Tour· Hiva Oa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Hiva Oa Cross-Island 4x4 Tour
9° 48.2′ S · 139° 1.8′ W · approximate
A day crossing Hiva Oa's mountain spine by 4x4, from Atuona past the airport plateau and the north-coast valleys of Hanaiapa, Hanapaaoa and Nahoe to Puamau's giant tikis. It is the island's essential excursion.
Practical
Start point is the Tahauku Tourism Committee, which books guided tours (2026 brief). Prices (My Little Polynesia): full-day Puamau excursion about 11,000 XPF per person including Marquesan lunch; half-day Upeke (Taaoa) about 4,500 XPF. Self-drive: about 100 km and 2 to 2.5 hours each way with stops (2019). The route turns right at the airport roundabout. It was reported paved all the way in 2024, though the 2026 brief map shows partly unpaved sections, so skip it during or after heavy rain. Hire cars from about 6,000 XPF/day (2024). The 2026 brief recommends a guided 4x4 tour to fully appreciate the sites. Guides named by cruisers include Pifa O'Connor (2019) and Pierrot Taputea (2016); verify they still operate.
Best for
Seeing Puamau, Hanapaaoa and the north coast without moving the boat
Nearby
- Atuona Laundry ServicesRight here
- Atuona Rent A CarRight here
- Hiva Oa Anchoring Regulations (Arrêté 384 CM, 2026)Right here
- Marquises Diving (Hiva Oa)Right here
- Southern Marquesas Weather and SwellRight here
- Tahauku Seawall Dinghy DockRight here
- Tahauku Tourism CommitteeRight here
- CODIM Inter-Island Shuttle (Tahauku)0.1 NM away