Major city · French Polynesia
Hiva Oa
Spend at least 5 days on Hiva Oa to see the main cultural sites and do a 4WD safari; shorter trips miss most attractions.
Hiva Oa, the second‑largest Marquesas island, offers archaeology, the Paul Gauguin museum, Brel & Gauguin graves, 4WD safaris and limited diving. With no taxis and few eateries, a 5‑day stay lets you base in Atuona, hire a guide, and explore the remote sites without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- XPF
- Best months
- Sep–Dec
- avoid Jan–Feb (cool, limited services)
- Airport
- HIV
- Nights
- 5+
Rules in force · 6
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Polynesia ↗In much of Polynesia Sunday is kept for church and family: expect shops, tours and some flights to stop, and dress and behave quietly in villages.
- French Polynesia ↗Entry rules are set by France but separately from Schengen: EU citizens enter freely, other passports should check the French government's rules for French Polynesia, and an onward ticket is required.
- French Polynesia ↗Declare food, plants and animal products on arrival; moving plants and soil between islands is also restricted.
- French Polynesia ↗Drive on the right, as in France; scooters and cars can be hired on the main islands.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Hiva Oa17 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hiva Oa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the CFP franc (XPF), also used in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, pegged to the euro (€1 (≈ US$2) = 119.33 XPF)…French Polynesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMVini (OPT) is the main network, with Vodafone (Onati) as the other; tourist SIMs at Faa'a airport and Vini shops need a passport.French Polynesia-wide
- Tap waterTap water in Papeete and many Tahiti and Moorea communes is treated; on atolls it is rainwater.French Polynesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; service is included.French Polynesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.French Polynesia-wide
- SafetyHiva Oa is low‑risk for violent crime; main concerns are remote terrain, limited medical facilities and weather‑related road closures – travel with a…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; few public ones — use cafés, malls and the ferry terminal.French Polynesia-wide
- Emergency numbers17 police · 15 Medical (SAMU) · 18 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close around 11:30–13:30 on many islands and most close Sunday afternoon; the Papeete market is busiest on Sunday dawn.Shops close around 11:30 AM–1:30 PM on many islands and most close Sunday afternoon; the Papeete market is busiest on Sunday dawn.French Polynesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckHIV Hiva Oa Airport (Check Air Tahiti schedule for flights).
- Getting aroundNo taxis; arrange pickup from airport via pension or hire 4WD from local rentals (Atuona Rent‑a‑car, Hiva Oa Location, David Location).
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HIV Hiva Oa Airport (Check Air Tahiti schedule for flights)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Sep–Dec. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Jun (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hiva Oa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No taxis; arrange pickup from airport via pension or hire 4WD from local rentals (Atuona Rent‑a‑car, Hiva Oa Location, David Location). Guides are required for most hikes and remote sites.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Espace Culturel Paul Gauguin
goDoor to door: ≈ 15 min
Taxi or 4WD from Atuona, about 10 min
Museum open M‑Th 08:00‑12:00 & 14:00‑17:00Museum open M‑Th 8:00 AM‑12:00 PM & 2:00 PM‑5:00 PM
Calvaire Cemetery
goDoor to door: ≈ 10 min
Walk or 4WD from Atuona, 5 min uphill
Graves of Brel and Gauguin
Taaoa archaeological site
cautionDoor to door: ≈ 30 min
4WD hire, 7 km (4.3 mi) drive from Atuona4WD hire, 4.3 mi (7 km) drive from Atuona
Remote site, guide recommended
Iipona archaeological site
cautionDoor to door: ≈ 2 h
4WD hire, 2‑hour drive from Atuona
One of the best‑preserved sites, guide required
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Temetiu Village
2‑star pension, 10 min walk from Atuona, 6 bungalows, pool, Wi‑Fi; price 7,080–10,000 XPF per night.
Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge
Luxury resort on hill over Tahauku Bay, 14 bungalows, restaurant, pool; pricey, no price listed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- XPF 7,000–10,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- XPF 10,000–15,000 excl. bed
- High
- XPF 15,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Hiking guide | 1,000 XPF/hour or 8,000 XPF/day |
| Horse riding (Hamau Ranch – Chez Paco) | 7,000–14,000 XPF |
| Diving (SubAtuona) | 7,000–13,000 XPF |
| Centre Jacques Brel entry | 500 XPF |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Guides are essential for unmarked trails and remote archaeological sites.
- Flights may be direct from Tahiti or via Nuku Hiva; check Air Tahiti schedule before booking.
- Limited dining options; bring snacks or buy groceries in Atuona.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 17
- Medical (SAMU)
- 15
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Hiva OaHiva Oa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Aita i teie vahi, ‘āna‘eTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police17
- Medical (SAMU)15
- Fire18
Embassy
US consular services are in Papeete; French police station in Atuona (check exact location).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Air Tahiti Tahiti → Hiva Oa: about 12,000–15,000 XPF one‑way (check schedule)
- 4WD rental (per day): ≈ 10,000–15,000 XPF (check with local providers)
Say or show
- Ia ora na — Hello / Good morning (ee‑ah‑oh‑rah‑nah)
- E hia te utu? — How much does it cost? (eh‑hee‑ah‑teh‑oo‑too)
- E hina‘u au i te ta‘ata ha‘api‘i — I need a guide (eh‑hee‑nah‑oo‑ah‑oo‑ee‑teh‑tah‑ah‑tee‑hah‑ah‑pee‑ee)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hiva Oa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Dec · avoid Jan–Feb (cool, limited services) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Meanwhile
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Hiva Oa
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hiva Oa, revision 4925209 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Hiva Oa
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