On the property of the restaurant Pehekua – Chez Marie-Antoinette, shortly before the Iipona site, is a small graveyard with the tomb of the valley’s last chief and his partner, who died early in the 20th century. One of the four tombs at the site is flanked by two tiki. You’ll also find an imposing pae pae.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Hiva Oa attractions

1. Iipona

0.16 MILES

Iipona is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in French Polynesia. You’ll be moved by its eeriness and impressed by the five monumental tiki –…

2. Tiki Moe One

5.25 MILES

In Hanapaaoa, ask a local to take you to the Tiki Moe One, hidden on a hillside. One of the quirkiest statues in the Marquesas, it features a carved crown…

3. Smiling Tiki

9.41 MILES

Hiva Oa’s most bizarre statue can be found near the road to the airport, about 10km from Atuona. About 1m in height, it stands alone in a clearing. To…

4. Tehueto Petroglyphs

9.55 MILES

Anyone with an interest in ancient Marquesan civilisation shouldn’t leave Atuona without a visit to the Tehueto petroglyphs. You’ll find a massive rock…

5. Calvaire Cemetery

10.81 MILES

A must-see for Gauguin and Brel devotees is the Calvaire Cemetery, perched on a hill overlooking Atuona. You will find this frangipani-filled graveyard an…

6. Mairie

10.89 MILES

The Atuona mayor's office.

7. Atuona Beach

11 MILES

Framed by basaltic cliffs, this wide curve of black sand is very scenic – it inspired painter Paul Gauguin, which is saying a lot – but it’s not…

8. Catholic Church

11.01 MILES

The Catholic church, right in the centre of Atuona, is worth a peek for its elegant architecture that combines wood and stone.