Getting ashore
The CruiseMapper wiki says ships anchor in Atuona Bay, and names the Paul Gauguin among them. The wiki does not describe a terminal, berths or tender operation for Atuona, so ask the ship how passengers reach shore. The wiki’s schedule lists the Paul Gauguin on 28 October 2026, from 07:00 to 18:00. Two earlier calls, by Le Jacques Cartier and Silver Cloud, were listed for 13 and 15 October and have already passed. Confirm tender times and the return point with the ship’s notice.
Getting there and around
Air Tahiti flies from Tahiti to Hiva Oa, some days direct and some days through Nuku Hiva, according to the Wikivoyage guide, which is undated. There are no taxis or public transport on the island, so ask your host to meet you. Rental cars and 4WD tours can be booked through a pension, or with three local firms: Atuona Rent-a-car, Hiva Oa Location and David Location. Hiking trails are unmarked apart from the 4WD roads, so the guide strongly recommends a guide, at 1,000 F an hour or 8,000 F a day. The Hiva Oa Location, Atuona Rent-a-car and David Location firms are named, but the guide gives no prices or availability for them.
Sights
Hiva Oa is the second-largest island in the Marquesas, with about 2,200 residents and its highest point at Temetiu, 1,213 m, according to the wiki. The Gauguin Cultural Centre in Atuona holds copies of his works, some archaeological finds and a rebuilt replica of his house, with hours that vary by day and a midday break on weekdays. Gauguin and Jacques Brel are both buried on a hill above Atuona, at Calvary Cemetery. The Jacques Brel Centre, next to the Gauguin centre, charges 500 F. The Smiling Tiki, a 1 m statue in a forest clearing, is a short walk from the airport road, marked by a handmade sign.
Archaeological sites
The Taaoa archaeological site has a large marae, about 7 km by road from Atuona. Iipona, near Puamau, is one of the best-preserved sites in French Polynesia, about two hours by 4x4 from Atuona. Tiki Moeone, near Hanapaaoa, is a crowned tiki hidden in a forest, about 1.5 hours by 4WD, and needs a guide. The Tehueto petroglyphs in the Tahauku valley and the Hanatekuua petroglyphs near a village both need a guide, according to the guide. Hire a guide for the Tehueto and Hanatekuua sites, as the guide advises, and book one before the call.
Hiking and activities
Horse riding at Hamau Ranch costs 7,000 to 14,000 F. SubAtuona is described as the only dive centre in the Marquesas, with dives at 7,000 to 13,000 F. Three operators in Atuona offer 4x4 safaris. The guide gives these prices in undated form, so check them before booking. Most sights in the interior need a 4WD road or an unmarked trail, and a guide is recommended for both. Hiking and 4WD routes are the main way into the interior, so allow time for the drive as well as the walk.
Food & shopping
Atuona and the villages have grocery stores. Pension restaurants serve a mix of Polynesian and French food. The Hanakee Pearl Lodge restaurant is often called the best on the island. Atuona restaurants include Noa Nui, Relais Moehau, known for fish pizza, and Snack Makemake. The guide’s buying section is empty, and it does not give shop opening hours, so check times on arrival. The Hanakee restaurant is described as serving French food, and the lodge is about 10 minutes by car from Atuona.
Money & connectivity
The currency is the CFP franc, with ISO code XPF. The guide quotes prices in F, but the sources read do not say whether cards are accepted. Wi-Fi is available at Temetiu Village, a family-run pension about a 10-minute walk from Atuona, and at the Hanakee Hiva Oa Pearl Lodge on a hill above Tahauku Bay. The guide’s connectivity section is empty, so mobile coverage is not covered. The guide’s Drink section says drinks are available at pensions, and its Buy section is empty, so plan to buy supplies at the grocery stores.
Ship calls and transfers
The Aranui cargo-passenger ship, which takes passengers on 14-day voyages from Tahiti, stops at Atuona for one day on each call, according to the Wikivoyage guide. The CruiseMapper wiki’s Aranui 5 itinerary includes a stop at Atuona on day six, with the Paul Gauguin burial site, lunch at Hoa Nui Restaurant and a museum. Confirm your call with the cruise line, and agree pick-up times with your host, since there are no taxis. The CruiseMapper wiki’s Paul Gauguin itinerary, a 14-day Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands voyage, places Hiva Oa on day four, between Fatu Hiva and Tahuata.
Accessibility & mobility
The guide describes most sights as reached by 4WD road or unmarked trail, and the Iipona and Tiki Moeone sites need a drive of up to two hours. Step-free access is not described for any site. Ask the ship about the tender and anchorage, and arrange a vehicle that suits the group before the call.