Aukena
Island Small Gambier island with historic missionary ruins
A small island in the Tuamotu-Gambier administrative area of French Polynesia with coral reef, calm lagoon waters and a handful of historic sites. Travelers arrive by regional boat or flight for snorkeling and quiet beaches.
Aukena is a small island in the Gambier Islands group of French Polynesia, within the administrative subdivision of the Tuamotu-Gambier islands. It is one of the inhabited islands of the Gambier archipelago with historical mission-era remains.
The island’s notable features include buildings and ruins associated with 19th-century Catholic missionary activity, and a small present-day settlement. The coastline is typical of the Gambier Islands with sheltered lagoons and rocky shorelines.
Aukena was visited and settled by Polynesian inhabitants before European contact and later served as a site for Catholic missions established in the 19th century. Mission buildings and church structures date from that period.
Aukena lies close to Mangareva, the central island of the Gambier group, in the southeastern part of the Tuamotu-Gambier administrative area of French Polynesia. Access is by boat or inter-island transport from Mangareva.
- Missionary remains: Contains 19th-century missionary-era structures and ruins that reflect European contact and Catholic missions in the Gambier Islands.
How to Get to Aukena #
Aukena is reached from Mangareva (Rikitea) in the Gambier Islands by local boat. Flights to Mangareva are available from Tahiti; inter-island boat transfers must be arranged locally.
Tips for Visiting Aukena #
- Boat transport and local guides are the only practical way on and off the island-coordinate with Rikitea on Mangareva for transfers.
- Respect the island's Polynesian cultural sites, including marae and old churches.
- Bring supplies-there are no tourist services on Aukena.
Best Time to Visit Aukena #
Aukena is most comfortably visited during the drier months when sea conditions are calmer for inter-island transfers.
Weather & Climate near Aukena #
Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1504 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).
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March
March is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (170 mm).
