Hiva Oa, Marquesa Islands

Hiva Oa is the largest and most fertile island in the Marquesas islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. The island is best known as the final resting place of French artist Paul Gauguin; there is a museum dedicated to him and his simple grave can be seen at Calvary Cemetery.

Hiva Oa is also known for the spectacular Tahuata, the visible remains of a huge sunken volcano. The ‘tikis’ in the village of Puamau, are also a highlight. In the jungle above the village is the Oipona me'ae temple and the 8-ft. tall tiki Takaii, the largest stone tiki in Polynesia. Also worth a visit is the picturesque village of Hanaiapa; the petroglyphs carved in stone in Eiaone and Punai; the me'ae temple and black sand.

Things to See and Do

* Gaugin Museum
* Oipona me'ae temple
* Village of Hanaiapa
* Pauamau village
* Calvary Cemetery

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 85 km²
Population – 590 approx
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 at Autona village, in the Bay of Traitors.

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.