Marquesas Islands route: Ua Pou and Nuku Hiva places
The route of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia covers two main islands: Ua Pou with its south coast, Pension Pukuee and the central part of the island, and Nuku Hiva with the capital Taiohae, the Hanavave Valley and the northeastern cliffs of Hatihe'u.
- Distance
- 99.5 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Ua Pou
- End
- Hatihe'u
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ua Pou — Island with distinctive volcanic peaks and southern coast attractions.
- Pension Pukuee — Accommodation on Ua Pou.
- Central Ua Pou — Island interior with hiking trails.
- Nuku Hiva — Largest island of the Marquesas with diverse attractions.
- Taiohae — Capital settlement of Nuku Hiva.
- Hanavave Valley — Valley accessible through central island crossing.
- Hatihe'u — Northeastern cliffs and archaeological site.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Nuku Khiva is the most easily accessible Marquis Island, planes fly there at least twice a day. The schedule of flights to other islands is limited and serves as the main constraint for route planning.
- Save money
- Domestic flights between the Marques Islands are expensive (starting at $1,100 per person for a combined ticket). AirPass is not always suitable for routes, check in advance.
- Transport
- The airport on Ua Pou is known for having a difficult runway with an uphill slope for a stopover. This is one of the most dangerous strips in the world, but at the same time one of the most beautiful airports.
- Where to stay
- Pension Pukuee on Ua Pou is one of the best hotels on the island. It includes a common dinner for guests, has a terrace overlooking the mountains, fans (there is no air conditioning on the island), a small pool.
- Food
- In French Polynesia, it is difficult to find an open restaurant (siesta) after 14:00. Have lunch before 12:00 or plan later. On Ua Pou, fish is ~1400 francs ($14), lunch can take 2 hours.
- Tip
- In the Marquesas Islands, the rainy season is the opposite of the Tahitian season. Clouds often stay stable over the mountains, especially around the central peaks of Ua Pou, even when the surroundings are clear.
- Transport
- Not all roads on Ua Pou are paved. Many dirt roads are slippery after rain, especially on the east bank. The turns of mountain zigzags are very sharp. An experienced driver on a mechanic is required.
- Avoid
- Don't expect to just come to a random village and find a boatman/fisherman. Everything needs to be agreed in advance. 95% of the land on Ua Pou is private property, with hikes you cross other people's territories.
- Tip
- In the Marquesas Islands, it is more important to hold the local currency than on other islands, as it is a remote archipelago. Withdraw money at the airport.
- Timing
- On Sunday, it is more difficult to find an open restaurant. If you plan to have lunch, take care of it exactly at 12:00 noon, later it will be closed.
- Tip
- On the island of Ua Pou, in the morning and until 12:00 in the main town, there is a market for souvenirs and local art. It has one of the best choices and the lowest prices compared to other Marques Islands.
- Avoid
- Mosquitoes in the Marquesas Islands are small, not buzzing, but biting. Treat the hands and exposed skin. At the Nuku Khiva airport, you can get bitten in 10 minutes of waiting.
Video on this route
MARQUISES ISLANDS - French Polynesia