Vallee de Pakiu, Valley in Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.
Vallee de Pakiu stretches across several kilometers of green terrain filled with dense vegetation, native palms, and fruit trees including bananas that shape the landscape. The land slopes toward water features and is bounded by steep ridges that rise on all sides.
The valley was home to Tohua Koueva, a central gathering place that belonged to war chief Pakoko until his death at French hands in 1845. This event marked a turning point for the community and the region.
The valley held deep meaning for Marquesans as a gathering place, with stone carvings scattered throughout that reflect the artistry of earlier generations. You can still encounter these works today as you walk through the landscape.
To reach the valley, visitors follow the Taipivai road and turn onto a marked dirt trail from the Koueva sign. The routes are walkable on foot, especially on dry days, and sturdy shoes are advisable.
A hydroelectric facility operates on the river flowing through this valley, generating roughly one-third of the island's electricity today. This arrangement shows how modern power generation and traditional landscapes can coexist.
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