Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia - All About Vacations

The Marquesas Islands are an almost wild archipelago of French Polynesia, lost in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of 15 islands, of which only 6 are inhabited - Nuku Hiva , Ua Huka , Ua Pou , Hiva Oa , Tauata and Fatu Hiva . The Marquesas have no lagoons or protected coral reefs. Almost everywhere, the jagged coastline with volcanic peaks falls directly into the raging waters. Deep pristine valleys, as well as the most unique archaeological sites of the southern islands, are the main treasures here. From a cultural point of view, the Marquesas are one of the main centers of civilization in Eastern Polynesia. Since ancient times, this land has been called "Te Henua " "Enata ", or "Land of People", is also the dream come true of Paul Gauguin. It is a lost world with an authentic history, colorful landscapes and bright adventures.

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Geography and administrative division

Volcanic islands that grew in the ocean from the magma of a deep volcano at the greatest distance from the rest of the world. The distance from the Marquesas to the nearest continental land is 4800 kilometers (Mexico). These are some of the most inaccessible islands on the planet.

Administratively, the Marquesas Islands are the northernmost part of French Polynesia and one of its five provinces. At the same time, they are located at a distance of almost 1,500 kilometers from the main island of Tahiti. Geographically, they are divided into northern and southern. The large islands of the northern group are Nuku Hiva , Ua Pou , Ua Huka , Eiao . In the south are Hiva Oa , Fatu Hiva , Tahuata , Moho Tani . The capital is the town of Taiohae , on the island of Nuku Hiva . Most of the population lives on Hiva Oa .

• Number of islands: 15
• Total area: 1049 km²
• Population: about 9 thousand people
• Languages: French, Tahitian, Marquesan dialects

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History and name of the Marquesas Islands

The first inhabitants of the distant Marquesas, according to research, were people from Tonga and Samoa, around 100 BC. The local tribes had virtually no contact with the outside world. The Spanish navigator Alvaro gave the islands their modern name. Mendaña de Neira in honor of the Marquis of Cañete in 1595. The northern part of the archipelago has a second unofficial name - the Washington Islands. This is what the fur trader Joseph Ingram called them in 1791. Since 1870, the Marquesas Islands were under the rule of France and later became part of French Polynesia. According to historians, the population of the archipelago significantly decreased at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries due to smallpox brought by Europeans.

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Climate and natural conditions

The climate of the Marquesas is considered equatorial, but differs from those natural and climatic conditions that are often characteristic of Polynesia. There are not as many dense thickets as, for example, on Bora Bora or Moorea . The Marquesas archipelago is characterized by drought, which is a real natural anomaly for these latitudes. The whole point is that the easterly winds prevail here, originating in the dry and cold current of the Pacific Ocean. Precipitation most often occurs on the islands with the highest elevations for these places, and the flatter territories are arid.

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When to visit the Marquesas

The Marquesas Islands have seasons that are the opposite of the rest of the French Polynesian archipelagos. The dry season lasts from November to April, and the wet season from May to October. However, the rainy season is not as intense as in other tropical regions. The Marquesas offer comfortable weather for travel all year round.

• Maximum air temperature +26°C, minimum +17°C.
• Average precipitation: up to 1000 mm on leeward slopes, up to 2500 mm on windward slopes.

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What to buy at Marquises

You will definitely want to buy something to remember your trip to the Marquesas Islands by. And it will most likely be one of your most exotic purchases. The Marquesans are well known throughout Polynesia as skilled carvers. On the islands you can buy unique carved items made of wood, volcanic rock and even animal bones. The purchase will be profitable, as here you will find the best price-quality ratio. For example, in Tahiti you can pay twice as much for any souvenir from the Marquesas Islands. Nuku Hiva and Ua Pou have large handicraft centers. In addition to tiki statues made of wood or stone, you can choose from local household items and weapons made of bones, traditional bowls, jewelry and bark cloths (tapa) exclusive to French Polynesia.

Tourism in the Marquesas Islands

The road to the remote archipelago cannot be called fast and inexpensive. But the mystically beautiful islands far from the rest of the world attract travelers with their exoticism. Active tourism among the pristine landscapes will be at its best here. Fantastic mountains, valleys, waterfalls and beaches provide all the opportunities for new impressions. The main entertainment in the Marquesas Islands is tours along country roads and among rocky coasts, hiking to waterfalls and searching for archaeological heritage. Which islands in the Marquesas are accessible to tourists?

