What to do in Fatu Hiva? Top 5 Must-Do Activities
At MyLittlePolynesia, we’re passionate about Polynesia and the Marquesas Islands. And if there’s one island that fascinates with its authenticity and wild power, it’s Fatu Hiva, nicknamed “the island of cliffs.” Here, no planes or easy access: to reach this isolated pearl, you must board the Aranui, the famous cargo-passenger cruise ship that connects the Marquesas Islands.
Wild, deep, and preserved, Fatu Hiva offers lush valleys, secret bays, vertiginous cliffs, and a still-living Marquesan culture, far from mass tourism. It’s an island you have to earn, but the reward is worth it: breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, mysterious caves, and pristine nature that will amaze all lovers of authentic travel.
In this article, we share our Top 5 must-do activities in Fatu Hiva. Whether you’re a fan of wild hikes, photography, or simply seeking relaxation and cultural immersion, you’ll find here all the keys to fully enjoy this extraordinary island. Our advice? Plan several days to explore Hanavave, Omoa, and sail to the Vaipo Cave, to discover all facets of this unique destination in the Marquesas.
Our advice? Plan at least 3 to 4 days on site, and if you can, combine it with Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, and Ua Huka, to fully experience the soul of the Marquesas Islands.
What to do in Fatu Hiva? Top 5 activities and visits
For Fatu Hiva, plan at least 4 to 5 days to explore all the island’s treasures. Nicknamed “the island of cliffs,” it captivates with its wild atmosphere, lush valleys, and preserved Marquesan culture.
People come here to wander through the villages of Omoa and Hanavave, discover archaeological sites, meet local artisans, or admire the spectacular nature along trails and ridges.
Check our full article Best time to visit French Polynesia. Let’s start our top 10 !
Your journey starts here!
“Travel to French Polynesia in 10 Steps” — flights, accommodations, itineraries, weather, and hidden gems… Everything you need to plan the perfect trip!
Download it for free now and start turning your dream into reality
📥 Download your free guide
1. Traditional tapa making
In Fatu Hiva, tapa is much more than a craft: it’s a living heritage, passed down from generation to generation. It’s here, on this remote island of the Marquesas, that one of the oldest skills of Polynesian culture endures. Tapa, this unique plant-based fabric, is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry or broussonetia, carefully harvested then hand-beaten on a flat stone using a wooden mallet.
This work, performed mainly by women, requires patience and precision. The fine fibers are then assembled, dried in the sun, then decorated with symbolic motifs representing nature, ancestors, and valley spirits. Each piece tells a story: that of the island, a clan, or a significant event.
Check out our article on the Paul Gauguin cruise, the ideal blend of onboard luxury and authentic Polynesian experiences.
Witnessing this traditional craftsmanship is a fascinating experience. In the villages of Omoa and Hanavave, you can meet these passionate artisans who perpetuate an art that is both fragile and powerful. Their creations, often displayed during local festivals, are true works of art, blending ancestral knowledge and natural beauty.
Fatu Hiva tapa is not just a souvenir: it’s a piece of soul, a link between past and present, between man and earth. A treasure of Marquesan heritage to absolutely discover during your visit to the island.
👉 If you’re looking for information on group travel in Polynesia, check out our complete article: Group Travel at the Best Price in Tahiti.
📖 Read the article ➜ Traveling in French Polynesia: 10 day Itinerary & Tips
2. The trek between Omoa and Hanavave (17 km)
The Fatu Hiva traverse is one of the most legendary hikes in the Marquesas — 17 km of effort and pure wonder. This trail connects the villages of Omoa and Hanavave, winding through mountains, forests, and vertiginous ridges. The departure is early morning from Omoa, under the coconut trees, before starting a gradual ascent offering spectacular views of deep valleys and the infinite ocean.
Throughout the path, vegetation alternates between ferns, banana trees, and mist-covered cliffs. You sometimes encounter wild horses and perched goats, symbols of the island’s wild nature. After several hours of walking, the descent toward Hanavave gradually reveals one of the most beautiful views in all of Polynesia: the Bay of Virgins, with its rocky peaks plunging into the sea.
This crossing, demanding but accessible with a good fitness level, is an unforgettable experience. Some choose to do it accompanied by a local guide, who shares legends, anecdotes, and mountain secrets. At the end of the path, the reward is immense: a swim in the bay, surrounded by majestic cliffs, before a flaming sunset over Hanavave.
👉 If you’re interested in information about the most beautiful Polynesian islands to visit, you can check out our article on our top 7 islands to visit.
