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Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka: Ancient Echoes of Nuku Hiva

Uncover ancient Marquesan culture at this significant Nuku Hiva archaeological site, featuring impressive stone structures, banyan trees, and petroglyphs.

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Explore the Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka, a significant archaeological site near Hatiheu on Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia. Discover ancient stone structures, banyan trees, and petroglyphs that tell the story of a once-dense population in this mystical valley.

A brief summary to Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka

  • 5W78+QRX Nuku Hiva, Nuku Hiva, Hatiheu, PF

Local tips

  • Wear mosquito repellent, as the area is known for mosquitoes.
  • Allow several hours to fully explore the three interconnected archaeological sites.
  • Consider hiring a local guide from Hatiheu for a more in-depth understanding of the sites.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Taiohae, the main village on Nuku Hiva, the Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka is accessible by car via a scenic route to Hatiheu on the northern coast. The drive takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. Car rentals (4x4 recommended) are available in Taiohae for around 12,500 XPF per day. Alternatively, arrange a taxi or transport with your accommodation; expect to pay around 3,000 XPF each way.

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Discover more about Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka

Ensemble Tahakia Kamuihei Teiipoka, located near the village of Hatiheu on the island of Nuku Hiva, is a captivating journey into the ancient heart of the Marquesas Islands. This archaeological complex comprises three interconnected zones: Kamuihei, Tahakia, and Teiipoka, which together form the largest excavated area on the island. Restoration of the sites began in 1998, led by archaeologist Pierre Ottino, revealing a wealth of stone structures, ceremonial platforms (tohua), house platforms (paepae), and religious sites (me'ae). The sheer number and scale of these structures bear witness to a once-thriving population, estimated to be far greater than the valley's current inhabitants. Kamuihei is perhaps the most visually striking of the three sites, characterized by moss-covered basalt rocks and enormous banyan trees, one of which is estimated to be over 600 years old. Beneath the largest banyan lies a deep pit, believed to have been used for sacrifices or taboo objects. Scattered throughout the area are other pits (ua ma) used for storing breadfruit, a staple food. On the Teiipoka site, discover two large stones adorned with remarkable petroglyphs depicting human figures, birds, dogs, turtles, concentric circles, and fish. It is estimated that the valley contains over 500 petroglyphs in total. Across the track lies the restored tohua Tahakia, one of the largest in the Marquesas, along with additional paepae. This site was once the clan grounds of the warrior Keikahanui. Exploring this open-air museum requires several hours, and mosquito repellent is highly recommended.

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