Service· Hiva Oa· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Semaphore Atuona (VHF 16)
9° 48.4′ S · 139° 1.8′ W · approximate
A volunteer lifesaving and harbour-watch station on the bluff above the Tahauku breakwater: the voice on VHF 16 when you arrive, and the organiser of the weekly cruiser barbecue.
Practical
Approximate position: the bluff about 100 m uphill from the breakwater toward the sea, next to Pointe Teaeoa (derived from cruiser directions and OpenStreetMap's mapped point). It is a volunteer group with a fast boat kept at the boatyard for emergencies. It listens on VHF 16 only when a volunteer is present, not 24/7. In January 2019 it did not answer at 8 or 9 am on channels 16 or 12. In 2019 the Semaphore hosted a Wednesday barbecue from 6 to 9 pm: 200 XPF entry, drinks for sale, bring your own food to grill (verify locally). Hiva Oa fire brigade, 7 days a week: dial 18, or +689 40 92 79 99 / 87 71 04 99 (2026 brief).
Best for
Arrival contact, local emergency help and the cruiser BBQ
Nearby
- Hiva Oa Yacht Services (Tahauku)Right here
- Marine Maintenance Marquesas Haul-Out (Tahauku)0.1 NM away
- Tahauku Fuel Station Mini Market0.1 NM away
- Atuona Laundry Services0.2 NM away
- Atuona Rent A Car0.2 NM away
- CODIM Inter-Island Shuttle (Tahauku)0.2 NM away
- Hiva Oa Anchoring Regulations (Arrêté 384 CM, 2026)0.2 NM away
- Hiva Oa Cross-Island 4x4 Tour0.2 NM away