Hiva Oa Island Travel Guide and Deals
Fun Facts About Hiva Oa
Hiva Oa’s beauty lies in the unique features of its glorious landscapes. Upon setting foot on this South Pacific island, you’ll be surrounded by sublime indigo waters punctuated by seaside cliffs and volcanic rock. Hiva Oa also brings a rich cultural experience and unmatched wilderness together, making travellers wish they’d stayed longer.
Located about 1,184 km northeast of Tahiti, flights to Hiva Oa take about 3 hours and 20 minutes from Tahiti. The island is famous for being the final resting place of the French painter Paul Gauguin and the Belgian singer and poet Jacques Brel. Located on the side of the Calvary cemetery, with views across the bay below, the graves are a pilgrimage for many visitors to this remote island.
Those that make the journey are rewarded with two small but informative museums about each of these famous residents. The Gauguin Museum displays copies of his work and several items related to the painter’s stay during the beginning of the 20th century.
Like all Marquesan islands, Hiva Oa’s fauna and flora are varied, exotic, and magnificent! If you’re looking for wild, untamed landscape and breathtaking scenery with rich cultural and artistic heritage, Hiva Oa is definitively an island to visit.
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My travel partner and myself have just returned from our trip to Switzerland ( May 2024 ) and wanted to put in writing our utmost gratitude to Katelyn Mulgrew and the team from Entire Travel Group for the professional, prompt and extensive service provided from start to finish. Kate was there with us every step of the way and answered any question or concern we had in a patient and understandable way, which left us with reassurance and confidence. Switzerland Grand Tour was amazing with picture postcard scenery at every turn. Every aspect of the booking was flawless, from the hotels, transportation and documentation it all worked seamlessly. Hotels were comfortable, central, welcoming and contained everything a traveller could need. Train travel throughout Switzerland is the only way to go, you just get on sit down and relax while enjoying the ever changing and spectacular scenery. I have, and, will be recommending Entire Travel Group to all my friends for any of their travel needs and, will definately be using them as my go to company for any future adventures. Thank you again to Kate and the team for helping us tick this item off our bucket list.
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My wife & I recently returned from a once in a lifetime experience to Canada. We were so fortunate & blessed that Zoe Condon was such a truely wonderful Travel advisor to make our journey so very special. We undertook the “Winter Views & Colourful Hues” and can only describe it as a Magical Winter Wonderland experience. Everyday was full of amazing experiences & adventures that will remain in our memory & hearts forever. As for Zoe, what an incredible asset she is for the Entire Travel Group. She is so caring, helpful, patient & always so professional in delivering “top shelf”customer service. We can never thank & praise Zoe enough……so grateful & Canada blew us away. 🇨🇦❤️ Special mention also for Zoe’s compassion & concern in helping us during a family grief period.
Lisa organised for our family a perfect trip to Rangiroa. We stayed in a beautiful overwater bungalow and pool villa for our teenagers. We were impressed by Lisa's knowledge of French Polynesia and the connecting flights from Australia. Would highly recommend!
Hiva Oa FAQs
View AllHiva Oa is located in the Marquesas Islands. These two volcanic archipelagoes are 740 miles (1,200 kilometres) northeast of Tahiti.
Most visitors travel to the Marquesas on cruise ships, like the Paul Gauguin and the Aranui. But if you prefer to arrive by plane, flights depart from Faa’a International Airport in Papeete.
You’ll land at Hiva Oa’s airport after three hours and 15 minutes.
You can ride a rented car or scooter, taxi or boat. Boats can bring you to some of the valleys and other islands.
The Hanakee Pearl Lodge near Atuona is Hiva Oa’s main accommodation. You can board a shuttle to get there.
Consider taking a trip to these Hiva Oa attractions.
- The Les Petroglyphes de Tehueto trail near Atuona
- The Jacques Brel Museum
- The Paul Gauguin Cultural Centre
Be sure to pack insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. You can also wear long, loose pants and sleeves.
Finally, watch out for the nono, a type of black fly. While repellents won’t ward them off, monoi oil may get the job done.
You can find banks on the island. If you’re island-hopping, it is best to bring enough cash.
2,243 residents make up Hiva Oa’s total population.
Atuona has stores that sell carved tiki and bowls, bone and feather jewelry, delightful Marquesan honey and other souvenirs.
Helpful Information
You’ll find Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands. Warmer temperatures surround the archipelago from August to December, making these months the perfect time to travel there.
