Hiva Oa
French Polynesia · Marquesas Islands · 30 m
Description
Hiva Oa is the second-largest of the Marquesas Islands and a remarkable blend of Polynesian culture, archaeology, and European artistic heritage. The island is best known as the final home of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, whose graves lie in the Calvary Cemetery above Atuona. The Paul Gauguin Cultural Center and Espace Jacques Brel commemorate the two artists, while the monumental tiki at Iipona near Puamau rank among the most important archaeological treasures in the Marquesas. Steep volcanic slopes, deeply carved valleys, and a rugged coastline shape Hiva Oa’s landscape, giving the island a remote, dramatic character and preserving much of its traditional Polynesian heritage.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Paul Gauguin & Jacques Brel graves (Calvary Cemetery)
- Iipona archaeological site & tiki statues (Puamau)
- Paul Gauguin Cultural Center
- Jacques Brel Cultural Center
- Atuona village
- Atuona Bay
- Coastal hiking trails
- Ta'a Oa Valley
- Puamau Valley
- Eiaone Bay
- Hanaiapa Bay
- Motu Nao viewpoint
- Pae Pae Manfred Gensler
- Marae Tohua Koueva
- Hiva Oa 4x4 island tour
- Horseback riding in Hiva Oa
- Tahuata day trip(Day trip)
- Hiva Oa wild horses
Getting there
- Airports:
- AUQ
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry