Must-see attractions in The Marquesas

  • Cascade Vaiea

    The Marquesas

    At the entrance of the village a sign marks the mountainside track to a waterfall. It has a deep round bathing pool that looks like something out of a…

  • Tohua Upeke

    Hiva Oa

    Near the village of Taaoa, 7km southwest of Atuona, the eerie Tohua Upeke, with more than 1000 pae pae, some of which are restored, is a definite must see…

  • Motu Hemeni

    The Marquesas

    The neighbouring islet to Motu Teuaua, Hemeni is also a nesting ground for thousands of kaveka (sooty terns). Access to Hemeni is prohibited in order to…

  • Catholic Church

    The Marquesas

    Right in the centre of town is this enticing church made of wood and stone. Inside you’ll find some fantastic woodcarvings of religious figures with a…

  • Te Ai'tua

    Nuku Hiva

    Other sites around Taipivai include the new Te Ai'tua mea'a built for the 2011 Marquesas Festival and decked out in interesting modern, mostly cement tiki.

  • Manihina

    The Marquesas

    Near the airport, Manihina Beach is a wonderfully scenic pebbly beach framed by basaltic cliffs. Sadly there are lots of nono. It’s accessible by a dirt…

  • Te Ana Peua Museum

    The Marquesas

    Next to the post office and expanded in 2017, the Te Ana Peua Museum houses a range of exhibits focusing on Marquesan culture, from fish hooks to stone…

  • Hanamoenoa Bay

    The Marquesas

    This quiet, sheltered bay is popular with yachties. It’s fringed by a ribbon of white sand, lapped by multihued waters and backed by lush hills.

  • Monument to the Dead

    Nuku Hiva

    On the seafront, opposite the Kamake shop, you can’t miss this obelisk fronted by a cannon constructed in honour of Étienne Marchand.

  • Petroglyph Museum

    The Marquesas

    On the waterfront, the small petroglyph museum displays well-presented photographs of the petroglyphs around the island.

  • Catholic Church

    Hiva Oa

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

  • Taetae Tupuna Enana

    Nuku Hiva

    This little museum has a few documents and artefacts focusing on traditional Marquesan culture. It’s at the Hee Tai Inn.

  • Hanamenino Bay

    The Marquesas

    Another secluded bay lined with a golden-sand beach, Hanamenino is also used for picnics. Access is by boat only.

  • Beach

    Nuku Hiva

    Taiohae's lovely black sand beach.

  • Church

    Nuku Hiva

    Smaller denominational church.

  • Mairie

    Hiva Oa

    The Atuona mayor's office.

  • Mairie

    Nuku Hiva

    The local mayor's office.

  • Church

    Hiva Oa

    Denominational church.