Vaipo Waterfall, Natural waterfall in Hakaui Valley, Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.
The Vaipo Waterfall descends 350 meters in a single drop, producing a continuous stream that transforms into mist before reaching the canyon floor.
The Hakaui Valley, where the waterfall is located, supported a population of 30,000 people before European contact, leaving stone foundations as evidence.
Local valley guides lead visitors through the trail system while sharing their knowledge about the waterfall's significance to the Marquesas Islands communities.
The hiking trail to reach Vaipo Waterfall requires a moderate fitness level and includes multiple stream crossings during the three-hour journey.
The water flow creates a glossy coating on the surrounding canyon walls as it vaporizes during its descent from the basalt cliff top.
Location: Nuku-Hiva
Height: 350 m
Address: Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia Nuku Hiva
Phone: +68987267543
GPS coordinates: -8.90701,-140.16569
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:49
The Marquesas Islands are characterized by volcanic formations that shape landscapes marked by rocky peaks, ancient calderas, and basalt cliffs. Deep bays like those of Taiohae or the Virgins cut through the coasts, while black sand beaches reflect the archipelago's geological origins. The island interior reveals valleys, waterfalls, and reliefs reaching up to 1200 meters in altitude. Marquesian cultural heritage is evident through preserved archaeological sites in the Taipivai valley, where ceremonial platforms and petroglyphs carved into rock still exist. The Puamau tiki statues, carved from volcanic stone, are among the largest Polynesian sculptures. Museums in Atuona and Ua Huka hold collections that document traditional life, while the Gauguin Cultural Center and the Jacques Brel Space trace the careers of these two artists who spent their final days in the archipelago. The Taiohae Cathedral blends European architecture with local sculpted motifs, illustrating the cultural exchanges that have shaped the islands' history.
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