Making the most of Taiohae Nuku Hiva
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The bay in which you will be anchored is a perfect little horseshoe, only requiring a 5-10 minute tender ride into the dockin Taihoae, the capital of Nuka Hiva in French Polynesia.
The tender dock is located in the heart of Taiohae village, so you will be right in the downtown area upon arrival.
Printable map to take along.
Cruise Schedule for Nuku Hiva.
Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands. The main village, Taiohae, is a quiet port set in the curve of a great bay protected by two rocky promontories. It is the administrative and economic capital of the archipelago. The airport is on the north-west of the island, the opposite coast to Taiohae. The trip, made by car is about 1h30 hour. During this ride, the scenery of basaltic peaks and deep canyons will send visitors dreaming. The secrets of this island seem impenetrable, hidden by lush vegetation covering this "land of men", mysterious, indescribable, yet so real. Nuku Hiva has remained an unspoiled island with spell-binding…
- Taiohae Cathedral.
- Muake Hill; panoramic view over Taiohae harbor.
- Hakaui Waterfall (350 meters high).
- Anaho Bay: excellent beaches.
- The archaeological site of Paeke.
- Marine activities and excursions: boat trip along the cliffs, scuba diving.
- Land based activities: horse riding with guide, four wheel drive safari, visit to the archaeological sites.
- Please don’t swim because there is danger of shark attacks.
Getting around
Roads are rough here, either rent a 4by4 or make an excursion with it.
Food and shopping
Among Tahiti's most popular products are black pearls, tiare and coconut soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, woven hats and baskets, and the colorful hand dyed pareu fabric worn by the island natives. The public market is a favorite with visitors. Shops usually open about 7:30am and close at 5:30pm (Noon on Saturdays) but there is always a long lunch hour. Except in hotels, all shops are usually closed on Sundays.
Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.
Money
1000 CFP francs = 8.38 euros.
Staying connected
Official languages: French, Tahitian