Hiva Oa, The Garden of the Marquesa Islands!
Hiva Oa is an island in the southern Marquesas, stretching 40 kms from east to west. A line of ridges with an average altitude of 800 meters offers beautiful panoramas on a mysterious setting. There, time seems to stand still somehow.
According to legend, Hiva Oa symbolizes the “great house” of the Creator. Nowadays, it has become the “garden of the Marquesas” thanks to its fertile and lush lands. Nature is so dense that it sort of takes over the green landscape from afar – hiding roads and houses in the background.
The rugged landscapes of the island display mountain ridges, sharp peaks and scattered valleys where archaeological sites and ruins can be found.
Hiva Oa has the largest “tiki” statues (half-human, half-god) of Tahiti & her Islands. With its black sandy beaches shaded by high rocky walls that plunge into the Pacific Ocean. Atuona, the main village, is nestled on the edge of Taaoa Bay. It is overlooked by the Mount Temetiu with an altitude of 1,276 meters. Famous artists have also chosen to setlle down in Hiva Oa – such as the worldly renowned painter Paul Gauguin and the poet, singer and actor, Jacques Brel,
A special force and elegance emerge from this island with rugged relief and beautiful black sand beaches. Hiva Oa is the paradise at the end of the world, a wild and authentic Polynesia that will make your stay an emotional one in the heart of a welcoming, warm and proud population!
Hiva Oa is an unspoiled island that offers magical archaeological and natural sites.
TAHITI EXPERIENCES recommends to choose a native guide of the island
to assist you throughout your discoveries.
Discover the Giants “Tiki” of Puama on an all-terrain vehicle day trip to the north-eastern tip of the island, through a scenic road that crosses various valleys and villages.
Visit the archaeological site of Iipona, famous for its gigantic “Tiki” as “Takai” (2.43 meters in height) and the exceptional “Makai’i Taua Pepe”, the only Polynesian “Tiki” represented horizontally. Then stop for lunch at a local’s house and enjoy a swimming session. On the way back, stop by the Punaei rainforest where the enigmatic “Smiling Tiki” proudly stands erect.
Discover the island of Tahuata located 4 kms away from Hiva Oa: departing from the port of Tahauku for a 45-minute boat trip. Visit the hamlet of Hapatoni and enjoy a stop in the small village of Vaitahu. There, discover its church, museum and its small local market. The inhabitants of Tahuata are renowned for their craftsmanship: wood carvings, horse bones, pigs, goats and even swordfish rostrum. Afterwards, head to a charming white sand beach, where you can swim and relax over a nice barbecue.
Hike to the North Valleys of the island: Depart from Hanaiapa Valley towards Hanatekuua Bay. Go along the coast to an idyllic white sand beach by a huge coconut plantation and enjoy a picnic there and if you feel like swimming, why not?
Hike to the Petroglyphs of Tehueto: After a walk in the rainforest and its green interior, and along various streams, discover the megalithic site of Tehueto with many petroglyphs and its “me’ae” (religious sanctuary).
Discover the Taaoa Valley: Follow the south coast of Hiva Oa to the Taaoa Valley, the last westernmost inhabited valley on the island. Visit the exceptional archaeological site of Upeke, which was one of the largest ancestral ceremonial centers in Polynesia. You will discover platforms, Tiki and sacrificial altars.
Feel free to choose among other activities offered by local professionals. On the program, land activities like a 4×4 safari tour,or going hiking or doing horseback riding and for water activities, choose between going on a fishing trip or diving, just make your choice!