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Nuku Hiva

The largest island of the archipelago, measuring 30 by 15 kilometers. It is also considered the most picturesque and attractive for travelers. No more than 3 thousand permanent residents live on Nuku Hiva . There are enough accommodation options for travelers. In addition to resort hotels, you can choose a family boarding house at reasonable prices. Tourism is well developed, and the locals are distinguished by their hospitality. The pristine nature and atmosphere on Nuku Hiva are very unusual. The calling card is the huge spire-shaped peaks of basalt rocks. You will also be surprised by the lush valleys, unusual religious idols of ancient times, deep bays of open ocean waters and unrealistically high waterfalls.

Things to do in Nuku Hiva

• Don't miss the aerial views of the Grand Canyon as you depart from the airport in Taiohae . It is one of the most stunning natural sites on the planet, a true Jurassic Park.
• Take a walk to Waipo Falls , the highest in all of French Polynesia.
• Go horse riding along the picturesque Tuvi Plateau .
• Explore local villages where you can sample authentic cuisine and pick up some handcrafted souvenirs.
• Visit the craft market at Taiohae or Taipiwai .
• Solve the mystery of the ancient statues of Nuku Hiva Island , which in appearance and likeness resemble aliens in the modern imagination.
• Be sure to take the time to explore the capital of the Marquesas Islands. Don't miss the local Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Follow the trails of Herman Melville in the Taipiwai Valley , where the author of Moby-Dick found inspiration for his best-selling novel.
• A safari tour to the village and bay of Hatiheu is also not to be missed.
• Not far from Hatiheu is the amazing route through Hikokua , Kamuihei , Tahakiah and Teiipoka . You will see giant banyan trees, ancient petroglyphs, mysterious tiki statues and an ancient altar for human sacrifice.
• Swim and snorkel in Anaho Bay , one of Nuku Hiva's most beautiful beaches and the only reef on the island.

Where to Stay in Nuku Hiva

There is one resort hotel on the island - Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts, as well as several comfortable guesthouses and guest houses:

• Hey Tai Inn
• Pension Koku'u
• Pension Mave May
• Pension Belle Vue
• Pension Chez Mel
• Nuku-Hiva Pitake Lodge
• Pension Haahatea Nui - Chez Julienne
• Pension Moana Nui

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Ua-Hukka

40 kilometers east of Nuku Hiva is another island of the northern group. Ua Huka is the first land of the archipelago, once inhabited by Polynesians. This place has retained its pristine nature to this day. Ancient stone sanctuaries, deep valleys, ancient volcanoes and horses are the main components of the island. By the way, there are more wild horses here than people.

On Ua Huka you can visit the unique Papua Keikaha Museum and Arboretum , where you will walk among the world's largest collection of fruit trees. In the villages of the island there are several mini-museums that tell about the local culture and history. For example, the Maritime Museum in Hana. A very impressive hike to the Waikiwi Plateau , from where there are breathtaking views, can be an alternative to a walking tour, a horse ride. If you plan to stay on the island, you can choose one of the few guest houses.

Ua-Pou

The Polynesian island of Ua Pou is the third largest in the Marquesas Islands. Its area is about 105 square kilometers. No more than 2 thousand people live here and there is an airport. Nevertheless, this oasis still remains mysterious and little-known. This atmosphere is felt already near the coast, when you observe fantastic rocks. Very few tourists come here, with the exception of passengers of the cruise liner Aranui , which cruises the Marquesas Islands. If you are looking for authenticity on distant islands, then on Ua Pou it is simply off the charts. The island has preserved ancient archaeological sites that no one has ever explored, and the extraordinary landscapes of wild Polynesia amaze every imagination.

If you decide to stay on Ua Pou for a couple of days, choose to travel by 4x4. Renting a car locally will not be a problem. Take time to the central village of Hakahau , there is much to see here, it is also worth walking along the main promenade and visiting Hakamui Bay .

The infrastructure includes several shops and bed and breakfast guest houses.

Hiva Oa Island

A large island in the southern Marquesas group, home to about 2,000 Polynesians. An almost wild land of volcanoes and dense jungles where you can hide from civilization. This is the soul of Paul Gauguin, a French post-impressionist artist who created most of his masterpieces on Hiva Oa . And also of the poet and musician Jacques Brel, who was no less selflessly in love with Polynesia. Both creators are buried in the village on Hiva Oa , and their graves are one of the most visited places on the island. This land is also famous for the largest ancient tiki statues in Tahiti. The most impressive of them, more than 2 meters high, is located in the Puamau Valley .

