 |
The Marquises Islands are made up of a chain of islands located about 1000 miles North East of Tahiti. The islands are said to have formed over 1 million years ago and the oldest island is said to have formed over 5 million years ago. The Marquises Islands give a different island adventure being that its not surrounded by reef it gives you more of an exotic island vacation.
The average temperature of the Marquises Islands is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit with March being the hottest month and August being the coolest. Even with the high humidity levels, the climate is fairly pleasant which is aided by the trade winds that blow between April and October.
As these islands are not protected by reefs or lagoons, the ocean crashes directly onto the rocky shoreline. Beyond the pounding surf, in the small bays, you will find golden black sand beaches. Sheltered coves reveal turquoise waters. These islands are certainly for those visitors looking for adventure, nature and un-spoilt landscapes.
The two largest islands are Nuka Hiva and Hiva Oa both of which do have an airport and flights operate once a day between Tahiti and the islands. The flight time is about 3 ½ hours and the Marquises Islands are 30 minutes ahead of Tahiti time.
Nuka Hiva was discovered by Captain Joseph Ingraham of Boston in 1791. It is the largest island of the Marquises with 127 square miles. The island is truly breathtaking with beautiful emerald peaks and spectacular waterfalls including Ahuii waterfall, the second highest cascade in the world. Taiohae is the main village and is home to the administrative, economic, educational and health centers of the Marquises Islands. You will also find the hospital, town hall, police station, banks and schools here. There are about 2600 inhabitants that live in various villages on Nuka Hiva. The villages are only connected by dirt roads suited to 4 X 4 vehicles or horses. Nuka Hiva would be a good destination for people looking for an exotic island vacation. The diving in the Marquises islands is different from other locations being it doesn't have the beaches and reefs surrounding its islands.
Hiva Oa according to legend was the first island in this archipelago to be settled by the Polynesians. The island is about 125 square miles and offers incredible mountain peaks and impressive views from the bays. There are about 2000 inhabitants on this island who reside in the villages of Atuona, Puamau, Hanaiapa and Taaoa which are all in their own isolated valleys. The French painter Paul Gauguin came to Hiva Oa in 1901 and stayed until his death in 1903. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery on a hill behind Atuona village. In the village of Atuona you can visit the Paul Gauguin Center which has been built on the original site where he lived. The village of Atuona is also home to the bank, post office, restaurants and shops. In the valley of Puamau, about 30 miles from Atuona, is the restored archaeological site of I'ipona. This religious haven is home to the famous stone tiki which represents the god Takai'i. The statue is over 7 feet tall and is the largest stone tiki in French Polynesia.
|
|
|
)