Nuku Hiva is the second largest island in French Polynesia after Tahiti, but is sparsely populated. It offers an astonishing range of terrain, ranging from windswept cliffs to lush river valleys and deep bays. The main town of Taiohae acts as the administrative and economical capital of the Marquesas. The Marquesas are probably what Tahiti and the Society Islands were like about 50 years ago.
This island does not usually have much rain (except in the mountains). However, the day we were there was an exception! It pretty much poured of rain most of the day. Some of the local ladies performed a nice song and dance for us, and didn’t seem to mind that they were dancing bare footed and sitting in the muddy grass.

The island is quite mountainous – those that ventured further inland on a tour, said the scenery was spectacular (even in the rain!).
The island is quite mountainous – those that ventured further inland on a tour, said the scenery was spectacular (even in the rain!).