Ua Pu, Pacific island in Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia.
Four basalt pillars rise from the landscape of Ua Pou, with Mount Oave reaching 1,230 meters above the Pacific Ocean waters.
The island formally became part of French territories in 1880, marking the end of its independent tribal governance system.
The inhabitants of Ua Pou create ornaments from bone, shell, and mother of pearl, selling their art pieces in the main village.
Visitors reach the island through a cargo ferry service, the Aranui 5 vessel, or by landing on the sloping airstrip.
The valley of Hohoi contains naturally formed stones with flower patterns that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Location: Ua Pou
Address: 'Ua Pou, French Polynesia
GPS coordinates: -9.40107,-140.07777
Latest update: May 20, 2025 15:14
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.
Puka-Puka
618.6 km
Ahe
884 km
Fakahina
732.8 km
Paul Gauguin Cultural Center
122.3 km
Tikei
786.2 km
Mont Oave
1.1 km
Vaipo Waterfall
55.8 km
Notre Dame Cathedral
54.7 km
Temetiu
119.7 km
Motane Nature Reserve
151.7 km
Eiao Island Nature Reserve
170.3 km
Arboretum de Papuakeikaa
77.2 km
Makemo lighthouse
888.3 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix d'Omoa
196.5 km
Église de la Sainte-Mère-de-Dieu, Vaitahu
122 km
Église du Saint-Cœur-de-Marie de Hapatoni
122.4 km
Église Saint-Michel de Hanavave
195 km
Église Saint-Joseph de Makemo
888.5 km
"Tikis sonrientes" siguiendo las indicaciones.
125 km
Atuona Cemetery
122.4 km
Hanatekuua
123.9 km
Centre Jacques Brel
122.4 km
Upeke
120 km
Observation point Grand Canyon
61.5 km
Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka
63 km
Musée communal de Ua Huka
77.7 km
Site archeologique de Puamau
137.2 km
Teakatau
118 kmReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes