Name and Location

The Phare de la Pointe Vénus, also known as the Pointe Vénus Lighthouse, is an operational aid to navigation owned by the French government. Located in Māhina, Windward Islands, French Polynesia (France), the lighthouse stands at the coordinates 17°29′42.2″ S, 149°29′39.6″ W.

2. Construction and History

The construction of the Phare de la Pointe Vénus was initiated by the French colonial administration in 1867 and completed in 1868. The site holds significant historical importance as it is where Captain James Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769, earning the headland its name.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a classical cylindrical masonry tower with a gallery and lantern, built using local coral stone and brick, painted white. The tower stands at a height of 31 meters above base, with a focal plane of 31 meters above mean sea level.

4. Light and Navigation

The Phare de la Pointe Vénus emits a white flash every 5 seconds (Fl W 5 s) with a light range of approximately 50 kilometers. The lighthouse is automated and has been so since the mid-to-late 20th century. It operates under the Admiralty reference K 4952.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The grounds surrounding the lighthouse are open daily, free admission. Visitors can park along the roadside and enjoy the adjacent facilities, including a small café, picnic tables, and public restrooms. However, the tower interior is not open to the public.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From its vantage point, the Phare de la Pointe Vénus offers panoramic views of Cook's Bay, the rugged volcanic shoreline, and on clear days, the mountainous silhouette of Moʻorea. Visitors can also explore the adjacent attraction: the Monument to Cook's 1769 transit of Venus observation.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The Phare de la Pointe Vénus has a rich cultural significance, with stories of phantom voices carried on evening sea breezes being an integral part of local folklore. The site is also featured in French Wikipedia as fr:Phare_de_la_pointe_Venus.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse operates under the État (French government) and is a seamark type light_major per IHO/IMO standards. There are no reported AIS/Radar systems at the location.

9. Further Information

For further information, please refer to French Wikipedia article fr:Phare_de_la_pointe_Venus, NGA List of Lights, Pub. 111 (2010), and SHOM nautical publications for French Polynesia.