Punaauia, Coastal commune in Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Punaʻauiʻa is a coastal commune on Tahiti's western side, stretching between mountains and the Pacific Ocean with terrain that rises from sea level to high elevations. The landscape combines flat coastal areas with steep volcanic slopes inland.
The artist Paul Gauguin made this his home in the 1890s and created important artworks here that influenced modern art. His presence helped bring attention to the area in the wider world.
The place preserves Polynesian traditions that blend with French influences, visible in daily life and local celebrations. This mix shapes how residents and visitors experience the community today.
The area is accessible by road and water, with ferry services connecting to nearby islands for those traveling further. Plan visits with local weather patterns and tidal conditions in mind, as these affect daily activities.
This is the second largest commune in French Polynesia and has grown quickly since the 1990s, which is visible today in the mix of newer neighborhoods and older settlements. The rapid expansion reveals how the islands are changing.
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