Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands

Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the French Polynesian Marquises archipelago. It is best known for its 550 metre Ahuii waterfall in the Hakaui Valley and was also the site for Survivor: Marquesas, the fourth installment of the popular CBS reality television show in the US.

Its beauty from the sea or high above the island is truly breathtaking. The surrounding coastline differs from the steep, but regular coastline of the west, to the indented deep bays of the north, which lead to deep valleys of the interior. There are fewer bays on the south side of the island.

The island’s inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua Houmi, Anaho and Hakaui. Taiohae is the administrative, economic, educational and health center of the Marquises Islands. Taiohae bay is a vast amphitheatre, the remains of a vocanic crater. The valley is rich in stone Tiki gods, ritual sites and carvings. The island offers great diving.

Things to See and Do

* Muake Hill
* Ahui waterfall
* Taipivai valley
* Hatiheu Bay
* Anaho Bay

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 330 km²
Population – 2,660 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 Taiohae.

Transport Links – Nuku Hiva is served by a single-runway airport in the northwest corner of the island, approximately 30 miles by road, northwest of Taiohae.

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.