Discover Hakaui Valley: Local Life & Adventure
5.0
15 Ratings
Bay

Explore Hakaui Valley: Immerse in local culture, enjoy stunning views, and savor delicious food on this unforgettable guided adventure.

Duration: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Hakaui Adventure with Tangy and Ana - 8:30 AM ā€“ Departure from Taiohae via Boat Taxi
    Kick off with a scenic boat taxi ride from Taiohae, offering coastal views en route to Hakaui Valley.

9:00 AM ā€“ Welcome at Hakaui Beach
Meet your friendly guides, Tangy and Ana. Get ready for an exciting day ahead!

9:30 AM ā€“ Hike to Vaipo Waterfall
Join us for a 1.5-hour hike to Vaipo, the tallest waterfall in French Polynesia. See archaeological sites and landscapes. (Total hike: 3 hours)

1:30 PM ā€“ Homemade Lunch
Enjoy a homemade lunch in the traditional home of your guides.

2:30 PM ā€“ Marquesan Art
View beautiful Marquesan artwork and handicrafts made by Tangy.

2:45 PM ā€“ Explore Hakaui Village
Wander through Hakaui village, soak up the culture, and see daily village life.

3:00 PM ā€“ Swim and Relax
Cool off with a swim in the river or relax on the black volcanic beach.

3:30 PM ā€“ Return to Taiohae
End with a boat ride back to Taiohae, arriving around 4:00 PM, and reflect on the memories you made.

What's Included
  • Guided hiking tour
  • Discovering art and handicrafts
  • Swimming in the river and the ocean
  • Exploring Hakaui Village
  • Entry ticket to the waterfall and archaeological sites
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Boat taxi from Taiohae to Hakaui Valley (roundtrip)
Additional Information

Discover Hakaui Valley: A Day of Local Life & Adventure

What to Expect:
Soak in Local Culture: Learn first-hand about the customs and everyday life of the Marquesans alongside us.

Stunning Views: Stroll through lush green valleys and marvel at a beautiful waterfall. Donā€™t forget your camera ā€“ every corner is postcard-perfect!

Fun Guided Tour: Hosts are super passionate about Hakaui. Theyā€™ll take you on a journey filled with cool stories and hidden spots.

Yummy Local Food: Enjoy a delicious meal made from fresh, local ingredients.

Unique Marquesan Art: Donā€™t miss the chance to admire and purchase beautiful Marquesan art.

Why Youā€™ll Love This:
We care deeply about Hakaui Valley ā€“ its people, culture, and nature. By choosing this tour, youā€™re supporting the community and helping preserve the beauty of this amazing place for generations to come.

