Hiva Oa :

This majestic and historic island is known for its wild, untamed landscape, giant stone tiki, endless and unearthly vistas, and as the final resting place of poet Jacques Brel and artist Paul Gauguin.

Administrative capital of the southern group, Hiva Oa isthe most well know island of the Marquesas. Paul Gauguin and Jaques Brel spent the last years of their lives here. The island has many other interests, like the archaeological sites of Puamau where one can observe the biggest tikis of French Polynesia, or the site of Taaoa which boasts more than one thousand paepaes.

An interesting museum is found in the centre of the village, which exhibits amongst others , copies of Gauguin's work, and very nearby, the "house of pleasure " where the artist lived during his time here.Air Tahiti serves the islands regularly from Papeete or Rangiroa. Speed boats heading for Fatu Hiva and Tahuata leave from Atuona.

Getting To and Around the Island of Hiva Oa

Getting to and around the Marquesas is a unique experience. Operating seven days a week, Air Tahiti provides to Hiva Oa with a 3-1/2 hour flight from Papeete and Nulu Hiva. Continuing flights and helicopter charters connect Nuku Hiva to Hiva Oa with several weekly 35-minute flights. Several inter-island vessels are in operation, however they are seldom used by visitors.

The Aranui 3, and several inter-island vessels offer service between the primary islands.

Always an adventure, travel to and from the airport should be scheduled by your preferred travel professional or by your hotel. Depending on road conditions and the location of your hotel, airport transfers can either be by boat, horse, 4x4 truck or by helicopter from Héli inter Marquises.

Travel around the islands requires planning as well. Although 4x4 rental vehicles are available, it is advisable to hire a guide to negotiate the steep, rugged, and unfamiliar roads occasionally used by herds of wild horses. Around the islands, motorboat rentals offer an enjoyable way to explore the dramatic bays and shoreline.

Dining on the Island of Hiva Oa

The best dining is found at the restaurant at the Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge which features a sweeping panoramic view from every table.

This restaurant have creative French dishes influenced by Marquesan fare. An impressive international wine list compliments the ambience while the views overlooking the mountains and bays.

Traditional Marquesan cuisine can also be enjoyed on Hiva Oa in the villages of Atuona and Puamau.

For the visitor, Hiva Oa means a lot of possibilities:

- Exploration of the high mountains, remote beaches, hidden waterfalls, and deep forests by a 4x4 safari truck, sailboat, or even on horseback.

- Discovery of the archaeological sites of stone tiki, ancient dwellings, and petroglyphs.

- Enchantment from the simple and warm Marquesan people with a history unique among any civilization on earth.

- Enjoyment of shopping for sculptures in tiny studios and craft centers.

- Relaxation with the peaceful ambience and delicious cuisine found at the simple, yet elegant lodges set on the hillsides overlooking the bays.

Cultural Center

The Paul Gauguin Cultural Center opened in 2003 on the 100th anniversary of Gauguin's death. Located on land bought by Gauguin, the center's exhibition of reproductions leads the visitor through three sections themed around quotes attributed to the artist: "escaping to reach art", "the right to dare anything in art", and "becoming part of a primitive culture."

Archaeological Discovery Safaris

Hidden in the theatre of mountains of the Marquesas is a mother lode of ancient sacred sites including ceremonial complexes, stone temples, and tiki statues. On Hiva Oa, an immense ceremonial complex in Taaoa Valley has been restored and offers a unique view of the fierce and proud Marquesan heritage.

Woodcarving

Famous for intricate woodcarvings, Marquesans apply ancestral designs seen nowhere else on earth. Carved from precious native woods such as rosewood and purplewood, Marquesan bowls, plates, and statues are highly prized the world over. These treasures can be bought throughout the islands directly from the artists at their studios.

Adventure Cruising

As if living out a classic South Seas seafaring novel, the most unique way to see the Marquesas is aboard the new Aranui 3 freighter/passenger ship. This working cargo ship is the lifeline to the outside world for the inhabitants of these remote islands. Passengers observe the exchange of supplies, copra, dried coconut, and fruit in addition to exploring each of the islands on guided excursions. The 16-day voyage begins in Papeete and includes 17 ports-of-call in the Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands.

Other activities and sites throughout Hiva Oa :

- 4X4 Safaris into the spectacular valleys and panoramic landscape.

- Tomb of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel.

- Ancient and sacred sites with petroglyphs.

- Guided hikes into Hakaui Valley and among giant Tiki.

- Taaoa Valley Archeological Sites

- Diving in the deep waters with hammerhead, manta rays, and whales.

- Puamau Stone Sculptures & Tiki

Hanaiapa valley:

HAKAIKI ROCK, covered with engravings , southern part of the river Vaipeehia. Tohua and me'ae ,picturesque village with many flowers well worth a visit.

Hanapaoa Valley

Tohua and big me'ae Tapuhoe, great banyan, skeleton bones , engraved stones , crowned tiki.

Taaoa Valley

Biggest archaeological site of Polynesia, partially restored, this site boasts more than one thousand pae paes, a big tohua, many me'ae. The site takes up all of the valley. After visiting this site , one can imagine the ancient Marquesan lifestyle.

Puamau

The trip across the island (45km) ends in Puamau bay, where the Tohua Oipona can be found, the biggest tikis of Polynesia, Takai'i 2.43 M high.Many me'ae found closeby.The tomb of a chief watched over by 2 tikis Mani and Pauto is found at the Tohua Peketa.

Atuona Valley

On the Hanamenu track ,the tohua Pekia, a me'ae with tiki is found in an area called "ATIKUA", an old cemetery dating back to the pre european period.

Atuona

The museum permanently exhibits copies of paul Gauguin's paintings. Closeby one can visit a handicraft centre as well as the reconstructed "house of pleasure". A path leads to the cemetery of Jaques Brel and Paul Gauguin. On Gauguin's tombstone a replica of a statue which the artist called "oviri"(savage) symbolises the values which the artist looked for in the Marquesas.A stele in memory of Jaques Brel was placed on a headland where the singer wished to build his house.

Tahauku

Near Atuona , in Tahauku valley , "Hakaua" fortification of nine layers of enormous boulders , featuring an enormous megalith carved with many petroglyphs.