Hiva Oa

Hiva Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest island of the southern Marquesas group located at 9 45' South latitude and 139 W longitude. According to local religion, the gods created the islands as their home. Therefore, all islands have names that are related with the building of a house. Hiva Oa means long ridgepole.

Overview

Administratively, Hiva Oa is part of the commune (municipality) of Hiva-Oa, itself in the administrative subdivision of the Marquesas Islands. Atuona, on the coast of Hiva Oa island, is the administrative centre of the commune. Atuona was formerly the seat of government for all of the Marquesas Islands, but it has been replaced by Taiohae on Nuku Hiva island.

The island is famous as the final home of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel, both of whom are buried in Calvary Cemetery, overlooking Atuona. It is also home to the largest tiki sculptures in French Polynesia.

Hiva-Oa

Hiva-Oa is a commune of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. The commune is in the administrative subdivision of the Marquesas Islands.

The commune of Hiva-Oa is made up of the island of Hiva Oa proper (316 km² (122 sq mi)), which contains the entire population of the commune, and the uninhabited islands of:

Hiva-Oa consists of the following associated communes:

The administrative centre of the commune is the settlement of Atuona, on the southern side of the island of Hiva Oa.

Footnotes