Ua Huka, Marquesa Islands, French Polynesia

Ua Huka is the smallest of the Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is situated in the northern group of the archipelago, approximately 42 km to the east of Nuku Hiva. It is famous for its wood carvings which are considered the best in Polynesia. Ua Huka is also a major centre for Marquesan crafts. Visit some of the workshops during a tour of the island.

The administrative centre of the island is the settlement of Vaipaee, on the southern side of the island. The remainder of the population live in the villages of Hane and Hokatu. The island is a crescent shape with a large plateau which spreads out at the base of Mount Hitikau. The coast off Haavei is rich in sea life, filled with sharks, dolphins, manta ray, big turtles, lobster and a variety of fish.

There are a number of archeological sites on the island. A small museum of Marquesan artifacts is found in Vaipaee, a second museum in Hane. Near Hane are three tiki sculpted from red rock. These and other sites may be visited by foot, horseback or by all-purpose terrain vehicles.

Things to See and Do

* Archeological sites
* Pupuakeiha Arboretum
* Museums at Vaipaee and Hane
* Sea caves
* Island tour

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 83 km²
Population – 540 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 Vaipaee .

Transport Links –Ua Huka is served by a single-runway airport.

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.