Hanakee Lodge activities
Visitors coming to the Marquesas Islands for the first time are immediately struck by the landscape and the sheer power of nature. Wild, mysterious, fantastic, powerful… words often fail to describe Hiva Oa. Its tranquillity, its plants and its archaeological sites captivate visitors forever.
Hanakee Lodge is privileged to introduce you to this unique environment through a wide range of activities.
Excursions are led by the hotel’s guides in approved vehicles. We recommend booking your activities before you arrive to secure the dates you want.
Once you have booked an excursion with Hanakee Lodge and received confirmation, it is guaranteed to go ahead whatever the number of participants, and you are insured by the hotel.
Atuona village
A 1 h 30 tour of Atuona village: the beach, a visit to the Paul Gauguin cultural centre and the Jacques Brel museum*,
then the cemetery on the hillside above the village, where both artists are buried.
* Closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays.
The giant tiki of Puamau
A full-day 4WD excursion to Puamau, on the north-east tip of the island, along a breathtaking road winding through valleys and villages.
Visit the Iipona archaeological site, famous for its giant tiki such as “Takaii” (2.43 m) and the remarkable “Maki’i Tau’a Pepe”, the only Polynesian tiki carved lying down. Enjoy lunch with a local family (at Marie-Antoinette’s) and a swim in the afternoon.
On the way back, we stop in the Punaei rainforest, where the enigmatic tiki Utuka, nicknamed the “smiling tiki”, awaits you.
Day trip to Tahuata island
Leaving Tahauku harbour, the boat sails around Hanakee Rock, where you may be lucky enough to spot manta rays.
Visit the hamlet of Hapatoni, then stop in the small village of Vaitahu with its church, museum and little local market.
The people of Tahuata are renowned for their carvings in wood, in horse, pig or goat bone, and even in swordfish bill. You then head to a beautiful white sand beach for swimming, relaxing and a barbecue.
This excursion is only suitable for people in good physical condition: as the beach has no jetty, you go ashore by dinghy, landing directly on the sand.
Hiking in the northern valleys of Hiva Oa
From the Hanaiapa valley, a 2-hour walk (one way) takes you to Hanatekuua bay (bring protection against the heat during the walk).
You follow the coast to a huge coconut grove lined with a magnificent white sand beach. Picnic on site and
swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Full-day excursion for experienced hikers, subject to weather conditions.
Tehueto petroglyphs
A hike through the rainforest: about 2 h 30 of walking (round trip) under the trees, including a river to ford.
Discover this megalithic site with its many petroglyphs and, above it, the me’ae with its tiki head.
Only accessible in dry weather.
Taaoa valley
Follow the south coast of Hiva Oa to the Taaoa valley, the westernmost inhabited valley on the island.
Visit the outstanding Upeke archaeological site, once one of the largest ceremonial centres in Polynesia, covering the entire valley.
You will discover house platforms, tiki and sacrificial altars: a very important place in Marquesan mythology.
The tour continues through the hamlet of Taaoa, with its stone church and small beach. 2 h 30 excursion.