Eiao
Island Uninhabited Marquesas island with rugged volcanic landscapes
Remote Eiao, in the Marquesas, offers a volcanic plateau, steep cliffs and seabird colonies; access is by private boat and visits are limited to hardy hikers and birdwatchers.
Eiao is a volcanic island in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, currently uninhabited and noted for steep cliffs and rugged karst-like interior terrain. It is one of the northern Marquesan islands and is part of the island group’s remote archipelago.
There are no regular tourist services; visits are limited to scientific teams or passing yachts. The island offers cliffs, seabird colonies and scattered archaeological features such as stone enclosures and terraces left by earlier Marquesan inhabitants.
Eiao was occupied in the pre-contact period by Marquesan communities and later abandoned; historical records and archaeological surveys document former habitation and land use. Since the 20th century the island has remained without a permanent population.
Sits in the northern Marquesas group in the central South Pacific. It lies well offshore from the larger inhabited Marquesan islands and is accessed only by private or research vessels.
- Uninhabited and ecologically important: Uninhabited today and often visited only by researchers, the island supports seabird colonies and archaeological remains from earlier Marquesan occupation.
How to Get to Eiao #
Eiao is reached only by private boat from larger Marquesan islands (such as Nuku Hiva). Any visit requires coordination with local authorities in French Polynesia and responsible operators with experience in remote island landings.
Tips for Visiting Eiao #
- Eiao is uninhabited and fragile - any visit should be organized with local authorities in French Polynesia and respect environmental protections.
- There are no services: bring water, shelter, and a means to contact emergency services if traveling by private vessel.
Best Time to Visit Eiao #
The dry season (May-October) is the most practicable time for sea voyages in the Marquesas; check local marine conditions.
Weather & Climate near Eiao #
Eiao's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1396 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (203 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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March
March is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm).
