Penang Travel Tips Homepage

Hiva Oa, French Polynesia

 Go Back - HOME | Latest French Polynesia > Oceania > World | YouTube : Facebook | About Me : Contact Me
Atuona, the main village of Hiva-OaAtuona, the main village of Hiva-Oa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HivaOa_Atuona_20061110.JPG
Author: Sémhur
photo licensing

Hiva Oa is the second largest of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia It is the largest island of the South Marquesas group. It covers an area of 316 sq km and has a population of around 2,000 people (2011 estimate). The main town in Hiva Oa is Atuona, on the southern part of the island.

Hiva Oa is made famous by French painter Paul Gauguin who made it his home. His grave is on the island.

Tribal sculplture, Hiva OaTribal sculplture, Hiva Oa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HivaOa_Takii.jpg
Author: Makemake
photo licensing

Belgian singer Jacques Brel also spent his final days on Hiva Oa until his ill health forced him back to France to seek treatment. After he died, his remains were brought back to Hiva Oa and buried in Atuona.

Visiting Hiva Oa

Air Tahiti flies to Hiva Oa from Tahiti daily, though direct flights are on some days only.

Puamau village, Hiva-OaPuamau village, Hiva-Oa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Puamau.jpg
Author: American
photo licensing

Sights & Attractions in Hiva Oa

  1. Calvaire Cemetery
    The final resting place of both Paul Gaugin and Jacques Brel.

  2. Espace Culturel Paul Gaugin
    Museum celebrating the life and works of the famous French artist. It includes a replica of Gaugin's house.

  3. Iipona Archaeological Site
    One of the best-preserved ancient Polynesian sites in Hiva Oa. Located near the village of Puamau, it includes the ruins of a marae sacred site and tiki stone effigies.

  4. Smiling Tiki
    A one-meter tall Polynesian effigy that appears to be smiling.

  5. Tehueto Petroglyphs
    Rock paintings on an elevated site, a good hike from Atuona (or you can go on horseback).

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips



More Penang Travel Tips

Buy Me A Coffee

If you enjoy the information I provide and want to support the work I do, please buy me a coffee! I appreciate it immensely, thank you so much!
Support me here

 Backtrack | HOME | Latest Updates |
Copyright © 2003-2026 Timothy Tye. All Rights Reserved.
Terms & Condition of Use | Privacy Policy