Ua Pou is a stunning island located in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. It is known for its iconic basaltic columns that soar high into the sky, symbolizing the entrance pillars to God's house. These columns, which hold the names of legendary warriors Poutetaunui and Poumaka, are a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage and have inspired many visitors over the years.
In 1888, the famous Scottish writer and poet Robert Louis Stevenson visited Ua Pou and was struck by the island's natural beauty and the majesty of its basaltic columns. He described them as "volcanic arrows looking like a church bell tower," a testament to their impressive height and striking appearance. Today, these columns continue to be a source of inspiration for visitors to the island, who marvel at their natural beauty and significance in local folklore.
The basaltic columns of Ua Pou proudly overlook the bay of Hakahau village, the main village on the island. This village is home to a vibrant community of locals who continue to honor their cultural heritage through traditional ceremonies, dances, and songs. Visitors to Hakahau village can experience the warmth and hospitality of the islanders firsthand, sampling local delicacies and learning about the island's unique history and traditions.
Ua Pou is also a popular destination for adventure seekers, with many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the island's rugged terrain. The island's steep cliffs, deep valleys, and pristine beaches offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself with a difficult climb or simply relax and soak up the island's tranquil atmosphere, Ua Pou has something to offer every traveler.
In summary, Ua Pou is a unique and unforgettable destination that captures the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Marquesas Islands. Its iconic basaltic columns symbolize the entrance pillars to God's house and serve as a reminder of the island's rich cultural heritage. Whether you're looking to explore its rugged terrain, immerse yourself in local culture, or simply relax and enjoy the island's natural beauty, Ua Pou is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Awsome Holiday! The best experience Perfectly planned for less hassle 👌 Thank you Cassandra for your help We will definitely be using Entire Travel Group on our next adventure
We recently had a great family of 6 adventure to the West coast of Canada. Thankyou to Sam from the Entire Travel team who took all the planning hassles away from us. Everything was planned to perfection and ran to clockwork. Using the Trip Plan App made things so much easier for us with all booking info at our fingertips. It’s an adventure we will talk about for years to come.
Lisa planned and booked our trip to Bora Bora in October 2025. We stayed at the Intercontinental Thalasso in an OWB for 5 nights. She was very professional, helpful and knowledgable. Examples are: comparing different hotels vs price, avoiding high seasons and Monsoon seasons, flying outside of school holidays etc. Lisa also organised all of our pick-ups, transfers and layovers - resulting in a perfect holiday experience compared to DIY. Thanking Lisa at Entire Travel Group. Don
We had an fabulous trip to Canada and Alaska organized by the amazing Sam Treby. The flights, tours, hotels and pickups for our tours were all spot on. Sam couldn't have been more helpful and knowledgeable, we could not have asked for a better adviser.