Nuku Hiva, the Mystical Island
Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago127 sq. miles of surface area. The view of the imposing cliffs of Nuku Hiva as you look upon the jagged walls that plunge abruptly into the immense ocean below, is grandiose and striking. The mysterious secrets of this island seem impenetrable. Hakaui, the third biggest waterfall in the world, Anaho bay, one of the Marquesas’ most beautiful, or Mount Muake, where the scenery of basaltic peaks and deep canyons will take your breath away.
Its beauty from the sea or in the air high above the island is truly breathtaking. The 2,100 inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Haumi, Anaho and Hakaui, where they work for the government, the community, the Catholic church or school system or for themselves chopping copra high in the mountains, fishing, raising cattle and other livestock or sculpting bowls, platters, Marquesan ceremonial clubs, "tikis" and ukuleles.
Taiohae is a pleasant village bordering the sea. It is the administrative, economic, educational and health center of the Marquesas Islands. The French and territorial administrators, the government buildings, police, post office, hospital, town hall, Air Tahiti office, banks, schools, stores and shops are located in Taiohae.
Sundays and holidays are just as busy as any work day, when the villagers drive back and forth along the seafront road, calling out to their friends, and stopping to join the on going game of petanque or French bowls, played under a flowering flamboyant tree in front of the town hall. Nearby the women sit under a shelter and win money by playing bingo.
Interesting sights include MUAKE HILL, 2,834 ft. high, offering an amazing view of the whole bay of Taiohae. HAKAUI Valley on the southern coast. Hike inland to bathe in the refreshing pool of the 1,148 ft. high AHUII waterfall, one of the world's highest cascades.
TAIPIVAI, made famous in Herman Melville's book "Typee" reached by boat or over the high plateau of TOOVII. The Taipivai Valley is one of the largest and most fertile valleys in Nuku Hiva, and has numerous waterfalls, a long river, and one of the best preserved archaeological sites, in the Marquesas, including several tiki.
HATIHEU Bay on the northern coast was a favorite of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. In the valley is the Naniuhi tohua a meeting place for the pre- Christian Marquesans, including a dance platform, ceremonial stones and petroglyphs carved in boulders.
ANAHO Bay is one of the loveliest spots in the Marquesas Islands, with only half a dozen families living in the valley.
Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Pearl Lodge **** : beautiful views and settings, Polynesian style quality accommodations, small and pleasant, upper mid range resort
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Island Guide
Bora Bora, the Romantic Island
Bora Bora island is possibly the most famous island in the world. Lush tropical rainforests, white sand beaches and palm covered motu surrounding the island and the gorgeous azure lagoon, make this island the perfect nest for romantics and honeymooners... Bora Bora is love at first sight.
Tahiti, Queen of the Pacific
Tahiti, often called the island of love, is the largest of all French polynesian islands. Deep valleys, waterfalls cascading into cool rivers and streams hide between the beautifull moutains, overlooked by majestic peaks. The flat coastal lands, are planted with fields of tropical flowers and home to most of the island's population. Tahiti's beaches vary from black sand beaches on the north east coast and white sand beaches on the south west coast. Papeete, the capital, is the place to shop for authentic souvenirs at the great local market
Moorea, the Bay Island
Crystalline lagoons, home of dolphins and rays. Waterfalls tumble down the steep pineapple covered mountains. Volcanic peaks rise high above the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Oponohu Bay. Peaceful meadows and gardens of hibiscus, birds of paradise and many more exotic plants will renew your belief in the majesty of nature. Less than ten minutes away by air from Tahiti, Moorea is ideal for a day's visit.
Huahine, Garden of Eden
Huahine, picturesque, with its lush rainforests, rich and fertile soil growing abundance of vanilla and bananas on the slopes of a very diverse and dramatic geography, is one of Polynesia's best kept secrets. A scenic road winds around the two small islands that compose Huahine, through charming villages, beautiful vistas of crystal-clear lagoons, rich with sea life, where lie motu islets bordered by white sand beaches and coconut trees. Maeva village is a wealth of archeological sites that go back to 1000 years. The spell cast by Huahine will last a lifetime.
Raiatea, Taha'a
Far less traveled then Bora Bora or Moorea, these two sister islands offer an experience of a true unspoiled Polynesia. They share a wonderful lagoon rich in sea life, and ideal for sailing, scuba diving and outrigger canoeing.
Raiatea, meaning "faraway heaven", also called "The Sacred Island", is the cultural heart of all Polynesia and holds much fascinating history, legends, as well the most significant archeological sites.Taha'a, filled with a rich aroma of vanilla lingering in the air, is "The Vanilla Island". This flower shaped island charms us with the simple beauty of its soft mountains and surrounding of tiny motu on the endless lagoon. Taha'a still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia.
Rangiroa
Life on these remote atolls is simple and normally quiet and peaceful. In the small villages the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotu, often participating in the daily activities of the Paumotu people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish parks, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Tikehau, Remote, Beautiful, Magical
Tikehau, considered to be one of the most beautiful atolls of Polynesia, is a graceful crown of pink-sand beaches. In this pristine world, fish seem to outnumber people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, snorkling, exploring the Isle of Birds and enjoying endless hours of kayak ballads encountering rays, exotic fish and coral gardens. The local people, friendly inhabitants of the small village of Tuherahera, invite you to share their world beyond imagination.
