Nuku Hiva: The Untamed Paradise of French Polynesia

• HelloIa ora na
  [Yah-oh-rah nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [Nah-nah]
• YesE
  [Ay]
• NoAita
  [Eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMāuruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Thank youMāuruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryUa here au
  [Oo-ah hair-ay ow]
• How are you?Eaha te huru?
  [Ay-ah teh hoo-roo]
• Fine. And you?Maita'i. 'E pe'a 'oe?
  [My-tie. Eh pay-ah oh-ay]
• Do you speak English?Ua tomo 'oe i te reo anga?
  [Oo-ah toh-moh oh-ay ee teh ray-oh ah-ngah]
• I don't understandAita au marama
  [Eye-tah oh mah-rah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseUa ha'amata'u i te meniu, māuruuru
  [Oo-ah hah-ah-mah-tah-oo ee teh meh-nee-oo, mah-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au 'e 'ai 'āmaha
  [Eye-tah oh ay eye ah-mah-hah]
• Cheers!'Ia ora na!
  [Yah-oh-rah nah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseUa ha'amata'u i te uahi, māuruuru
  [Oo-ah hah-ah-mah-tah-oo ee teh wah-hee, mah-roo-roo]

• Help!Muri!
  [Moo-ree]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [High-ray ah-too]
• Call the Police!Tapuni i te gendarmerie!
  [Tah-poo-nee ee teh jen-dar-meh-ree]
• Call a doctor!Tapuni i te 'oa!
  [Tah-poo-nee ee teh oh-ah]
• I'm lostUa 'ana'ana au
  [Oo-ah ah-nah-ah-nah oh]
• I'm illUa 'ore au
  [Oo-ah oh-ray oh]

• I'd like to buy...Ua ha'amata'u i te hio
  [Oo-ah hah-ah-mah-tah-oo ee teh hee-oh]
• I'm just lookingUa 'āmaha au i te hio
  [Oo-ah ah-mah-hah oh ee teh hee-oh]
• How much is it?Eaha te moni?
  [Ay-ah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveTe moni paha
  [Teh moh-nee pah-hah]
• Can you lower the price?Tae 'oe i te muraa'i i te moni?
  [Tah-ay oh-ay ee teh moo-rah-ee ee teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?Eaha te hōra?
  [Ay-ah teh hoh-rah]
• It's one o'clockE tahi hōra
  [Ay tah-hee hoh-rah]
• Half past (10)Te hōroa (maha)
  [Teh hoh-roh-ah mah-hah]
• MorningPoipoi
  [Poy-poy]
• AfternoonApara
  [Ah-pah-rah]
• EveningAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• YesterdayUa 'ō
  [Oo-ah oh]
• TodayI teie ra
  [Ee teh-ee-ay rah]
• TomorrowApa
  [Ah-pah]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Maha
  [Mah-hah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [Vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Maha
  [Mah-hah]

• Where's a/the...?Aha te...
  [Ah-hah teh]
• What's the address?E aha te tahi tuhinga?
  [Ay ah-hah teh tah-hee too-heen-gah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Tae 'oe i te fa'ahou i te mahere?
  [Tah-ay oh-ay ee teh fah-ah-hoo ee teh mah-heh-ray]
• When's the next (bus)?Aha te 'ahiahi i muri?
  [Ah-hah teh ah-hee-ah-hee ee moo-ree]
• A ticket (to ....)Te tamau (i ....)
  [Teh tah-mow ee]

Nuku Hiva, part of the Marquesas Islands, was first settled by Polynesians around 2000 years ago. These early settlers navigated vast ocean distances using traditional canoes and sophisticated navigation skills. They established complex societies, with hierarchical structures and rich cultural traditions that included tattooing, dance, and unique forms of art.

The first recorded European to discover Nuku Hiva was the American sea captain Joseph Ingraham in April 1791. However, it was the French explorer Etienne Marchand who formally documented the island in December of the same year. Their encounters with the island marked the beginning of Western influence in the Marquesas.

In 1842, Nuku Hiva was claimed by France when the French naval officer Admiral Abel Aubert du Petit-Thouars signed a treaty with the local chiefs. This marked the beginning of French colonial rule in the Marquesas Islands. Nuku Hiva became a strategic location for France to expand its influence in the Pacific.

In 1842, the famous American author Herman Melville visited Nuku Hiva and his experiences on the island inspired his first novel, 'Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life.' The novel, published in 1846, offered a vivid and romanticized account of his time among the island's inhabitants and brought global attention to Nuku Hiva.

During World War II, Nuku Hiva served as an important naval base for the United States. The island's strategic location in the Pacific made it a valuable asset for military operations. The presence of American forces brought significant changes to the local infrastructure and had a lasting impact on the island's development.

Today, Nuku Hiva is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island's history is preserved through its archaeological sites, traditional arts, and local customs. Tourism plays a crucial role in the economy, attracting visitors who are fascinated by the island's unique blend of history and culture.

Nuku Hiva is located in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. The nearest international gateway is Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport (PPT). From Tahiti, you can take a domestic flight to Nuku Hiva's airport, Nuku Hiva Airport (NHV), which is about a 3.5-hour flight. Alternatively, you can travel by sea; the Aranui 5, a mixed cargo and passenger vessel, offers an adventurous way to reach the island, taking about 3 days from Tahiti.

Transportation options on Nuku Hiva are limited. Renting a car or a 4x4 vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the island, as public transport is scarce. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Some accommodations offer shuttle services to and from the airport. For short distances, walking is a viable option, and it's a great way to take in the stunning scenery. Bicycles and scooters can also be rented for local travel.

The official currency in Nuku Hiva is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in remote areas. There are limited ATMs on the island, so it's wise to withdraw sufficient funds before heading to more isolated parts. Currency exchange services are available at major banks in Tahiti.

Nuku Hiva is generally a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it’s always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring remote parts of the island.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for medical emergencies, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. The main hospital is located in Taiohae, the island’s capital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Taiohae. Always carry a basic first-aid kit, especially when venturing into remote areas.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before entering sacred sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to drivers and other passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Kaoha' (hello). A light handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Nuku Hiva like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Polynesian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island’s history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to attend a traditional dance performance or a local festival. For a unique experience, explore the island's ancient archaeological sites, such as the Taipivai Valley, and enjoy hiking the scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the coastline and lush valleys.