Ile Hiva Oa, Baie Atuano & Baie Tahuku |
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Hiva Oa, is the largest of the Iles Marquises and the town of Atuano, the largest town on the island is the port of entry where permits necessary for visiting the Marquises can be obtained. We anchored in Baie Tahuku (Traitors Bay) located a distance from the own. Fortunately for us the locals were more than happy to give us a lift in the back of their pickup trucks. |
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The French artist Paul Gauguin, and Jacques Brel a song writer, lived here during the last years of their lives. They both are buried in the Calvary Cemetery, on the hill overlooking the bay. The Gauguin museum located in the center of town exhibits amongst others, copies of his work and various memorabilia. |
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| Although a beautiful drive, the trip to Paumau took us almost three hours to get there, longer than expected. We came upon a section of the road which was under construction. Sections of the road are made of concrete. They start at the top and pour one side at a time leaving a one way up or down, luckily we did not meet anyone.
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Located in the far back of the picture is the tiki called "Takaii". It represents the chief and great warrior renowned for his strenght and is the largest tiki in the world. It stands eight feet tall and is surrounded by massive terraces, petroglyphs and various statues on this site called Me'ae Iipona. Each valley of Hiva Oa is rich in archaeological sites. |
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The happy explorers greatful to make it back in a vehicle that had more squeeks, grinding and whines than anything we had been in. More than a few times we thought we would be stranded in the rain. |  |
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