What to visit in Hiva Oa

• The village of Atuona , 30 minutes from the airport. It is here, in the municipal cemetery, that Gauguin and Brel are buried. For a more detailed study of the biography and work of both, you can visit the cultural center in Atuona .
• Taaoa village , 15 minutes drive from Atuona . Authentic settlement at the foot of the mountain. A visit to the Paepae "Upeke" archaeological site is a must here .
• Hanayapa Valley , 20 km from Atuona and Hanatekehua Beach , one of the most picturesque on the island.
• Hanapaaoa Valley , an hour's drive from Atuona , and the village of Puamau . No less beautiful places with wild landscapes. Don't miss a visit to Paepae of IIpona .

Sémhur, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Things to do on the island

Horseback riding . In addition to exciting trips by car or SUV, Hiva Oa is famous as an island of wild horses. There are two centers on the island that offer horseback riding. These are the Hamau ranch (near the airport) and the Jeremy ranch ( Atuona ). The cost is about 55 euros for a 3-hour ride.

Tauata Tour . You can also take a day trip to the picturesque island of Tauata , 4 kilometers south of Hiva Oa . This is one of the key attractions, as the tour provides a rich scenario of events.

Diving . The coastline of Hiva Oa is full of fascinating dive sites. The island is home to the world-class Marquises Center. Diving , which allows you to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the underwater world of the Marquesas Archipelago. Along the coasts you can expect encounters with manta rays and eagle rays, all kinds of sharks, tuna schools and other inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean.

Where to Stay in Hiva Oa

There is one hotel complex Hanakee open on the island Lodge Hiva Oa with traditional Polynesian bungalows, located on a hillside above Atuona Bay . There are also excellent options for accommodation in pensions and guesthouses :

• Pension Temetiu Village
• Pension Villa Enata
• Pension Kanahau
• Chalets Hanakee
• Pension Areke Chez Kaiser
• Guest House Tahauku
• O'Mati House
• Maison d'hote Matavaiei
• Relay Moehau

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Tahuata Island

The smallest of the inhabited islands in the Marquesas region, Tahuata is 61 square kilometers in area. It can only be reached by sea from the coast of Hiva Oa . If you are staying on a nearby island, do not miss a one-day tour to authentic Tahuata . It is famous for its archaeological sites, crystal bays, fertile valleys and magnificent white sand beaches. In the village of Waitahu, you should see the unusual decor of the local church. The village of Hapatoni will surprise you with stunning landscapes and a unique atmosphere.

Tauatu is an island of artisans. Wood and stone are skillfully transformed into household items, tiki statues, interior details, jewelry and weapons. The island is also famous for its Mono'i coconut oil , which is made here according to traditional recipes.

Fatu Hiva

An amazing volcanic island in the southern Marquesas, 77 kilometers from Hiva Oa . It is one of the four large islands of the archipelago. The total land area is about 85 square kilometers. Fatu Hiva embodies all the mystery of the Marquesas . The land of extraordinary excursions among wild nature and ancient culture. The main center is the village of Omoa on the northern coast. About 700 Polynesians live in Omoa and its surroundings today.

Tourism on Fatu Hiva is slowly but surely developing, because the local nature is fascinating with its genuine beauty. This is the most authentic corner of the Marquesas Islands, because Fatu Hiva can only be reached by water. A 12-day cruise around the Marquesas Islands on the passenger-cargo ship " Aranui " is recommended, or you can sail by boat from Atuona , where there is an airport ( Hiva Oa Island ).

What is Fatu Hiva famous for?

• The cozy village of Omoa , where you can visit the cultural center, a small museum and a craft market.
• Nature trails . One of the most spectacular routes runs between the villages of Omoa and Hanawawe . It is a 4-hour walk, or 16 kilometers of dense tropical forest, where you will encounter the archaeological heritage of the island and local people.
• Virgin Bay in Hanawawe village . This place is worth visiting when you decide that the landscapes cannot get any more beautiful. Here, deep rocks of bizarre shapes go straight into the ocean.
• Tapa Island . Tapa is a cloth made from the bark of a banyan or breadfruit tree. A traditional craft of the Marquesas Islands, which has not survived everywhere. Today, tapas are made both for household use and for sale to tourists.

Monster4711, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to get to the Marquesas Islands

Four of the six inhabited islands of the archipelago have their own airports that accept domestic flights from Tahiti. These are Nuku Hiva , Ua Pou , Ua Huka and Hiva Oa . The flight time is about 4 hours. The island of Tauata can be visited as a one-day tour from Hiva Oa . The most isolated in the Marquesas remains Fatu Hiva. It can only be reached if you purchase a multi-day tour on a cruise ship, with a stop at the island.

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The Marquesas Islands are the most exotic region of French Polynesia and the entire Pacific Ocean. Here you will find incredible island adventures!