Nuku Hiva Island

French Polynesia

Paddle through dramatic Hanavave Bay's steep cliffs and encounter tropical fish in crystalline waters teeming with Polynesian marine life.

💱 Currency CFP Franc (XPF)

🗣 Language French, Marquesan

🕐 Time Zone SST (UTC-10)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Mar–Nov

🚢 Typical Duration 14-32 nights

💰 Price Range From $4,048 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Pristine Polynesian beauty with dramatic volcanic peaks, remote anchorages, and authentic Marquesan culture in one of the South Pacific's most untouched island destinations.

Cruises that visit Nuku Hiva Island

Build Your Day in Nuku Hiva 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 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts We explored a large part of the island. Hotel · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Nuku Dive Diving in Nuku Hiva is a very unique experience. Diving center · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Notre Dame Cathedral Big steps in finding back the original culture of the Marquises Islands. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

EURL HINAKO-NUI (Chez Yvonne KATUPA) Nice Polynesian lunch stop w good food and friendly service. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Nuku Hiva Largest of the Marquesas Islands Island · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Snack Vaeaki This was my first meal in Nuku Hiva and it was fantastic ❣️ Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Snack du Marché Tasty food, price about right for here, nice to sit and relax. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Temporarily closed

Pension, Restaurant, Pizzeria Moana Nui Dine-in Pizza · ★ 4 · 0k

Ti'Amaraa Lodge Nuku Hiva Hotel · ★ 5 · 0k

TIKI TUHIVA Probably the best place to visit on this island. Cultural center · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Restaurant & Camping KANIHO Baie d'Anaho Dinner is at 19:00 and is the chef's choice. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Hoahei We had delicious meals of smoked bbq tuna and octopus in coconut milk. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Tavaiki Pattoo Came here from SV Songbird's Tiktok, really cool place! Tattoo and piercing shop · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM

Mate Excursions Very informative of life on Nuku Hiva & very good English spoken. Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Vaipō Waterfall The waters so refreshingly cool: This is a treasure, this is a jewel! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Hakaui Adventure Tours & Camping A MUST DO experience when in Nuku Hiva! Hiking guide · ★ 5 · 0k

Nuku-Hiva à cheval Thank you so much for a truly wonderful morning of peace and tranquility. Horseback riding service · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Chez Jaqueline Takeout Family-friendly · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM

Roulotte Belle Vue Amazing view and good food. Fast Food · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu

Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka I could not leave Nuku Hiva without coming here. Park · ★ 5 · 0k

MAGASIN LARSON Grocery store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6:30 PM

Cannibal Art In-store shopping·Delivery Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Te Ahi Kopeka Tattoo and piercing shop · ★ 5 · 0k

Magasin Hoata Card payments accepted. Supermarket · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM

Magasin Kamake On-site parking·Bakery·Credit cards Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6 PM

Sentier de randonnée de TEHAATIKI (Sentinelle) Hiking area · ★ 5 · 0k

Magasin Céline Store · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6:30 PM

Matateteiko Point attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Chez Aniaki Hereiti and Marie Astride make their guest house feel like your home. Guest house · ★ 5 · 0k

TKONA BAR Highly recommend for a happy hour with your friends! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Plage de Kuvea Beach pavillion · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Sentier de Tehaatiki (la sentinelle) Great hike to a viewpoint over the bay. Hiking area · ★ 4.7 · 0k

TE AMOKA Hiking area · ★ 5 · 0k

Boutique Chez Nadja Lots of women's and kid's clothes. Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 4 PM

Chez Tonton Will Bakery · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 AM Thu

Magasin Putoka Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7 PM

Patutiki Nuku Hiva Tattoo shop · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 3:30 PM

Quai des pecheurs Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k

Nukuhiva Store · ★ 5 · 0k

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

Next Departures from Nuku Hiva Island

About Nuku Hiva Island

Nuku Hiva Island in French Polynesia serves as a captivating port of call for discerning cruise travelers exploring the South Pacific. With four premium cruise lines—Silversea, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Seabourn—calling here regularly, you'll find this remote Marquesas island on numerous itineraries, particularly those spanning 14 nights. With 44 upcoming cruises scheduled throughout the year, peak travel months include January, March, September, November, and February, making it an increasingly popular destination for those seeking an authentic Polynesian experience beyond the more frequented islands.

From Nuku Hiva, cruise itineraries typically connect to iconic South Pacific destinations including Papeete, Tahiti, Raiatea, Moorea, Bora-Bora, and Rangiroa. During your time ashore, you'll discover dramatic volcanic landscapes and pristine anchorages that showcase the raw natural beauty of the Marquesas. The island's unhurried pace and welcoming Polynesian culture offer a refreshing contrast to busier cruise ports, making Nuku Hiva an unforgettable addition to any Pacific voyage.

Hanavave Bay's Dramatic Cliffs

Witness some of the world's tallest sea cliffs rising dramatically from Hanavave Bay, creating an unforgettable natural amphitheater. Local boat tours navigate these towering formations while you spot tropical seabirds and experience the raw power of French Polynesian geology. This iconic landscape is accessible via short excursions from the port.

Fresh Poisson Cru at Local Markets

Savor authentic poisson cru, the traditional Polynesian dish of raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime, at waterfront restaurants near the port. Local vendors offer freshly caught seafood prepared with island spices and tropical fruits. This culinary experience captures the essence of authentic French Polynesian coastal cuisine.

Ancient Tikis at Anaho Valley

Explore Anaho Valley's archaeological sites featuring ancient Polynesian tikis and stone platforms that reveal Nuku Hiva's rich pre-contact history. Guided shore excursions lead you through lush valleys where these sacred artifacts stand as testaments to the island's cultural heritage. The valley's isolation has preserved these treasures remarkably well.

Artisan Crafts at Taiohae Market

Browse Taiohae's vibrant market for handcrafted Polynesian treasures including woven baskets, carved wooden sculptures, and traditional shell jewelry made by local artisans. The market atmosphere buzzes with authentic island culture and offers unique souvenirs unavailable elsewhere. Engage directly with craftspeople who share stories behind their creations.

Horseback Riding Through Valleys

Experience Nuku Hiva's interior on horseback, riding through verdant valleys and past hidden waterfalls on trails used by locals for generations. This immersive adventure reveals the island's untamed beauty and provides perspectives impossible from the port. Local guides share insights into island life, flora, and traditional Polynesian practices.