Ua Pou, Marquesa Islands, French Polynesia

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 south of Nuku Hiva, in the northern Marquesas.

It has imposing jagged cliffs rising from the sea. Four basalt pillars shaped like sugarloaves overlook the sheltered bay where Hakahau its main village is to be found. Hakahau boasts the first Marquesan church, built in 1859, and in Haakuti and Hakahetau villages there are small Catholic churches built on top of paepae platforms.

The island has a number of archaeological sites and is well-known for its wood carvings,tattoos, its musicians and dance artists.

Things to See and Do

* Village of Hakahau
* Island tour
* Archaeological sites
* Local crafts & wood carvings
* Musicians and dance artists

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 106 km²
Population – 2,000 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 in the village of Hakahau.

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.