Information About

Hiva Oa




Hiva ʻOa is the second largest island in the Marquesas Islands , and the largest island of the southern group. Its name means “long ridgepole” in South Marquesan . The island is likely so named because of its long central ridge.

Atuona , on the south side of the island was formerly the seat of government for all of the Marquesas Islands, but has been replaced by Nuku Hiva’'s Tai O Hae , leaving it as the regional seat of government for only the southern Marquesas.

The island was the final home of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel , both of whom are buried in Calvary Cemetery , overlooking Atuona.

In late pre-European times, the island was nearly evenly divided into two Province s— Nuku in the west, and Pepane in the east.


SEE ALSO



EXTERNAL LINKS