Hiva Oa (Marquesas), French Polynesia

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Destination: Hiva Oa (Marquesas), French Polynesia

Introduction

Hiva Oa is the second-largest island in the Marquesas and the final resting place of two of history's most celebrated artists — Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel. Atuona, the main village, is a Port of Entry for French Polynesia and a popular landfall for yachts arriving from the Galapagos on the great downwind trade wind passage. The island has dramatic scenery, remarkable Marquesan archaeological sites, and an atmosphere of artistic and historical resonance.

GPS Coordinates

9° 45' 0.000"S 139° 1' 59.880"W

9 45 0.000S 139 1 59.880W

Protected Anchorages

Atuona Bay (Baie de Taaoa) is the main anchorage, immediately outside the small boat harbour at Atuona in 15–25 m over sand. The bottom shelves steeply — use plenty of scope. The harbour has a breakwater with limited alongside berths for those drawing less than 2 m. Puamau Bay on the northern coast is very beautiful with an anchorage in 10–20 m and is the base for visiting the Te I'ipona meae. Hanaiapa Bay on the northeast is spectacular but exposed to the northeast swell.

Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts

Atuona is a designated Port of Entry for French Polynesia — the southern Marquesas gateway. Customs and gendarmerie are in the village. Clearance procedures are similar to Nuku Hiva.

Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity

  • No formal yacht club
  • Small boat harbour has fuel and water available
  • A marine supply store in Atuona has basics
  • The Gauguin Cultural Centre is the social focus of the village

Renowned Attractions

  • Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel graves — pay respects at the cemetery where both artists are buried overlooking the island
  • Musée Paul Gauguin (Maison du Jouir) — reconstruction of Gauguin's last studio with reproductions of his final works
  • Te I'ipona Meae at Puamau — the largest collection of restored tiki in the Marquesas, including Taka'i'i, the largest tiki in French Polynesia
  • Hanaiapa and Hanatekuua valleys — remote valley walks with wild horses and abandoned archaeological sites
  • Tahuata Island anchorages — short sail south to the exquisite Hana Moe Noa and Vaitahu bays

Currency and Exchange Rate

Currency: CFP Franc

Exchange Rate to USD

Nearby Yachting Destinations

Summary

Hiva Oa is the southern Marquesas landfall of choice — a place of haunting beauty, extraordinary archaeological monuments, and the artistic legacy of Gauguin and Brel, offering arriving Pacific sailors a profound and unforgettable welcome to French Polynesia.