The Marquesas
The Marquesas are also referred to as Henua Enata or the “Land of Men”, and have been virtually untouched for centuries. This isolation of these islands has created a unique environment where native people and culture has been able to grow, unhindered. Some of the smaller islands that help make up the Marquesas are almost untouched, even with the exploration of the Europeans and other cultures. The language spoken here is unique to these islands and to Tahiti, and can be traced directly to the ancient tongue of the Polynesian ancestors, the Maohi.
If you are looking for natural, breathtaking beauty, these are the islands to find it on. From waterfalls that climb more than 1,000 feet to mountains that seem to be swallowed in the clouds, it is no wonder that these islands are called the islands of mystery, where the ancient spirits of Polynesian culture still thrive.
Main Islands in the Marquesas
Several islands make up this group, but only a few have lodging and other amenities for visitors:
Nuku Hiva – the Mystic Island – Nuku Hiva is the largest island in this group and has wonderfully lush forests and valleys, mystical peaks that climb high into the sky, breathtaking bays to swim and dive in, and some of the most spectacular waterfalls that you have ever seen. This island is one that has lodging, restaurants, shopping, villages, and other more modern amenities for travelers.
Hiva Oa – Artist Paul Gauguin's Island – Hiva Oa is a wonderfully untamed island where explorers can find the great, giant Tikis, views that stretch for miles on end, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and other great places for exploring. This island is also the resting place of artist Paul Gauguin and poet Jacques Brel and is one of the few islands that has lodging, restaurants, and other amenities.
On these two islands, you can find activities such as:
- Safaris by 4X4 deep into the mountains and valleys
- Sailing around wonderful lagoons and beaches
- Horseback riding safaris
- Archaeological wonders like the giant Tikis, maraes, and petroglyphs
- Crafts and native art work
- Shopping
- Cultural center
- Traditional cuisine that will please any palette
- Tomb of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel
- Guided hikes and horseback rides in the forests, mountains, and valleys
- Diving and snorkeling
- Swimming with rays, whales, sharks, and other marine life
Getting To and Around the Marquesas
You can always find a flight on Air Tahiti to the island of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa daily. Be sure to check with your hotel or travel agent for schedules and how to get to and from your hotel to the airport. If you just don't feel like flying, there are also several boats that take passengers to and from the islands as well. Due to the fact that there are not many roads here, and sometimes conditions are not great for cars, you can also find your way around on a 4X4 or helicopter if needed, all you need to do is check with your hotel or travel agent.
Getting around the islands is also something to be considered. While you can rent 4X4 vehicles, most will advise you to hire a guide as well because of the road conditions, unfamiliar terrain and roads, and other factors that only experienced guides will be able to navigate around.
Restaurants
There are many smaller restaurants and family owned establishments that you can enjoy on your stay here. There are also the fine dining at the resorts and hotels as well, and the best place for this type of dining is at Le Pua Enana at the Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Pearl Lodge as well as the Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge. Both feature top quality local and international cuisine and have wonderful views of the islands that surround them. If you feel like joining the natives, you can always find some great places for traditional Polynesian dining around some of the smaller villages on these islands that have some of the greatest food you'll find here in French Polynesia.
You can enjoy dining at the Chevel Blanc or maybe choose to eat at Yvonne's Hinakonui Restaurant. Here you will be entertained by a local band while you dine on the fabulous food. For a little more casual dining, eating at Kahu's Snack Bar is an excellent restaurant where the owner sings with local bands. You will enjoy Tahitian and Hawaiian music while you dine on fresh seafood.
Hotels and Lodging on the Marquesas Islands
Marquesas is made up of seven beautiful islands. Each is unique in its beauty. You will want to visit them all.
Nuku Hiva is the biggest of all the Marquesas islands and its coastline is indented by bays, capes, rocky points, and cliffs. The Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Pearl Lodge is located five minutes from the capital town of Taiohae and overlooks the beautiful Bay of Taiohae. This hotel offers 12 deluxe and 8 super deluxe bungalows. Each bungalow overlooks the bay. Each bungalow has a carving by a different artist and are built with local materials. Children under 15 stay free with their parents.
The Hiva Oa island is the largest of the southern islands and is uniquely shaped like a seahorse. The Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge is located on the bay and port Atuona. Each bungalow was designed by one of twenty different artists. The hotel is located 20 minutes from the airport. Children under 15 stay free with their parents.
Fatu Hiva is the southern most island of the Marquesas. It luxurious plant growth around the Virgin Bay is simply breathtaking. If you are looking for lodging, then the Heimata has 2 rooms and the Norma has 4 rooms.
The Motane island is surrounded by cliffs. It is basically uninhabited besides sheep and goats. Only hunters and fisherman visit this island.
The Tahuata island is one hour south of Hiva Oa if you travel by boat. You will find very rough country here. Here you will find a beautiful stone Catholic church. It has beautifully illuminated stained glass. The Amatea has four rooms and is located in the village of Vaitahu with beach access. It also has its own restaurant.
The island of Ua Huka has experienced drought and this caused its austere appearance. You will find more horses than people here. Goats also run rampant here. Its many archeological sites are a big tourist draw. The Alexis has 3 rooms and is located in the village of Vaipaee. The Mana Tupana village has 3 bungalows located on the mountain.
The Ua Pou island overlooks the sheltered bay. The Dora has 3 rooms and 2 bungalows and is located in the village of Hakahau. The Vehine has 2 rooms located on the mountainside.