Nuku Hiva
Keikahanui
Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge
Pension
Mave Mae
Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas, covereing a total of
127 sq miles. Just 2,100 people live on Nuku Hiva, in the principle villages
of Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Haumi, Anaho & Hakaui.
The island is split by deep valleys flanked by razor-sharp ridges so
steep that few plants can cling to them. The more gentle lower slopes
are splendid grazing grounds for cattle and wild horses, while the few
coastal flats contain small friendly villages. The majority of the coastline
is jagged cliff that falls quickly into the blue Pacific.
The dominant feature of Nuku Hiva is the Bay of Taiohae. The remains
of a volcanic caldera, the southern section has been breached by the sea
to create a magnificent circular bay with a wonderful sandy beach, flanked
by spectacular 3000ft mountains. The Bay's eponymous village an is the
administrative, economic, educational and health centre of the Marquesas.
The French and territorial administrators, government buildings, police,
post office, hospital, town hall, banks, schools, stores and shops are
located in here.
We offer choice of two resorts in Nuku Hiva, the luxuriously appointed
Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge and the Pension Mave Mai. Both are located
on Taoihae Bay.
Keikahanui Nuku
Hiva Pearl Lodge
Located in a manificent tropical garden, the Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl
Lodge overlooks the bay and village of Taiohae and the black sandy beach
lying 50 steps below. Each bungalow is built with local materials and
decorated by a different artist from the area. Nuku Hiva's airport is
situated on the far north-western tip of the island (it's the only place
big enough and flat enough to take a runway!), and so the transfer to
Taiohae takes 2 hours by 4x4, taking in the magnificent scenery of central
Nuku Hiva. A 7-minute helicopter ride followed by a 5-minute road transfer
can also be arranged on request. The hotel offers 12 deluxe and 8 premium
deluxe bungalows, all with views over the bay. The bungalows are built
with local materials and each of them has carvings and artefacts by a
different artist from the area. Each bungalow has mini-bar, ceiling fan
& air conditioning, IDD telephone, TV & video channel and en suite with
shower. Large windows and terrace with panoramic views of Taiohae afford
the opportunity for a relaxing drink while watching the sun set across
the bay and Muake Hill. The hotel's restaurant and bar open up onto the
terrace and swimming pool that also provide access through tropical gardens
to the black sandy beach 50 steps below. Apart from scuba diving, there
is a range of daily excursions available by arrangement through the hotel's
activities desk. Horseback riding, cycling, 4x4 drive excursions, boat
& helicopter trips will allow you to discover the fauna & flora, landscapes,
archaeology, history & culture of the Marquesas.
Pension Mave Mae
Also located in the village of Taiohae, Pension Mave Mae is a comfortable
family pension, which has just 6 rooms, each with terrace or balcony en
suite bathroom and ceiling fan. The pension's restaurant offers a simple
selection of locally produced dishes, including omnipresent seafood! A
host of tours can be arranged at the reception.
Neither resort has an in-house dive operation. The Marquesas Diving Centre
will pick-up from either hotel for free.
