Vaipaee

Vaipaee is the principal settlement on the island of Ua Huka within the Marquesas Islands, located at the base of a dramatic, narrow valley. It is famously situated at the end of the "Invisible Bay" (Baie Invisible), named for its narrow entrance between towering cliffs that makes it nearly impossible for sailors to spot from the open ocean. The village is the cultural anchor of the island, featuring a notable museum that houses traditional Marquesan artifacts, intricate wood carvings, and historical tattoo designs. The local artisans are highly skilled in carving miro wood, a tradition passed down through generations. Additionally, Ua Huka is known as the island of horses, and it is common to see these animals roaming freely through the lush valley of Vaipaee. This secluded village features travelers an authentic glimpse into Polynesian life, characterized by a deep respect for ancestral traditions and a rugged, volcanic landscape of sweeping beauty.

Nearby cities

Faa'a

Faa'a is the most populous commune in French Polynesia, located directly west of the capital Papeete.

Papeete

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the primary economic hub located on the island of Tahiti.

Pirae

Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.

Mahina

Mahina is a coastal commune in northern Tahiti, famous for the historical Point Venus and black sand beaches.

Arue

Arue is a commune in northeastern Tahiti that offers a mix of industrial areas and exclusive residential neighborhoods.

Toahotu

Toahotu is a commune at the entrance of the Tahiti Iti peninsula, known for its white sand beaches and coconut groves.

Taravao

Taravao is a strategically important town located on the isthmus connecting the two peninsulas of Tahiti.

Afaahiti

Afaahiti is a commune on the Tahiti Iti peninsula, bordering the important commercial center of Taravao.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a picturesque coastal commune on the southern shore of Tahiti, renowned for its lush botanical gardens and serene beaches.

Mataiea

Mataiea is a village in southern Tahiti known for its lush vegetation and historical links to Paul Gauguin.

Papeari

Papeari is a coastal village on Tahiti famous for its natural beauty and the Paul Gauguin Museum.

Tiarei

Tiarei is a village on the northeast coast of Tahiti, famous for its impressive waterfalls and blowhole.

Vairao

Vairao is a fishing village on the Tahiti Iti peninsula, known for its research stations and lagoon.

Tautira

Tautira is a remote village at the end of the road on the northern side of Tahiti Iti, famous for its history and nature.

Pueu

Pueu is a quiet coastal village on the northern coast of Tahiti Iti, known for its lush gardens and coral reefs.

Nature

Mount Hitikau

Mount Hitikau is the highest point on the island of Ua Huka in the Marquesas archipelago, at 884 meters.

Mount Muake

Mount Muake offers a breathtaking view over the Taiohae Bay on Nuku Hiva.

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Mount Atiheu

Mount Atiheu is a distinctive basalt peak above the bay of the same name on Nuku Hiva.

More places

Papeete Town Hall

Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.

Ua Huka Botanical Garden

The Papuakeikaha Arboretum on Ua Huka houses over 300 species of trees from around the world.

Taipivai Valley

Taipivai Valley became world-famous through Herman Melville's novel 'Typee'.

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Paeke Archaeological Site

Located high in the Taipivai Valley on Nuku Hiva, this site houses imposing stone platforms.

Tohua Kamuihei

This massive archaeological site on Nuku Hiva features stone platforms and carvings.

Taiohae Fishing Port

Taiohae is the most important fishing port in the Marquesas Islands.

Notre Dame Cathedral Taiohae

The main church of the Marquesas Islands on Nuku Hiva.

Notre Dame Cathedral Nuku Hiva

This cathedral in Taiohae is the spiritual center of the Marquesas.