  • The transfer is provided by separate companies and must be paid for directly to them. We arrange this service for our guests without taking any commission. The cost for a boat taxi accommodating 1 to 4 people is 16,000 xpf for a round trip, shared among the passengers. For groups larger than 4 people, the cost is 5,000 xpf per person for the round trip. Boat taxi companies only accept local currency in cash.
  • We do not offer baby seats or carriers, so infants must be held on laps during lunch or brought in a carrier for the hike.
  • We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements or food allergies, please indicate them when booking.
Location
Quai des pecheurs
The boat taxi from Taiohae to Hakaui Valley departs at 8:30 a.m. from the fishing port in the center of town. Payment in local currency needs to be made directly to the boat taxi company. (This is not our service and we don't take any commission.) We will meet you on the Hakaui beach upon arrival.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Al125exia
Sep 6, 2024
Hakaui Valley is a place you have to see! - We did a 3-day tour with Ana and Tangy, and it was definitely one of the best things we did in French Polynesia. Nuku Hiva is such a beautiful island and full of things to do if you love nature, and Hakaui Valley is the most breathtaking place I have ever seen! Ana and Tangy welcomed use into their home and were always so kind and thoughtful. We did some amazing hikes during the 3 days we were with them, including the hike to the waterfall which was just mind-blowing, and the hike up to a warrior's checkpoint where we could see the most beautiful view of the valley. Although we spent more than 3 days in Nuku Hiva, we specifically went there for this tour with Ana and Tangy, since the reviews were so great. And it was totally worth it! Can't wait to visit again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gr_goiret2022
Sep 6, 2024
The beautiful valley of Hakaui - That was great! Thank you very much to Ana and Tanguy for their welcome and the discovery of this beautiful valley of Hakaui, one of our most beautiful days in the Marquesas.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Go22351826056
Aug 23, 2024
Incredible day spent at Hakaui - I had a wonderful trek into Hakaui Valley with Ana as my guide. She was very personable as well as knowledgeable -- I learned more about Marquesan history and culture in a few hours with her than cumulatively across everything else I did over a week in the Marquesas! The hike itself is not very difficult, and you are well rewarded getting to experience the Vaipo Waterfall in all its majesty and spirituality. Ana and Tangy had also prepared for me a wonderful traditional lunch, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Would absolutely recommend, and myself look forward to coming back if I ever find myself in Nuku Hiva again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M1314jmyolandav
Aug 17, 2024
Must-see in Nuku Hiva - Wonderful experience with wonderful hosts, Ana and Tangy. Anne wise and sweet, a woman with an incredible life story. Tangy conveys peace, harmony, he's a great artist. The spectacular waterfall, the road itself is already spectacular, is nature, cross rivers, discover culture, ruins... A long walk worthwhile, also on the way back we had some delicious dishes typical of Nuku Hiva, certainly Top-rated dishes I have eaten in these islands. Thank you Ana and Tangy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
62craiga
Aug 11, 2024
MUST SEE!!- hard to believe that this paradise exists- feels like a cross between Avatar and Jurassic Park - Our host had such warmth and passion. The hike featured amazing scenery, history..a peaceful hike to a beautiful waterfall and an intoduction to nature by Tangy.. He glows when talking about the plants and animals.. getting to know Ana and her husband Tangy was such an honor and pleasure. They are truely as unspoiled as the environment they live in.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tischnou
Jul 31, 2024
Day of sharing šŸ¤© amazing - Thank you very much to you 2 Tanguy and Ana for sharing a moment of your life, inviting us to a traditional meal, hunted and cooked by an expert! And to show us your Vallee to the waterfall. This day will remain etched in our memories. Cathy Estelle & Coralie
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Smarttravel13
Jul 31, 2024
Awe-Inspiring Tour on Nuku Hiva - Our day spent with Ana and Tangy was absolutely the highlight of our trip to Nuku Hiva. If you're visiting the Marquesas to learn more about Polynesian/Marquesan culture, and see a place nearly untouched by the outside world, you must spend *at least* a day visiting the Hakaui Valley with Tangy and Ana. I've visited over 45 countries and taken countless tours with "locals," but nothing compares to this experience. This valley is simply stunning, and with Tangy's ancestors having lived here for generations, there couldn't be a better guide. The Hakaui Valley is only accessible by boat (or an extremely arduous hike), home to just over a dozen people in one family, and has some of the best archeological sites anywhere in the Marquesas. The hike to the waterfall was the perfect length, and I highly recommend you pack a bathing suit to jump in and swim under the falls (if the conditions are right/safe). There are very few places that have made my "must return" list for travel and further exploration, and this is one of them. If you're considering a tour with Tangy and Ana, book this well in advance since they don't have internet in the valley and may not see your booking for a few days when they boat into town to catch up on emails.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oloklolauraaa1_23op
Jul 26, 2024
Unforgettable - Thank you to Ana and Tanguy for this exceptional moment. Beautiful landscapes like I have rarely seen. This day will surely be one of the most beautiful of my trip. You are in a small group and will have lunch at their home in true Polynesian culture. I recommend 1000000%
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cookteacher
Jul 25, 2024
A total change of scenery - Thanks to Anna and Tanguy for this timeless moment. The valley is beautiful, the welcome and meal just as much. Too bad we can't see the entire waterfall on arrival. However, watch out for nonos on the beach, they are very voracious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G5303uijustinet
Jul 21, 2024
Amazing experience !! - We had the most amazing time at Ana and Tanguy's place. They are such inspiring and generous people, and the passion with which they share the story of their valley is contagious. The boat ride to the valley is very impressive, and so is the arrival to the beach, where Ana and Tanguy will be waiting for welcoming you, smile on their face. I will never forget this Marquesan experience and these two people, my boyfriend Raphaƫl and I are so grateful for sharing this day with you guys. Take care !!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
2 Adult
October 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today