camp and observatory.
The Birth of a Lighthouse
With increasing maritime activity in the Pacific, a lighthouse was commissioned in 1866 to aid navigation. The project was entrusted to Brother Gilbert Soulié, a skilled builder known for his religious constructions. The lighthouse was erected using coral stone and rubble masonry, and lit for the first time on January 1, 1868. Standing initially at 25 meters, it emitted a steady white light visible up to 215 nautical miles.
Later, in 1953, the structure was raised by 9 meters, bringing it to its current height of 34 meters. It was electrified in 1973, and today, it’s fully automated – also equipped with aerial beacon lenses for use in aviation navigation.
A Site of Many Firsts
Pointe Vénus is not only the site of the first lighthouse in French Polynesia, but it’s also a place that marked several historic arrivals:
- 1767: British explorer Samuel Wallis arrives aboard the Dolphin, anchoring in Matavai Bay after months at sea. A failed attempt to land earlier led to the naming of a coral reef as the “Dolphin Bank”, commemorating the ship’s brief grounding there.
- 1769: James Cook lands to conduct his astronomical observations of Venus.
- 1797: The London Missionary Society arrives on the Duff and sets up its base at Pointe Vénus.
- 1867: The lighthouse is completed and illuminated.
A Camouflaged Beacon in Wartime
One of the most intriguing tales surrounding the lighthouse took place during World War II. Fearing enemy attacks, the people of Mahina cleverly disguised the lighthouse by painting coconut trees on its facade – blending it seamlessly into the surrounding grove. The camouflage was so effective that, legend says, even the lighthouse keeper would sometimes get lost after a few too many drinks, mistaking real coconut trees for the tower’s stairs!
A Hidden Treasure of Tahiti
Though rich in history and beauty, Pointe Vénus remains a relatively quiet destination compared to other tourist hotspots. Its black sand beach, shimmering emerald waters, and panoramic views of Moorea make it a favorite among locals – perfect for a walk, a swim, a surf session, or a lesson in Polynesian history.
This site, where European explorers first encountered Polynesian culture, has regained popularity in recent years, especially as a destination that blends leisure with cultural depth.
A Living Legacy
More than just a historic monument, the Pointe Vénus Lighthouse is a living symbol – a witness to centuries of Pacific exploration, cultural exchange, and scientific advancement. Still active today, it continues to guide ships and planes, just as it guides curious minds into the stories of the past.
Whether you’re drawn by its legend, its beauty, or its quiet grandeur, Pointe Vénus invites you to pause… and look up, toward the stars.
