Marquesas Landfall and the Magic of Hiva Oa

World ARC 2025-26: Hiva Oa, Marquesas

With its towering backdrop of forested mountains, peppered with palm trees, flowering shrubs, and houses, the anchorage at Atuona on Hiva Oa is a stunning place to make landfall after a few weeks at sea.
But first, you will need to get there…

Galapagos to Hiva Oa

Departure day in Galapagos could not have been any better - clear blue sky, sunshine, and a light breeze were awaiting the fleet at their midday start for the 4th leg of their circumnavigation. This stage was over 3000 nautical miles long and led from Galapagos to the island of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas, French Polynesia. A dream destination for every cruising sailor.

Most of the fleet needed to motor south for two days before they reached the tradewinds – a band of stable winds, north and south of the equator, which has been used by sailors for centuries to ship their goods all over the world.

Of course, the ocean can be challenging at times. But on this route, many crews reported they did not have to change any sails for days in a row, and enjoyed being out there by themselves and the ocean. The sailors even witnessed a full lunar eclipse at sea!

When Rally Control radioed Swan 65 Alpha Centauri to welcome them to Hiva Oa, the skipper was beaming: “We could easily sail another 1000 miles right now!” said Edith Lange.

Exploring Hiva Oa

Most of those who just sailed across the Pacific Ocean were itching to get off the boat to explore this incredible 122-square-mile island. There was plenty of choice, including a guided tour to discover Hiva Oa’s delights, a hike to see the tiki monuments, a trek through lush valleys on horseback, or simply the chance to chill out at one of the remote beaches, such as at Hanatekuua.

Hiva Oa is famous for its world-class restored archaeological sites. Some, like the ‘Smiling Tiki,’ are hidden away in the undergrowth, while others, such as the tiki of Taaoa and the mystical Upeke archaeological site, are easier to find. The tiki are symbols of power, loyalty, and protection and are admired for the precision of their designs.

The tiki of Taaoa are stone statues, sculpted by Polynesians nearly a thousand years ago. Takaii, at over two and a half metres, is the tallest tiki in French Polynesia, and can be found on the Lipona archaeological site close to the village of Puamau on the northeast coast.

Those who chose not to venture far from the anchorage had plenty to see in the main village of Atuona. The local handicraft studio and the Paul Gauguin cultural centre, which pays homage to the artist who spent the last years of his life on the island and is buried in the local cemetery.

From Hiva Oa, the yachts sail to Nuku Hiva and then have six weeks of independent cruising to explore the islands and atolls of French Polynesia before the rally rendezvous in Bora Bora.