Eiao

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.

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.

• 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.