The Marquesas Islands, situated 1,500 km northeast of Tahiti, are a land of tales and legends. Known as Te Henua ‘Enata in the Marquesan language, meaning ‘The Land of Men’, these islands boast a rugged landscape with craggy mountains, cascading waterfalls, and majestic bays. The islands are home to an impressive number of archaeological sites, and wherever you go, you are enveloped by the spiritual force that is intrinsic to Marquesan culture: the mana.

Why visit the Marquesas Islands?

Nuku Hiva Bay © Stéphane Mailion Photography

Nuku Hiva

Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the archipelago, is characterised by its lofty mountain peaks that slope steeply into the blue Pacific Ocean. The island’s main village, Taioha’e, located in a large bay of the same name, serves as the regional capital. Famed for their warm and friendly hospitality, the islanders make visitors feel at home on this rugged island. Rich in archaeological sites and ancient legends, Nuku Hiva prides itself on a thriving ancestral culture that captivates all who visit.

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Hiva Oa cliffs © Holger Leue

Hiva Oa

Hiva Oa, often called the ‘garden of the Marquesas Islands’, is renowned for its fertile soil and lush vegetation. The vibrant green landscape conceals roads and houses, while craggy mountains and deep valleys are dotted with numerous archaeological sites and remnants of an ancient civilisation, including the largest tiki statues in The Islands of Tahiti. The island’s volcanic black sand beaches lie in the shade of rocky cliffs. Atuona, the main village, is nestled in Taaoa Bay at the foot of Mount Temetiu, which rises to 1,276 meters, and Mount Fe’ani, standing at 1,016 metres. The village cemetery is the final resting place of artist Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel.

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Ua Pou, Vaiehu Bay © Bertrand Duquenne

Ua Pou

In Ua Pou, four immense basalt pillars dominate the landscape, with Poutetaunui and Poumaka soaring high into the sky. In 1888, Robert Louis Stevenson famously described them as “volcanic arrows like church bell towers“. These towering formations, believed to represent ancient warriors, stand sentinel over the island’s main village of Hakahau, nestled in the bay below.

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Ua Huka from the sky © Grégoire Le Bacon

Ua Huka

Ua Huka is reputed for its dry soil and breathtaking landscapes. Wild horses gallop across the arid plains, while wild goats scale the slopes and ridges of this mystical island. Unspoiled and authentic, Ua Huka is a place where the spirit of the ancestors remains an integral part of daily life.

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Tahuata's Hanamoenoa beach © Bertrand Duquenne

Tahuata

Tahuata, accessible solely by sea, exudes peace and tranquillity, offering delightful surprises to visitors. This mountainous island features fertile valleys and pristine waters, where locals sustain themselves by crafting exquisite bone and miro (rosewood) sculptures. They also produce mono’i, the famous Tahitian oil derived from dried coconuts and scented with flowers like the tiare Tahiti or frangipani.

Fatu Hiva, Marquesas c Tahiti Tourisme

Fatu Hiva

Fatu Hiva is the most isolated inhabited island in the archipelago, accessible only by sea. This small yet astonishing island is characterised by high mountains and lush green valleys. In 1937, Thor Heyerdahl and his wife traded their modern lifestyle for the natural authenticity of Fatu Hiva, where he developed his now-debunked theory that Polynesians originally migrated from South America. The islanders live near the village of Omoa and craft traditional tapa cloth from the bark of the mulberry tree. One of the South Pacific’s most picturesque sites is the ‘Bay of Virgins’ in Hanavave, where the setting sun illuminates the mountain peaks, making them glow like burning embers.

Not to be missed

What to do in the Marquesas Islands?

Rugged and mystical, the Marquesas Islands are a place where ancestral culture thrives. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and exploring superb dive sites, all while discovering an immense wealth of archaeological treasures. Your holiday will be filled with unforgettable moments and wonderful memories.

What to do in the Marquesas Islands?
Couples hiking in Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands © Grégoire Le Bacon
Horseback riding in the Marquesas Islands ©Grégoire Le Bacon

You’ll also enjoy

Activities in the Marquesas Islands

Follow in the footsteps of Brel and Gauguin, or explore the hills and valleys on horseback. Engage in a multitude of activities designed to help you discover and appreciate the rich culture and natural beauty of the ‘Land of Men‘.

Activities in the Marquesas Islands
Rock rising out of the sea on Ua Huka © Tahiti Tourisme
Marquesas Bird Dance © Tahiti Tourisme
The Marquesas Islands

The Most Beautiful Sites in the Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands offer an array of breathtaking sites, making it nearly impossible to choose just ten. The rough beauty, thriving culture, and intriguing history of these islands create a truly unique and captivating destination. Here are some of the must-visit locations in the ‘Land of Men‘.

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Transport

Getting here and getting around

The Marquesas Islands may be far-flung, but you can reach them by plane in just a few hours or by boat in a few days, depending on your preference and schedule.

Getting to and getting around The Marquesas Islands
A couple in front of a splendid view in the Marquesas archipelago© Grégoire Le Bacon
Horseback riding in the Marquesas© Grégoire Le Bacon

Be inspired

Experiences

Holiday packages for the Marquesas Islands

Book Your Trip

Latest offers

Explore our curated holiday packages for French Polynesia. Meet the locals, explore the beautiful islands, and embrace the coveted island lifestyle.

All holiday packages

15 days

Aranui 5 – Authentic Marquesas Cruise

Bora Bora, Fakarava, Marquesas Islands, Other Tuamotu Islands, Rangiroa, Tahiti

From 9599 AUD per person

16 days

Aranui 5 Cruise – Discover the Marquesas

Fakarava, Marquesas Islands, Other Tuamotu Islands, Rangiroa

From 10390 AUD per person

15 days

Luxury Silversea Cruise: Society Islands, Tuamotus & Marquesas

Bora Bora, Fakarava, Marquesas Islands, Moorea, Raiatea, Rangiroa

From 12090 AUD per person

8 days

Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts

Marquesas Islands, Tahiti

From 6154 AUD per person

15 days

Discover the Marquesas Islands by the Sea

Bora Bora, Marquesas Islands, Other Tuamotu Islands, Tahiti

From 11118 AUD per person

18 days

Epitome of French Polynesian Luxury- Silversea Cruise & Hilton Moorea Overwater Bungalow Package

Bora Bora, Fakarava, Marquesas Islands, Moorea, Raiatea, Rangiroa

From 21199 AUD per person
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Vue aérienne sur l'atoll de Tetiaroa © Tahiti Tourisme

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