📸 Instagram 📱 WhatsApp 📧 E-mail
3. Explore the archaeological sites of Fatu Hiva
Fatu Hiva, like all the Marquesas Islands, houses numerous archaeological sites testifying to a rich and mystical past. These vestiges, scattered in the jungle or nestled on the heights, tell the story of a people deeply connected to nature and spirits. Exploring these places means diving into the most ancient soul of Polynesia.
The valleys around Omoa and Hanavave abound with paepae, these stone platforms that once served as foundations for houses, carved tikis, silent guardians of sacred places, and petroglyphs engraved in rock. Some represent stylized human figures, animals, or symbols linked to fertility and ancient gods.
With a local guide, the visit takes on its full meaning: they tell the legends associated with each site, clan stories, ceremonies of old, and the spiritual significance of the motifs. You then understand how much the Marquesans lived in harmony with their environment, celebrating the mountain, the sea, and ancestors through these stone creations.
These sites, still preserved from mass tourism, offer a rare immersion into Marquesan culture. In Fatu Hiva, every step on these ancient trails is an encounter with history, an intimate experience, at once cultural, mystical, and deeply moving.
👉 You can check out our article on 10 days in the Marquesas during your trip to Polynesia, why this archipelago is a must-include during your trip to Polynesia.
Fill out our short form (4 questions, 1 minute) to help us understand your travel project!
Since 2024, together with our community of over 40,000 travel enthusiasts, we’ve been helping travelers find — for free — the best local agency that fits their wishes, budget, and itinerary.
Contact us here
4. The Bay of Virgins
The Bay of Virgins is a true hidden jewel that captivates all lovers of nature and adventure. Nestled in the heart of a preserved landscape, this destination offers breathtaking panoramas. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be struck by the wild beauty of its cliffs and crystalline waters. The coastal trails that border the bay are perfect for hikes and sunset walks.
The Bay of Virgins is also an ideal place for photography enthusiasts, with its changing colors depending on the time and season. The beaches remain almost deserted, offering a rare feeling of isolation and peace these days. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, diving, or simple snorkeling in its clear waters.
For those seeking rejuvenation, the sound of waves and birdsong create an incomparable zen atmosphere. The local fauna and flora also deserve your full attention, with unique species rarely found elsewhere. Sunsets from the rocks offer unforgettable moments, perfect for immortalizing your trip.
The Bay of Virgins is not just a place to relax, it’s an immersive experience in pristine nature. Whether you’re an adventurer, photographer, or simply seeking calm, this destination will leave you with imperishable memories. Every step along its shores reveals a new facet of its magic, making this bay a must for any curious traveler.
👉 If you’re looking for information on cruising with the Aranui in Polynesia, check out our complete article: Everything you need to know about the Aranui, authentic Polynesian cruise on a mixed cargo ship.
👉 Interested in getting around the islands of French Polynesia? Don’t miss our dedicated guide.
5. Sea excursion in Fatu Hiva, between small bays and impressive cliffs
The sea excursion in Fatu Hiva is an essential adventure for travelers in Polynesia. Departing from Omoa, you sail along the spectacular coast to Hanavave, the famous Bay of Virgins. The marine landscapes offer steep cliffs, turquoise waters, and fascinating marine fauna, ideal for travel photography and natural observations.
The crossing to the Vaipo Cave is a magical moment. Nestled in the hollow of volcanic cliffs, this cave impresses with its stalactites and interior waterfalls, creating an almost mystical setting. Local guides share legends and anecdotes about the region, making the excursion both cultural and natural.
During the journey, you can admire isolated beaches, secret bays, and, with a bit of luck, spot dolphins or sea turtles. The experience by kayak or boat allows you to approach areas inaccessible on foot, offering total immersion in nature.
If you’re wondering what to bring for your trip to Polynesia, check out our complete packing guide for Tahiti and Bora Bora with all the essentials you’ll need.
Check out all our articles on must-do activities and island-by-island recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip to French Polynesia. People also visit Nuku Hiva, and sometimes Ua Huka and Fatu Hiva during their Marquesas trip, check our full articles.
Dreaming of a tailor-made journey by our recommended polynesian travel agencies ? Feel free to contact us. From our little island of Moorea, we’ll be happy to help you create the trip of a lifetime.
And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all our latest reviews, experiences, and island discoveries in video!
About us
WELCOME !
👉 Here, we share our best travel experiences, insider tips, favorite spots, and authentic advice to explore French Polynesia with passion 💙 (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, the Marquesas, Tuamotu…)
