Hike· Nuku Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Tohua Koueva (Taiohae)
8° 53.8′ S · 140° 6.1′ W
Taiohae's inland ceremonial ground, restored for the cultural festivals: manicured lawns, stone platforms, tikis and hidden huts under a giant banyan, about 45 minutes' walk uphill from the waterfront.
Practical
Coordinate is the OpenStreetMap 'Site archeologique de KOUEVA' node in the Haavao valley. The brief (2023): restored in 1999, one of the island's best-known sites, set among large traditional trees. Directions (compendium 2020): turn right at Magasin Larsons and walk uphill 20-25 minutes; just before the road makes a hard left hairpin, turn right at the large metal power pole and fenced recycling plant; at the big banyan (4-way intersection) turn left, then take the next right (may be chained to vehicles). A 2017 cruiser warns it is further than you think and poorly signed, so ask. Explore all around for statues and tikis. Bring water and go early.
Best for
A shady cultural walk from town
Nearby
- Taiohae Waterfall Walk0.2 NM away
- Hardware Store Bigot (Taiohae)0.5 NM away
- Banque Socredo Taiohae (ATM)0.7 NM away
- Cathedral Notre-Dame des Iles Marquises (Taiohae)0.7 NM away
- Kapa Services Laundry (Taiohae)0.7 NM away
- Magasin Celine (Taiohae)0.7 NM away
- Magasin Kamake (Taiohae)0.7 NM away
- Magasin Larsons Super U (Taiohae)0.7 NM away