The Tiki of Taaoa and the Upeke Archeological Site

Hiva Oa is the second biggest of the Marquesas Islands, after Nuku HIva. A 3 hour 45 minute flight from Tahiti takes you to Henua Enana, as the islands are called in the Marquesan language. Hiva Oa is a mystical land of tales and legends, charged with the spiritual force, Mana. It's what causes the…

Hiking and Excursions in Ua Pou

The Mana is present wherever you go in The Islands of Tahiti. And that's especially true in Ua Pou, whether you're searching for flower stones in the valley of Hoihoi or touching the rock face of the piton of Poumaka. Legend has it that the pitons of Ua Huka were at war with those of…

Buying a handwoven basket

An emblematic souvenir of your stay in The Islands of Tahiti, is a handwoven basket. It is both a practical item and a work of art, as well as an accessory that never goes out of fashion. You can buy them in Papeete market and at roadside stands throughout The Islands of Tahiti. A basket…

A Tahitian Guesthouse: Authentic Polynesian Hospitality

There is a vast choice of accommodations in The Islands of Tahiti, from luxury hotel resorts to camp sites. Tahitian Guesthouses offer first class accommodations that is authentic and reasonably priced. Staying in a Tahitian Guesthouse you're sure of a good night's rest after a day spent visiting Papeete or diving in the lagoon. Authentic…

Best of the little-known beaches The Islands of Tahiti

There are plenty of beautiful, secluded beaches in The Islands of Tahiti. Superb stretches of white, black or even pink sand, on the shores of a turquoise lagoon. Here are ten of the best!

The Unique Wildlife of the Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands are home to some of the rarest species of animals and plants in The Islands of Tahiti. A wonderland of flora and fauna, much of which is endemic to this remote and isolated archipelago. The Marquesas Islands, known as the 'Land of Men', are located in the northeast of French Polynesia, about…

The Tiki and Paepae of Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva

You'll need to go by car to get there, because the magnificent bay of Hatiheu is on the other side of the island from the main village of Taiohae. A captivating archeological site with a troubled past, where you'll discover tohua, petroglyphs, tiki and much more besides. There are countless historical and cultural sites in…

In the Footsteps of Gauguin and Brel in Hiva Oa

Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel (a well known French musician) are united for eternity on the island of Hiva Oa. Both of them fell for the charms of this beautiful island and spent their last days in Atuona, the main village. They are buried a few meters apart, in the island's picturesque Calvaire cemetery. "To…

The Most Beautiful Sites in the Marquesas Islands

There are so many magnificent sites to visit in the Marquesas Islands that's it's almost impossible to select just 10 of them. The rugged, beauty, thriving culture and fascinating history of these islands make them a unique and captivating destination. Here is a selection of just some of the superb sites to visit in the…

The Museums of Ua Huka

Ua Huka has four museums which promote the island's history, nature and culture. They are dedicated to the sea, archeology, petroglyphs and wood. The Papuakeikaa arboretum is an emblematic tourist site reputed throughout French Polynesia and beyond. These sites help to make Ua Huka a leading destination for cultural activities in The Islands of Tahiti.…

Enjoy the Cuisine of the Marquesas Islands

You eat very well in the Marquesas Islands. Wild pig and goat, breadfruit, manioc, taro, Marquesan poisson cru... During your vacation in The Islands of Tahiti, make sure you try the local cuisine, it's delicious. Enjoy your meal, or"Kaikai meitai" as they say in the Marquesas Islands. A vacation in French Polynesia is an immersion…

Horseback Riding in the Marquesas Islands

There's no better way to explore the Marquesas Islands than on horseback. The wild horses of Hiva Oa inspired both Brel and Gauguin. So saddle up and enjoy a timeless moment, off the beaten track in 'The Land of Men'. There's more to a vacation in the Marquesas Islands than sitting on a white sandy…

Soak up the Mana at the Marquesas Islands Arts Festival

Live and breathe Marquesan culture and discover the true sense of Mana in these remote and mysterious islands. At the three day Marquesas Islands arts festival you'll have a unique experience that you'll never forget. The first edition of the Marquesas Islands arts festival was held in 1986 to promote Marquesan culture in French Polynesia.…

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