The Land of Men

The Marquesas Islands

Nature and culture: the treasure of the Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas Islands: untamed beauty steeped in tradition. Follow in the footsteps of Gauguin, Melville and Jacques Brel,and discover the mana of the Land of Men.

Encounter

Of tiki, tattoos and men

MODERN AND MYTHICAL

Opening on Polynesia

The largest islands in the north are Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka and Eiao. In the south: Hiva Oa, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva. Welcome to the Marquesas Islands, famous the world over for sculpted tiki and the art of tattooing. Artists, researchers, adventure-seekers and tourists all fall under the spell of the spectacular, natural landscape and vibrant culture of these islands. Traditional singing and dancing, sculpture, tapa and tattooing are part of the make-up of every Marquesas Islander. It is with pride in their cultural heritage and warmth in their hearts that they will welcome you to their land.

Fatu Hiva, Tahuata, Eiao

Untamed paradise

Fatu Hiva, Tahuata and Eiao are less well-known than some of the other Marquesas Islands. Each is a unique untamed paradise where you can truly get back to nature.

Fatu Hiva

Fatu Hiva is the most isolated of the Marquesas Islands, and home to the magnificent baie des Vierges (bay of virgins), the favored harbor for passing navigators. Fatu Hiva, is also the home of tapa, the cloth made from the beaten bark of the paper mulberry tree, decorated with designs used in tattooing.

Tahuata

“It’s one of the few times I’ve wanted to own land”, is what the navigator Alain Gerbault wrote about Tahuata, the smallest of the Marquesas Islands. And as you admire its beautiful white sandy beaches, you’ll understand exactly how he felt. Tahuata is also an island of sculptors and these traditional skills are passed down from generation to generation.

Cliffs in Nuku Hiva Tahiti Tourisme © Stéphane Mailion Photography

Eiao

The beauty of the Marquesas Islands lies in the richness of both its scenery and its traditions. Follow in the footsteps of Gauguin, Melville and Brel, and discover the Land of Men.

Discover The Islands of Tahiti

Other archipelagos

Taro Plantation Austral Islands © Tahiti Tourisme