Must see attractions in 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…

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.

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…

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…

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Where all the administrating happens on Nuku Hiva.

Taiohae's lovely black sand beach.

Smaller denominational church.

The Atuona mayor's office.

The local mayor's office.

Denominational church.