Many call Nuku Hiva the "Mysterious Island". Perhaps it's the magical landscape, the enchanting bays and picturesque villages, the impressive black sand or the stillness of time and peace that make visitors fall in love with the second largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti.
With plenty of culture beyond nature and lush landscapes, it was no wonder that Nuku Hiva impressed writer Herman Melville, who wrote his famous novel "Typee, A Peep at Polynesian Life" in 1846. With the book, he introduced the Western world to Marquesan culture, with its handicrafts, tattoos and sculptures. In addition, much has been painted and written about these islands, including works by Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London and the post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. It is undoubtedly a place of reflection and discovery and an excellent choice for a first trip after this time of quarantine due to the virus.
In this magical place, our suggestion for accommodation is the charming and intimate Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge, the newest member of the Relais Chateaux chain.
Take the sailboat to see the islands from the ocean's perspective or try horseback riding through the verdant valleys, where wild pigs and domesticated cattle graze peacefully next to each other.
Nuku Hiva is also an excellent place to find all kinds of Marquesan handicrafts, from earrings carved from bone or adorned with feathers, to tikis and wooden bowls.
Stop at the village of Hatiheu for one of the most surreal sights in French Polynesia. Here you'll find a centuries-old cathedral at the mouth of a huge bay, surrounded by basalt pinnacles. In front of the church stands the stone tikis, a symbol of the harmonious blend of European and Polynesian traditions. Village life exists here in the same way as it has done for centuries, with residents going about their daily business on horseback.
The ancient archaeological sites, with their mythical tiki (or ti'i) statues and stone temple ruins, teach visitors about Polynesian rituals and history. Don't miss a trip to Hakaui, where you'll find Vaipo, the highest waterfall in French Polynesia, or the enchanting Taipivai and Hatiheu valley region.
Hidden in the forests are several ancient marae (temples) amid massive banyan trees that can be discovered with the help of a 4×4 jeep. A unique experience not to be missed.
The Notre Dame Cathedral of the Marquesas Islands in Taiohae is another attraction. Visit in the evening and enjoy a relaxing sunset at Anaho Bay, famous for its pure white sand beach.
The island of Nuku Hiva is a dream destination, not to be missed and perfect for when we can travel again and live unique experiences around the world.
