Introducing Fatu Hiva
Fatu Hiva is the island of superlatives: the most remote, the furthest south, the wettest, the lushest and the most authentic. It was also the first in the archipelago to be seen by the Spanish navigator Mendaña, in 1595. He christened it Santa Magdalena after the saint whose day it was.
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With no landing strip and only poorly serviced by the bonitiers from Hiva Oa (75km), Fatu Hiva's untouched paradise remains, well, untouched. The phallic skyline of Hanavave Bay caused it to be named Baie des Verges (Bay of Penises). Outraged, the missionaries hastened to add a redeeming 'i' to make the name Baie des Vierges (Bay of Virgins). At sunset, the bay is drenched in purple and the surrounding peaks give off bronze reflections - an entrancing spectacle that has intoxicated hundreds of international yachties.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Fatu Hiva
by hopealong 24 May 2010
My biggest problem. When i left i did not speak french, later i learned a little bit. The guy from Nuku Hiva in Papeete who gave me much…
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RE: Fatu Hiva
by silvanocat 23 May 2010
Thank you. It sounds like you had a great adventure. I noticed in your profile that you did not mention speaking French. Is that true?…
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Re: Fatu Hiva
by hopealong 21 May 2010
Hello Silvanocat. When i arrived in Tahiti, i had to wait several weeks for the departure of Aranui. So i bought a one way plainticket…
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