Ua Pou

Ua Pou is an island in the Marquesas Islands group of French Polynesia, notable for its steep, needle-like basalt peaks rising from the island’s interior. It is one of the inhabited Marquesan islands and has small coastal villages.

Ua Pou has long been inhabited by Marquesan communities and has a history of local crafts, carving and traditional practices. European contact occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as with other islands of the Marquesas.

Ua Pou lies in the northern Marquesas Islands in the central South Pacific and is administratively part of French Polynesia.

• Distinctive geology: Noted for its dramatic needle-like volcanic spires, the island’s landscape is a distinctive example of Marquesan volcanic geomorphology.

What to See#

• Basalt pillars: The towering basalt pillars that rise from the island’s central ridge and form its most distinctive skyline feature.
• Main villages: Hakahau and other small coastal villages that serve as the island’s population centers and harbor areas.

• Ua Pou is very remote-plan and book inter-island transport and lodging well in advance and expect limited services once you arrive; firm reservations are essential.
• The island is famous for its dramatic basalt spires; hire a local guide or join a boat excursion to reach the best viewpoints and interior trails, since much of the island's dramatic scenery is off the main village roads.
• Carry enough local currency and confirm schedules with hosts beforehand-shops, ferries and guesthouses operate irregularly compared with larger Polynesian hubs, so punctual arrangements avoid wasted travel days.