The valley of Puamau and the l’ipona archeological site
Hiva Oa may owe its international fame to Gauguin and Brel but the true essence of the island can be found in the valley Puamauin the extreme north-east of the island. The renowned l’iponaarcheological site (also known as Lipona), lies at the foot of Toea, the only peak in the valley. An impressive number of ancient sculptures stand in a truly enchanted setting and include several tiki of which one, at 2.57 meters high, is the tallest tiki in The Islands of Tahiti. Lying close by is Makii Taua te Pepe, a recumbent tiki measuring 1.75 meters long and 1.20 meters high.