Hiva Oa Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Hiva Oa Highlights
The Marquesas Islands, rugged and remote, offer some of the most incredible landscapes in the entire tropical Pacific. If you add to that distinct flora and fauna, enduring cultural traditions, and a colorful recent history, including the famous painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer and songwriter Jacques Brel, you have the subject matter for a great educational adventure.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Atuona - The second largest village in the Marquesas Islands . This is where Paul Gauguin lived and did some of his best work. You can visit the colonial store where Gauguin shopped as well as browse the Arts and Crafts Center.
Polynesian Cultural Center - This small museum showcases ancient Marquesan artifacts.
Paul Gauguin Cultural Center - The newly opened museum houses old photographs, Gauguin memorabilia, Marquesan art objects, Brel's aircraft ‘Jojo' and a replica of Gauguin's house called the "Maison du Jouir" or "House of Bliss."
House of Bliss - The house is an exact replica of the home Paul Gauguin lived and painted in until his death in 1903. The original home was destroyed in a hurricane but has been carefully reconstructed.
Calvary Cemetery - Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words, Paul Gauguin 1903. Gauguin's sculpture, "Oviri" is on a pedestal behind his lava rock grave. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also was seduced by Hiva Oa - Belgian singer-composer Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
From the Calvary Cemetery, you will have splendid views of Traitor's Bay and Atuona.
SHOPPING
You will have the opportunity to shop for local souvenirs in the Arts and Crafts Center in Atuona.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From the pier, travel by local Le Truck or 4WD taxi approximately two miles to the town of Atuona . The road winds its way along the coast allowing for beautiful views of the blue Pacific. In Atuona, you will visit the Gauguin Museum and spend a short time in the Arts and Crafts Center. After your visit to Atuona, travel to the cemetery to see the burial sites of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel before returning to the pier.
SPECIAL NOTES
This tour is not available for pre-reservation.
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