Marquesas Islands Tahiti
The Marquesas Islands are around 1,600 km northeast from Tahiti. Made up of twelve volcanic islands, the smaller six are uninhabited. The other six are populated by around 7,000 people and divided into two very distinct groups around 95 km apart. The main islands are Hiva Oa located in the south and Nuku Hiva in the north.
The Marquesas Islands were once a major centre of Polynesian civilisation and are among the largest groups of islands in all of French Polynesia. The best known islands in the Marquesas are Hiva Oa, Ua Pou and Nuku Hiva which is in fact the second largest in the area, after Tahiti. Nuku Hiva is often referred to as the Mystic Island.
There is much for the visitor to see on Nuku Hiva, including the Taipivai Valley – a gorgeous lush green valley with numerous cascading waterfalls and one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Marquesas - which includes several tiki.
The Kamuihei archaeological site is very interesting and actually has some houses that have been reconstructed on the original foundations. Diving and snorkelling around the island are also popular, although the water can sometimes be muddy. For something different why not try a shark feeding or swim tour?
Hiva Oa is the final resting place of famous French artist Paul Gauguin – visit the museum dedicated to him. You could also visit the largest tikis found in all of Polynesia in the village of Puamau or the spectacular Tahuata – which is the remains of a huge sunken volcano.
