Explore Marquesas Islands

Tahuata is the smallest of the inhabited Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is located 4 km to the south of the western end of Hiva Oa.

The Marquesas Islands are a group of volcanic islands in French Polynesia, an overseas ... of French Polynesia. The capital of the Marquesas Islands administrative subdivision is the settlement of Taiohae on the island of Nuku Hiva.

Accessible only from Hiva Oa, this volcanic structure with sheer cliffs is dominated by Tumu Meae Ufa (3181 feet) which separates the five wild valleys of the island.

The monoi islands is the only one to be edged by coral formations that gave her wonderful, desertic, white sand beaches bathed in clear waters such as Hana Moenoa.

Nuku Hiva, located on the northwestern edge, is the largest of the Marquesas Islands. Known as the Mystical Island, it is home to many rare and magnificent attractions such as the black sand beach of Anaho;

The legend of the Marquesas Islands tells the story of how God made a “big house” represented by the Marquesas Islands, the largest of them – Nuku Hiva –at the top of them all. 

Its own universe, the staggeringvolcanic peaks and amazing slopes blend with the blue of the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago’s regional capital, Taioha’e, is situated on a past volcanic crater. 

A bay by the same name was formed when part of this crater broke apart into the ocean. With amazing views, endless artifacts for history buffs, and a jovial community with a colorful culture, Nuku Hiva is a can’t miss on any visitor’s to-do list.  So welcome aboard for your great adventure...  Lots of pictures on our 30-minute download!

Marquesans are revered as the finest craftsmen in French Polynesia. Their creations include carvings, intricate tattoos, and even traditional jewelry.

The Marquesan islanders are some of the finest craftsmen in the South Pacific. If there is one place to buy arts and crafts in French Polynesia, it’s in the Marquesas. Specialties include powerful tiki statues carved from rosewood and basaltic rock, scented ornaments from the rare sandalwood, wooden bowls and weapons carved from bone… animal bone that is. Bring plenty of cash and bring back home eternal memories from paradise.

With its 320 square kilometres, Hiva Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean.  It is the largest island of the southern Marquesas group.

A volcano, Temetiu, is Hiva Oa's highest point with 1,200 metres (3,937 feet).

According to local religion, the gods created the Marquesas as their home. Therefore, all islands have names that are related with the building of a house - Hiva Oa means long ridgepole.

Hiva Oa features steep cliffs abruptly rising from the ocean to a rugged interior spine of volcanic mountains, ridges, and deep, isolated valleys.

Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin was a French post-Impressionist artist. Unappreciated until after his death, Gauguin is now recognized for his experimental use of color and Synthetist style that were distinct from Impressionism.

(7 June 1848 – 8 May 1903) 

Toward the end of his life, he spent ten years in French Polynesia, and most of his paintings from this time depict people or landscapes from that region.

Gauguin was an important figure in the Symbolist movement as a painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramist, and writer. His expression of the inherent meaning of the subjects in his paintings.

The Paul Gauguin Museum is a Japanese-styled art museum dedicated to the life and works of Paul Gauguin in Tahiti, French Polynesia. The museum is located at PK 51, 2 Papeari, Tahiti, directly across from the Botanical Gardens.

Because of his style and talent, he suffered.

The majority of his famous paintings are elsewhere in the world, but this museum displayed many of them for you to see!  The exhibits displayed include some original Paul Gauguin documents, photographs, reproductions, sculptures, engravings and gouaches. Also included and unseen in years are some of his sketches and block prints.

Here's a few photos showed in the museum and many more included on our 30-minute download.  It was an educational and a very interesting part of our tour that day.

The Tahitian dance is a beautiful dance art coming from Tahiti, French Polynesia, an island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Tahitian Dance Ori Tahiti is an original artistic expression that has deep roots in ancient Polynesian traditions.  You will be able to experience the intense dancing of the lead male dancer - he was great!!!  It's included on our video along with the drummers and the ladies dancing on our download.