Nuku Hiva... the majestic island
Personnality: untamable, secret, hospitable

 Identity

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Nickname: The majestic island
Former name: Adams,
the Merchant
Budget level: Economy
Encounter:: Nuku-Hiva is the second island of French Polynesia in size after Tahiti. It remains very savage, jagged and is a perfect incarnation of the majestic idea  one may have of the Marquesas.

At a glance: Main town: Taiohae. Total population: 2,400. Nuku Hiva is without any doubt one of most beautiful islands in French Polynesia. The exceptional location of its capital town Taiohae, along a splendid half-moon bay, sums up by itself the attraction that one may have for this island, at the same time both savage and friendly. No Gauguin or Brel to praise it or sing about it, but a rich history, especially around the magnificent valley of Taipivai. Do not forget to visit the sumptuous clifs around the island..

How to get there: By plane, a 3-hour direct flight from Tahiti, or a 30-minute flight from 'Hiva Oa, the Southernmost of the Marquesas islands. By boat: the Aranui cruise to the Marquesas takes about 4 days to reach Nuku Hiva from Tahiti. It is possible to go to or from there one way by boat and take the plane for the other half trip. There are also connections with other boats from Tahiti.