Hienghène

Hienghène is the village on the northeast coast where black limestone rocks rise straight out of the bay, one of them shaped so like a sitting hen that it gave the formation its name. The Lindéralique cliffs run behind it, sharp weathered stone in the middle of tropical forest, and the mouth of the Hienghène river opens between them. This coast is the heart of Kanak country, with tribal guesthouses, yam gardens and the memory of Jean-Marie Tjibaou, who was born here. Boats run out to the reef, and the road south through Poindimié is the finest drive on the island.