©Tim Mckenna
Marquesas handcraft - Hiva Oa

Hiva Oa

Hiva Oa, with its’ mysterious « tiki », hides archeological treasures aplenty

Marquesas archipelago

Less than 4 hours’ flight from Tahiti, Hiva Oa is the most famous of the Marquesan Islands, linked with the celebrity of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, two great artists who made the island their home during their final years.
The island is still watched over by large stone tiki, and you will find many varied archaeological remains such as petroglyphs, sculptures and ceremonial sites, which reveal the beating heart of the Marquesan culture. Song, dance, fine wood and stone carving, tapa – bark-cloth making, tattooing, fishing and traditional celebrations are still everyday activities for the inhabitants of Hiva Oa.
With 320 km² of luxuriant mountains, crisscrossed by steep valleys where wild horses roam, Hiva Oa personifies the raw natural beauty of the Marquesas.

marquesas islands festival, a stage for polynesian cultural exchange 

The festival, held biannually on one of the six inhabited Marquesan islands’, gains continually in diversity and authenticity. In 2015, it was held on Hiva Oa and attracted 1350 Marquesan performers, as well as groups from Tahiti, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Rikitea (in the Gambier Islands).
All traditional Marquesan arts are on show: outrigger canoe races, weaving displays, hand sculpting, costume making, song and dance performances, tattooing demonstrations, traditional games, ceremonies ……… Here’s your invitation, join us in 2017, on the island of Tahuata, for the next festival!
Highlights
  • The intense beauty of the chiseled landscape
  • The largest tiki in Polynesia
  • A remarkable history and culture
  • Paths and tracks leading to spectacular views, accessible on foot, 4WD or horseback
  • Meeting the Marquesan craftsmen, talented artists and colorful characters
  • A day-trip to Tahuata, the nearest neighboring island
Our Selection
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Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge

Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge

Hiva Oa

The Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge faces the majestic Mount Temetiu (3903 feet) and offers amazing views of Traitors Bay, the Bordelais canal, the small island of Hanakee and in the distance the precipitous volcanic island of Tahuata.
This 3-star hotel opened in 1999 and has 14 bungalows which are perched hillside and nestled among luxuriant vegetation. Each bungalow has an individual touch of one of twenty local artists and sculptors.
With nothing between yourself and the ocean other than your own private deck, overlooking the bay of Atuona, you will be transported to another world, surrounded by this ever-present, imposingly magnificent mountain scenery.

Accommodations / Charming Boutique Hotel

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MV Latitude

MV Latitude

Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Tetiaroa, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Apataki, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva

Latitude is 179.4ft (54.70m) Luxury Expedition yacht that harmonizes elegance and adventure. Built in 1973 Schiffswerft of Germany, Latitude was converted from a supply vessel to an opulent expedition yacht with its most recent refit completed in 2020 for the ultimate superyacht experience.

Accommodating 12 guests in 6 cabins, the sophisticated interior is fitted with modern-day technology and amenities.

Latitude is based in the South Pacific and offers a broad spectrum of destinations and experiences; from tranquility in the tropics to adventures in the Antarctic.

Private Yachts / Motoryacht

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My Relentless

My Relentless

Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Apataki, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva

MY Relentless is a super luxurious expedition yacht based in the South Pacific waters which offers chartered expedition in French Polynesia. Referred to as an explorer vessel, she provides very sea-worthy and stable cruising while still having the benefits of a shallow draft. The ability to tuck in to hidden bays for shelter or exploration and cruise longer distances between anchorages provides adventurers with much more flexibility when planning their itinerary.
MY Relentless sleeps as many as 9 guests in four staterooms, including a master suite, two double cabins, a twin cabin and a Pullman berth.
The overall design of MY Relentless is one very elegant and luxurious, classically styled with Chinese influences of the four elements of wood, water, fire and soil. Her interior spaces are warm and welcoming, with a clear focus on relaxation. Her salon is ultra-spacious with comfortable seating options.
Her spacious top deck is the ideal entertaining space. Large loungers provide space for sunning or relaxing. It also boasts a full bar, outdoor TV and large Jacuzzi. She offers stunning views wherever guests are located of the emerald-green peaks of the South Pacific's most renowned cruising areas. Enjoy sunset cocktails or al fresco snacks while taking in the spectacular surrounding views!

Private Yachts / Motoryacht

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Utimate Lady

Utimate Lady

Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Apataki, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva

The Ultimate Lady is a sport fishing boat based in the capital island of Tahiti (Society Islands). She offers the very best in stability, comfort and of course, style! Ultimate Lady was designed specifically for long range sport fishing and enjoys fishing all the marlin species in Tahiti year round. Cruising the Islands of Tahiti on board Ultimate Lady is both for those wanting to have a serious fishing holiday of a lifetime, and for those simply seeking adventurous luxury.
She has a top speed of 32 knots and a range of 5500 nautical miles so she is a great boat for traveling long distances in a fraction of the time.
Ultimate Lady features two identical master cabins, forward, port and starboard. Each cabin has its own queen size bed, flat screen TV, a DVD player, a desk, a cupboard and bed side drawers. Both have en suites and individually controlled air conditioning. In the forepeak, there is a third cabin with two single beds and an en suite bathroom. There is an additional double berth aft with a private bathroom just next door.
For larger groups there is also an additional cabin with twin bunk beds and a shared bathroom with the twin, however this is better suited to more casual charters and / or groups traveling with small children (so up to 8 people + 2 small children) as then crew numbers go down to 3.
There is plenty of space available to relax indoors and lounge in the sun on deck, and Ultimate Lady is fitted with a Bose and Sony entertainment system throughout.

Private Yachts / Motoryacht

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Miss Kulani

Miss Kulani

Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Apataki, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva

Miss Kulani, luxurious motor yacht based in the island of Tahiti, offers private cruises. Cruising on clear waters of Polynesian lagoons on board this sumptuous yacht, is an incredible experience. With so much to do, see, taste, touch and feel, Miss Kulani prides herself to have assembled the best of the best, now offering a selection of custom-tailored itineraries to ensure you experience our islands’ paradise in your own unique way.
This beautiful motor yacht features 3 (eco-powered air-conditioned) cabins with individual en suite bathrooms, as well as another guest stateroom that is best suited for very small children. The main deck contains a huge saloon and a dining area, boasting panoramic views of the surroundings.
The fly bridge is very comfortable and well-appointed with a large sofa, a wine cooler, a fridge and an ice maker. It is the ideal spot to chill out while cruising. The sundeck offers ample sunbathing space with lounge chairs. The shaded aft deck provides a private place to relax and gives you access to the swim platform. Thanks to Miss Kulani’s low draft, anchoring close to shore in shallow crystal-clear waters will truly immerse you in the magic of the islands.
The crew on board Miss Kulani can arrange everything from diving with a personal instructor, going on a safari ashore, or organizing a spa and massage in the most prestigious resorts in Bora Bora. Their expertise will make your dreams a reality.

Private Yachts / Motoryacht

Our Experiences