Marquesan village of artists' graves
Atuona is the main village of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, served by a small airport and the bay of Tahauku, which serves as its harbor. The steep, forested island is known for its stone tiki carvings.
The painter Paul Gauguin and the singer Jacques Brel both spent their final years on Hiva Oa and are buried in Atuona's cemetery. The village preserves memorial sites relating to both.
Best May–Oct (dry/cool) · Wet/cyclone Dec–Mar — this reflects French Polynesia's seasonal weather and crowds.
Visa-free (French territory, 90 days). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official French Polynesia government or embassy before you travel.
CFP Franc (XPF). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
French is the primary language in French Polynesia.
Dial 15 for emergencies in French Polynesia.
Tap water here is generally rated "Tap safe". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type A/B. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Atuona on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 15. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Atuona and your government's current travel advisory before you go.