Blogging from A to Z 2026 - N is for Nuku Hiva

As I travel the world I take many photos that pique my interest. During the year April 2025 to March 2026 our travels included visits to many islands large and small. My theme for 2026 Island Hopping will give precedence to Islands visited in the past year but for those difficult letters like X and Z I will dig into my photo archives for content.

Nuku Hiva (sometimes spelled Nukahiva or Nukuhiva) is the largest of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, an overseas country of France in the Pacific Ocean. It was formerly also known as Île Marchand and Madison Island. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuku_Hiva. The population of the Island is about 600. 

First sights of Nuku Hiva

Rugged peaks, Tropical Foliage

After landing on the idyllic shores of Nuku Hiva at Haiteu we were transported in 4WD's driven by locals to a large clearing where we were entertained with a cultural performance and offered snacks of fruit.

Vehicles waiting to transport us to the performance

Pretty Foreshore

A couple of hundred metres from this area over a rough path we were directed to an ancient  village that had a number of traditional buildings. Several petroglyphs were evident at this site.

Rough path to the ancient village

In the village

In the village

Perhaps this was an altar

Another structure

Prior to returning to the ship we had an opportunity to visit the church and stores on the edge of the large bay. If we had been given more time we could have contributed to the local economy.

We noted the volcanic rock on our return to the landing spot.

Bonus Posts - Still Chasing Rev. Ryan   Noumea

Other N Islands I have visited include New Caledonia, New Zealand (North and South), Norfolk Island, Noumea, Nova Scotia