A full-day 4x4 crossing of Hiva Oa's spine to Puamau, home to the largest tiki in French Polynesia and the mysterious Smiling Tiki. Led by a Marquesan guide fluent in island oral history.
What to expect
You'll leave early, climbing switchback mountain roads with views over Tahauku Bay before dropping into the remote Puamau valley. At Te I'ipona, red-stone tikis rise out of the jungle floor, including the 2.4m Takaii and the eerily grinning Smiling Tiki. Lunch is typically a simple Marquesan spread at a local family's home, and the guide will often detour to a second, lesser-visited petroglyph field if time allows.
Good to know
This is the island's signature all-day excursion — book ahead, as vehicles are limited; confirm return timing against your ship's all-aboard, since the Puamau road can be affected by rain.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Hiva Oa — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.