Cross Hiva Oa's mountainous spine by private 4WD to Puamau, home of Te I'i — the largest restored tiki in all of Polynesia — and pause at enigmatic roadside petroglyphs carved into ancient lava flows along the way.
What to expect
The drive from Atuona to Puamau on the north coast is itself a spectacle — cascading valleys, wild horses grazing cliffside ridges, and remote villages of painted wooden churches. At Iipona archaeological site, five enormous restored tikis including the fearsome face-up figure of Maki'i Tau'a Pepe await in a jungle clearing. Your guide explains Marquesan cosmology and the significance of each carved deity. A fresh local lunch (poisson cru, breadfruit, coconut) is typically included before the equally dramatic return route.
Good to know
Full day — approximately 7–8 hours; verify your ship's all-aboard time carefully, as Puamau is 2 hours from Atuona. Private hire is strongly recommended over shared transport for this route. Roads are unpaved and vertiginous — the 4WD is not optional. Book well in advance as operator availability on ship days is limited.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Atuona — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Atuona
- Taaoa Valley: Sacred Tikis & Ancient Tohua with Local Guide
- Paul Gauguin & Jacques Brel: Pilgrimage to Two Legends of Atuona
- Ocean & Lagoon Small-Group Snorkel: Rays, Sharks & Coral Gardens
- Trekking Hiva Oa's Jungle Ridges: Waterfall & Endemic Birdwatching
- Marquesan Feast & Tattoo Culture Immersion at a Private Family Fare