Spotlight on: Hiva Oa
They came seeking solitude, an escape from the noise of the world…
French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer-poet Jacques Brel both found refuge on the remote shores of Hiva Oa.
It was here, nestled in the wild beauty of the Marquesas, that Gauguin created some of his most powerful works, inspired by the raw spirit of the land and its people.
Today, Hiva Oa still calls to those yearning for deep connection and quiet retreat. Some come on a pilgrimage to visit the artists’ final resting places. Others arrive simply to breathe in the island’s timeless energy, where nature and culture remain beautifully intertwined.
In the sacred valley of Puama’u, under the gaze of Takai’I, the largest tiki statue in The Islands of Tahiti, stands the serene archaeological site of I’ipona. Carved in red volcanic stone, these ancient guardians speak of forgotten rituals and enduring legacies.
Elsewhere, the site of Ta’aoa unveils vast ceremonial platforms surrounded by lush, emerald peaks. The sound of the wind rustling through the tumu mape (Tahitian chestnut trees) and the cheerful songs of birds create a symphony that feels eternal.
Close your eyes, and you might sense the past stirring around you. Hear the heartbeat of the drums, feel the pulse of ancient stories… It is a sensation that awakens something deep within.
Hiva Oa is an invitation to reconnect, with art, history, nature, and yourself.
*** Photo credit: Rani Chaves
