Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands, South Pacific
Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas Archipelago, with the town of Taiohae serving as the administrative and economic center. The 2,100 inhabitants live mainly in the exotic sounding settlements of Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua Houmi, Anaho and Hakaui. And exotic they are. A steep, jagged and scenic coastline prevails here, and there are only a few indented bays leading to steep verdant valleys, which in turn lead into the rugged interior of the island. On the western edge of the island rises Tekao, the island’s highest peak, with an elevation of 1,224 meters (4,016 feet). Haitiheu Bay where we landed in the morning was a favorite spot of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. In the valley is the Naniuhi tohua, a meeting place for pre-Christian Marquesans, including a dance platform, ceremonial stones and petroglyphs carved into boulders. Before visiting these important archaeological sites, we had the option of choosing from a longer hike which led to stunning views of the bay below, a birding expedition in search of the endemic white-capped fruit dove and the Marquesas pigeon, a medium hike around the bay and the sites, or a ride around in 4X4 vehicles.
The afternoon provided many options for every one as the National Geographic Endeavour repositioned to scenic and serene Anaho Bay, just around the corner from Haituheu. We landed on a golden, sandy beach (one of only a few in the Marquesas) and many of us immediately took to the beach chairs. The quaint settlement with only a half dozen families living there, has only a few scattered houses and huts, one tiny church with a sand floor and a thatched roof, and the only coral reef in the Marquesas. Reef systems have not had much geologic time to form around the relatively young, high volcanic islands here. Nevertheless, some of us went for a dive with the dive masters, while others snorkeled, swam, took photos, relaxed with a cool beverage, strolled along the beaches, and simply enjoyed the sunshine and the scenery.
Even though we had explored the island from all angles, it was not the end of our day of discoveries, for after dinner, Dennis and the Underwater Team put down the ROV (our Remotely Operated Vehicle) and set up a live feed to the lounge, where we could all go on a “virtual dive” from the comfort of the ship and with a drink in hand.
Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas Archipelago, with the town of Taiohae serving as the administrative and economic center. The 2,100 inhabitants live mainly in the exotic sounding settlements of Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua Houmi, Anaho and Hakaui. And exotic they are. A steep, jagged and scenic coastline prevails here, and there are only a few indented bays leading to steep verdant valleys, which in turn lead into the rugged interior of the island. On the western edge of the island rises Tekao, the island’s highest peak, with an elevation of 1,224 meters (4,016 feet). Haitiheu Bay where we landed in the morning was a favorite spot of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. In the valley is the Naniuhi tohua, a meeting place for pre-Christian Marquesans, including a dance platform, ceremonial stones and petroglyphs carved into boulders. Before visiting these important archaeological sites, we had the option of choosing from a longer hike which led to stunning views of the bay below, a birding expedition in search of the endemic white-capped fruit dove and the Marquesas pigeon, a medium hike around the bay and the sites, or a ride around in 4X4 vehicles.
The afternoon provided many options for every one as the National Geographic Endeavour repositioned to scenic and serene Anaho Bay, just around the corner from Haituheu. We landed on a golden, sandy beach (one of only a few in the Marquesas) and many of us immediately took to the beach chairs. The quaint settlement with only a half dozen families living there, has only a few scattered houses and huts, one tiny church with a sand floor and a thatched roof, and the only coral reef in the Marquesas. Reef systems have not had much geologic time to form around the relatively young, high volcanic islands here. Nevertheless, some of us went for a dive with the dive masters, while others snorkeled, swam, took photos, relaxed with a cool beverage, strolled along the beaches, and simply enjoyed the sunshine and the scenery.
Even though we had explored the island from all angles, it was not the end of our day of discoveries, for after dinner, Dennis and the Underwater Team put down the ROV (our Remotely Operated Vehicle) and set up a live feed to the lounge, where we could all go on a “virtual dive” from the comfort of the ship and with a drink in hand.
