Ua Pou in the Marquesas Islands - French Polynesia
 
 
 
 




Back again in October 2004 and was a bit of an anti-climax.  This mainly due to my extensive visit to other Pacific islands and Ua Pou has because of that, I find this island less intriguing. The landscape is fabulous and the island it’s worth itself a visit because that. 2 days should be more then enough. A 3rd day should be added if one pre-arranges a tour around the island.

This island is not packed with much archaeological sites as Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva. This was the first island I went to when I had my holiday 7 -17th March 2001 in the Marquesas Islands.
        The airport, the reception I got from owner of Pension Pukuéé at their airport, the landscape, the pure silence with just the sound of the waves in the background - I felt really I had - not come to a South Pacific paradise, but to a real  South Pacific Island. The day after my arrival, Aranui was in harbour.  

Travelling there: Travelling from Papeete, one have to travel via Nuku Hiva. Here you have to change for 15-seater plane and getting weight. When descending to this 500 meters airport (not the smallest one in FP), one is flying sideways with some ups and downs.
        There are no service facilities at the airport beside a toilette.
 

Travelling around the island:

The roads are really a kidney killer. Sitting inside a cabin of a Pick-up, it's not a good idea. Standing back on a Pick-up, is better. The landscape is just very amazing. 

Accommodation: I’ve stayed at Pension Pukuéé 2 times. Last time in October 2004 This place has lost it charm: Pension Pukuéé http://www.marquises.pf/pagestour/page107.htm in Hakahau.  For plain tourists, it is not a place to stay. Maybe for public servants from Papeete.

When I was there in 2001, I was greeted at the airport with the traditional South Pacific floral crowns, the food, the small swimming pool, the place itself, the location which is on the hillside. There is shared bathroom, but this is a detail at this place. The room have mosquito net. I paid XPF 3500 w/breakfast - 1 person.
         

Banking matters: This branch of Banque Socredo is in Hakahau. There is no sign at all indicating the existing of the bank.  It's situated on the pawed road that is going along side the harbor before the post office. The waiting line is starting outside the office (!)
            (I though this also was the case in Nuku Hiva... I'm glad I could contribute with some entertainment for the 10 locals whom were chatting outside the bank in Nuku Hiva).
 
  

            
The landing strip                                    The terminal building                                The control tower

                                                                                Aranui                                         An airplane

 


Restored paepae                      Hakahau                              A shark bay nearby Hakahetau          The staff at Pension               Hakahetau                                       Taken from Hakahetau
in Hakahau                                                                                                                 Pukuéé


 Towards Nuku Hiva                       A typical landscape in Ua Pou      Taken from the beach in Hakamoui        
                                                             On the roads towards Hakahetau
 

 

 

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Last updated: 28th January 2005
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