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Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Hatutu

Island

Hatutu is an uninhabited islet in the Marquesas designated as a nature reserve and seabird sanctuary; access is restricted and visits focus on wildlife observation under conservation rules.

Hatutu essentials

Address: Hatutu Nature Reserve, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Admission: Park/Reserve permits sometimes required for access by research or guided tour; public access limited (no general visitor facilities)
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About Hatutu

Hatutu is a small, uninhabited island in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia that is protected for its natural values. The island is notable for seabird colonies and endemic flora and fauna.

General public access is restricted and the island is visited mainly by conservation personnel and scientific parties; landing is uncommon for tourists. The habitat supports nesting seabirds and species not found on larger, inhabited islands.

Hatutu has no permanent human settlement and has been set aside to conserve its natural ecosystems and bird populations. Management focuses on preventing invasive species and protecting breeding colonies.

It lies in the Marquesas group of French Polynesia in the central South Pacific, with larger inhabited islands of the archipelago located nearby.

  • Protected status: The islet is uninhabited and managed primarily for conservation, serving as a breeding site for seabirds and other native wildlife.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Hatutu

Access is best in the dry season when sea conditions are calmer; much of the year access is restricted to protect wildlife.

Dry season
May-Oct · 24-28°C
Calmer seas and easier access by sea; seabird colonies are most active in the breeding season.

Weather & Climate near Hatutu

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (913 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 10 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 23° - 30° 26° 64 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
February - 23° - 30° 26° 60 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
March - 23° - 30° 26° 139 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
April - 23° - 29° 26° 118 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
May - 23° - 29° 26° 69 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
June - 23° - 28° 26° 95 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
July - 22° - 28° 25° 109 mm - - 5.5 m/s - -
August - 22° - 28° 25° 78 mm - - 5.6 m/s - -
September - 22° - 28° 25° 57 mm - - 5.5 m/s - -
October - 22° - 29° 26° 50 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
November - 22° - 29° 26° 36 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
December - 23° - 30° 26° 38 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Hatutu

Hatutu is accessible only by sea from the main Marquesan islands (e.g., Nuku Hiva). Travel typically requires chartering a vessel or joining a licensed research expedition; landings are regulated by local conservation authorities.

Tips for Visiting Hatutu

  • Access is restricted and usually arranged via local guides or research expeditions - confirm permissions before travel.
  • Bring seabird identification guides; Hatutu is a significant nesting site for several endemic seabirds.
  • Respect protected-area rules: landings are often limited to specific coves to protect breeding colonies.