Ua Pou's jagged basalt spires pierce the clouds like a Gothic cathedral, rising above a wild, culturally rich island where stone-carvers still shape the rare flower stone found almost nowhere else on Earth.
All standard cruise ships tender into Hakahau Bay; only the cargo-cruise Aranui 5 docks at the wharf.
💡 Pro move: Apply no-no (black sandfly) repellent before stepping off the tender — DEET or monoi oil with citronella work best.
Ua Pou has no cruise terminal; ships anchor in Hakahau Bay and tender passengers ashore.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (Windstar, Ponant, Oceania, Paul Gauguin, etc.) | Hakahau Bay anchorage📍 | Tendered |
| Aranui 5 (cargo-cruise) | Hakahau concrete wharf📍 | Docked |
Beyond the village, Ua Pou rewards those who venture out by 4x4 with flower-stone beaches, lush valleys, and sweeping views of the cathedral peaks.
Wander the village, browse world-class Marquesan wood and stone carvings, and visit the St. Etienne Church with its extraordinary ship-prow carved pulpit. Free and entirely walkable from the tender pier.
Find Ua Pou cultural tours →Ride through rugged mountain terrain to Hohoi beach on the island's eastern side, where rare phonolite flower stones — found almost nowhere else on Earth — wash ashore. Visit local carving workshops along the way.
Find Ua Pou 4x4 tours →A steep 20–30-minute hike from the village reaches a white cross on the hill overlooking Hakahau Bay, with panoramic views of the harbor and the island's towering basalt spires.
Find Ua Pou hiking tours →Ua Pou's largest archaeological site, set above the valley of Hohoi on the island's eastern side and extensively restored for the 2019 Marquesas Arts Festival. Its 100-meter stone platform (pea pea), petroglyphs, and modern sculptures mark a once-major ceremonial gathering ground. Reaching it requires a 4x4 — often combined with the Hohoi flower-stone outing.
Find Ua Pou heritage tours →A coastal walk of about 15–20 minutes east of the village reaches Anahoa, Ua Pou's most photogenic golden-sand beach. Check sea conditions with locals before swimming — no reef means exposed swell.
Find Ua Pou beach excursions →Often arranged by cruise lines at the local tohua (ceremonial site), Marquesan dance — particularly the powerful haka — is energetic and distinct from Tahitian dance. Check your cruise program.
Find Ua Pou cultural experiences →Most of Hakahau is walkable from the pier; reaching beaches or the viewpoint requires a short uphill effort.
Flat paved walk from the tender dock through the village waterfront to the artisan stalls and the St. Etienne Church. The carved pulpit inside is one of the most remarkable sights in the Marquesas.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From the village center, follow the trail uphill to the white cross on the ridge for sweeping views over Hakahau Bay, the anchorage, and the dramatic basalt peaks.
📍 Open in MapsUpcoming cruises that call at Ua Pou, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.