Marquesan bay where Gauguin is buried
A village on Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, set in a dramatic bay ringed by steep green ridges. It has an airport on a plateau above town and a small harbour, and is the burial place of painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel.
Long a centre of Marquesan culture with nearby stone tiki sites, it drew European visitors in the twentieth century, including Gauguin, who spent his final years here. Its cemetery has become a pilgrimage point.
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.