Nuku Hiva "Mystic Island"

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Nuku Hiva is the largest of the six inhabited islands that form the Marquesas archipelago. These islands are some of the most remote islands in the world, and are very different from the Society Islands’ tranquil lagoons and their protective barrier reefs. Here, the wild ocean meets the sheer cliffs. Nuku Hiva can be reached from Papeete either by plane after a 3 ˝ hour flight, or by boat on the passenger/cargo vessel, the Aranui 3. This boat offers deluxe accommodation and meals on a five day cruise from Tahiti to the Marquesas Islands, through the Tuamotu Archipelago.

Known as the "roof beam" of the "Great House” according the local mythology, Nuku Hiva was formed by two volcanoes and is now dominated by Mt Tekao (1,224 meters). The Toovii plateau (800 metres), located in the centre of the island, is a large agricultural region. The highly craggy shore features fjord-like bays, capes, rocky points and impressive basalt sheer peaks. The island also hosts heavenly waterfalls which are sometimes so high that most of the falling water evaporates as it descends.

The 2,600 inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Houmi, Anaho and Hakaui. They usually work for the government, the community, the Catholic church, the school system, or for themselves chopping copra high in the mountains, fishing, farming cattle, sculpting bowls and platters or making Marquesan ceremonial clubs, “tikis” (wooden or stone figurines representing Polynesian gods) and ukuleles.

Protected by the imposing Mount Muake (864 metres) is Taiohae, the administrative, economic, educational and health centre of the Marquesas Islands. Taiohae is a pleasant village bordering the sea and guarded by two rocky islets, the "Sentries" of the east and the west. In the village, visit the cathedral of Notre-Dame of Marquesas that was built with different shaped and coloured stones from the six Marquesan islands. There, you can admire the fine woodcarving, an example of Marquesian religious art.

Safaris and hiking are some of the main activities as Nuku Hiva features beautiful valleys, mountains and waterfalls. Explore on a horse, by foot or with a four-wheel-drive car. The waterfall of Hakaui, for instance, is one of the highest in the world with a hight of 350 metres. Diving is also an interesting activity, but completely different from the other archipelagos as the dives take place in water saturated with plankton and close to cliffs battered by the waves. Besides these sporting activities, there are cultural excursions to experience, with the discovery of ancient religious and archaeological sites such as Piki Vehine, Hikokua or Kamuihei.

The beauty of Nuku Hiva from the sea or from high above the island is truly breathtaking. No wonder great adventurers and novelists, such as Herman Melville, contributed to spread the legend of this mystic island…