Hiva Oa beach

Hiva-Oa - one of the largest islands of the archipelago. Unlike most of them, it is green and flowering, while the rest are dry and sparsely populated. The island is surrounded by rocky coasts, and the beach strip is narrow. The sand is white-gray. The depth is shallow, but it is better to enter into the water in special shoes so as not to step on sea urchins.

There are beaches with black volcanic sand, for example, near the village of Taaoa. Beaches are not equipped at all, but you can go kayaking, boats and yachts here, as well as go deep sea fishing. There are comfortable bays with golden sand In Nakhoi and Hanamenou, which are suitable for swimming.

Settlements and guest houses are located directly on rocks. There are concrete roads, often turning into dirt roads.

The largest city is Atuona, where all administrative institutions and the Gauguin Museum are located. All vacationers are also carried to his grave, which is located here on the island. A wonderful view of the bay opens up from the top of the mountain, the last resting-place of the great impressionist.

When is it better to go

The tropical climate of the Society of French Polynesia Islands allows you to relax here all year round. Air temperature always keeps at + 25-27˚С. The water temperature is in the same range, and a light breeze from the ocean allows you not to notice the heat. But the period from October to April is considered the best time to relax, when it is actually a summer on the islands. In winter, travelers say the weather is very unpredictable.