Motu Oa and Ua Pou, Marquesas Islands

Ua Pou is the third largest of the Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is located about 50 km (30 mi.) south of Nuku Hiva, in the northern Marquesas.

Ua Pou has spectacular peaks, thrusting 4,000 feet into the sky. Four high basalt pillars that reach high above the surrounding mountains. The highest of these pillars, Mount Oave (French: Mont Oave), reaches to 1,230 m (4,035 ft.) above sea level and is the highest elevation in the Marquesas.

The main village is Hakahau, which offers a range of facilities and boasts the first Marquesan church, built in 1859. In Haakuti and Hakahetau villages there are small Catholic churches built on top of paepae platforms.

Uninhabited Motu Oa is a haven for seabirds. Located just off the larger island of Ua Pou, it boasts several species of boobies, noddies, terns, shearwaters, and petrels.

Things to See and Do

* Village of Hakahau
* Island tour
* Basalt pillars
* Birding walks
* Archeological site visit

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 106 km² (Ua Pou)
Population – 2,000 approx (Ua Pou)
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT minus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 689

Port Location – The port is located in the village of Hakahau, on Hakahau bay on the northeast coast of the island.

Transport Links – There are four airports in the Marquesas, one each on the islands of Nuku Hiva, Ua Pu, Ua Huka, and Hiva Oa.

Two cruise ships/luxury liners currently ply the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which does a regular 7-day trip around the Societies, with occasional trips out to the Tuamotus, Marquesas and Cook Islands; and the Tahitian Princess which does similar itineraries.