Satellite view of Hiva Oa Island

Hiva Oa Island

French Polynesia

Explore the mystical valley where Gauguin and Jacques Brel found inspiration amidst towering volcanic cliffs and pristine tropical landscapes.

Currency CFP Franc (XPF)
Language French, Polynesian languages
Time Zone MART (UTC-9:30)
Best Time to Visit Oct–Nov
Typical Duration 14-43 nights
Price Range From $8,839 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Hiva Oa is renowned as the final resting place of artist Paul Gauguin and offers pristine Polynesian culture, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and exclusive access to one of French Polynesia's most remote and unspoiled islands.

Cruises that visit Hiva Oa Island

Build Your Day in Hiva Oa Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 12:00 PM
Usually about 4 hours ashore
Getting around:
Pension Temetiu Village This place made our 5 days in Hiva-Oa so easy and comfortable. Holiday home · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Musée Gauguin Museum · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Mon
Relais Moehau The restaurant has delicious and freshly cooked meals. Hotel · ★ 3.6 · 0k
Villa Enata Some of the best food on Hiva Oa. Boarding house · ★ 5 · 0k
Marquises Diving Diving center · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
HIVA OA SHOP AND RENT (HSR) Highly recommend driving around Hiva Oa using a Hiva Oa Shop and Rent car. Car rental agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Mon
Hiva Oa Marquesas island with artist heritage Island · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Marquises Cycles Car rental agency · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Kaoha Excursion His passion for the Marquesas and Hiva Oa is on display all of the time. Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open 24 hours
Mokai O Mango Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Hiva Oa AVENTURES There is a mystery and romance to Hiva Oa. Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open 24 hours
Magasin GAUBIL Super friendly staffbest selection on Hiva Oa, Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 12 PM
Chez iris And we had chocolate crepes for dessert. Fast food restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Magasin NAIKI It is a small Magasin and you can find hot food for lunch and dinner. Grocery store · ★ 3.4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 PM
Roulotte Aniheana Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM
Hiva Oa Location Car rental agency · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
HIKIANI Snack bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM
Site archéologique Upeke Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 0k
3 Poteaux Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Snack Therese Grocery store · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Restaurant Marie-Antoinette Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
Roulotte Heimoana Takeout Food court · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM
Aérodrome de Hiva Oa – Jacques-Brel (AUQ) Regional airport · ★ 5 · 0k
Vallee d'Atuona Ravine · ★ 5 · 0k
Chez Julie Market · ★ 5 · 0k
FAE O TIKI Tattoo shop · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Centre artisanat Home goods store · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Mon
Plage de Punaei Hiking area · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Nahoe Beach Park · ★ 5 · 0k
Baraque Chouchoune They also serve ice cream. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Hiva Oa Island

About Hiva Oa Island

Hiva Oa Island in French Polynesia serves as a fascinating port of call for discerning cruise travelers exploring the South Pacific. Two premium cruise lines, PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Seabourn, call here regularly, offering 11 upcoming sailings primarily featuring extended 14-night itineraries. These voyages typically combine Hiva Oa with other Polynesian treasures like Tahiti, Moorea, and Fakarava, as well as more distant destinations such as Easter Island and Peru's Callao port, making this a hub for comprehensive Pacific exploration.

As a port of call, Hiva Oa welcomes cruise passengers to experience the raw beauty and cultural richness of the Marquesas Islands. Visitors can expect to encounter dramatic volcanic landscapes and discover the island's profound artistic heritage, including its connections to legendary artists who found inspiration in these remote shores. The peak season runs from October through January, offering the best opportunity to experience this remarkable destination during your cruise vacation.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Gauguin's Artistic Legacy

Explore the profound influence of Paul Gauguin on Hiva Oa at the artist's former home and grave in Atuona. The Gauguin Museum showcases his Polynesian works and personal artifacts, offering insight into his creative transformation. This cultural pilgrimage reveals why the island captivated one of history's greatest painters.

2

Fresh Tropical Flavors

Savor authentic Polynesian cuisine at local restaurants featuring fresh catch, coconut-infused dishes, and tropical fruits. Try poisson cru, the island's signature raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime, prepared with ingredients sourced from nearby waters and gardens. The flavors authentically represent Hiva Oa's culinary traditions.

3

Dramatic Bay Scenery

Witness the stunning Hanavave Bay with its towering cliffs and lush valleys that plunge dramatically to turquoise waters. Hike to scenic viewpoints or take a boat excursion to experience the raw natural beauty that defines this remote Polynesian island. The landscape showcases untouched Pacific wilderness.

4

Local Artisan Markets

Browse Atuona's waterfront markets for handcrafted Polynesian treasures including carved tiki figures, woven baskets, and traditional jewelry. Local artisans sell directly from small stalls, offering authentic souvenirs and the opportunity to learn about traditional craftsmanship. Support island communities while discovering unique cultural pieces.

5

Ancient Polynesian Heritage

Visit archaeological sites featuring restored tikis and ancient marae (sacred temples) that reveal Hiva Oa's pre-European history. The island's archaeological treasures, including the impressive Lipanui archaeological site, provide tangible connections to ancestral Polynesian culture. These sacred spaces offer profound cultural understanding.

Cruise Lines at Hiva Oa Island

Cruises Departing From Hiva Oa Island

Cruises Visiting Hiva Oa Island

Ship Schedule at Hiva Oa Island

Hiva Oa Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in French Polynesia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the location of Hiva Oa Island?

Hiva Oa Island is located in French Polynesia at approximately latitude -9.754673 and longitude -139.021122.

What is the UN/LOCODE for Hiva Oa?

PFHIX is the UN/LOCODE for Hiva Oa's port area.

What is the port type for Hiva Oa?

The location is listed as a port.

Which country does Hiva Oa Island belong to?

Hiva Oa Island is part of French Polynesia.