Hike· Fatu Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Hanavave to Omoa Ridge Hike
10° 27.8′ S · 138° 39.8′ W · approximate
The concrete-and-dirt road over Fatu Hiva's spine links Hanavave and Omoa, about 10 miles of switchbacks past cliffs, waterfalls and cloud-forest views. Walk it, or ride one way and hike back.
Practical
Start position is Hanavave village (OpenStreetMap); the route climbs to the ridge and drops into Omoa. PG Cruises calls it 'the ten-mile road' (about 16 km). Cruisers suggest taking a local boat or truck one way and walking the other, '10k+, up and down hill' (Noonsite, 2019). A 2015 report mentions a water taxi leaving at 6 am and returning at dusk. A 4x4 truck for four people, arranged through the Hanavave mairie, cost 15,000 XPF in July 2023 (verify locally). Start early with plenty of water and sun cover; there are no shops between villages. The waterfall turn-off is on the Hanavave side of this road.
Best for
A full-day island crossing on foot
Nearby
- Fatu Hiva Dance and Drum EveningsRight here
- Hanavave Kaikai Dinners with Local FamiliesRight here
- Hanavave Stone Tiki CarverRight here
- Magasin Moota (Hanavave)Right here
- Fatu Hiva Not a Port of Entry (clear at Atuona first)0.1 NM away
- Hanavave Mairie and Post Office0.1 NM away
- Hanavave Water and Trash0.2 NM away
- Hanavave Bay of Virgins Anchorage (Fatu Hiva)0.3 NM away