The Marquesas Islands are located 932 miles northeast of Tahiti and spread out over 12 islands, of which only six are inhabited. The largest island of the southeastern group is Hiva Oa, the burial place of the French artist Paul Gauguin. The islands are home to many archaeological sites, including stone temples, giant tiki statues and ancient petroglyphs. See our pick of these three gorgeous islands perfect for your next island-hopping adventure.
Nuku Hiva
Nuku Hiva is the largest island and the most populated of The Marquesas. The vertiginous volcanic peaks and slopes blend with the blue of the Pacific Ocean. The starting point of the adventure is Taioha’e, the archipelago’s regional capital, opening at the end of a large bay holding the same name. Nuku Hiva is nicknamed “The Land of Men” because of warrior traditions that persist today.
The island features outstanding landscapes, an incredible archaeological history, and a rich culture. The view from the infinity pool at Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts, the only hotel on the island, is the cobalt blue of Taiohae Bay.
The natural beauty of this landscape stretches out onto a kaleidoscope of cliffs, rocky peaks, deep bays and steep valleys. Every four years, Nuku Hiva hosts the Marquesas Arts Festival, a celebration of the local people’s renowned artistic talent and deeply rooted traditions.
Hiva Oa
Hiva Oa is commonly called the “Garden of the Marquesas” due to its fertile and lush land. The island features endless untouched nature: green, invading and bright. The rugged landscapes blend sharp ridges, peaks and valleys scattered with archaeological sites and ruins. They are home to the largest tiki statues of French Polynesia. Hiva Oa is lined with black sand beaches and sharp cliffs diving into the Pacific Ocean. The island’s main village, Atuona, is nested at the end of Taaao Bay and is overlooked by the highest mountains.
Ua Pou
Ua Pou is geologically the most recent island in the group and one of the most typical for Polynesia. Some of the highlights include swimming at the beautiful golden sand beach of Anaho and visiting many archaeological sites on the island as well as exploring the colourful village of Hakatehau. In this flowered village, inhabitants invite visitors to discover traditional crafts such as pandanus weaving, wood painting or carving and the fabrication of bone, shell or mother of pearl ornaments.
Island hop by air
The most practical and time-efficient way to island-hop is by air. Air Tahiti offers mix-and-match island hopper flight services between 38 French Polynesian islands one or more times a week. In addition, there are flights from Tahiti to the Marquesas several days a week. The archipelago’s two main islands (Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa) are served daily. Many flights from Tahiti to the Marquesas stop first in the Tuamotus, allowing access to more than one island group on the same ticket.
