Mark Porter explores Nuku Hiva, the largest isle in the archipelago of the Marquesas Islands, and finds that it s a haven for hiking, horse-riding, diving and breathtaking scenery .
Travelers in need of a digital detox, or just an escape from the stresses of recent times, will relish being marooned for a few days in this hard-to-reach island. Nuku Hiva has an otherworldly and primitive feel to it. There are no tall buildings and the only cell phone network is 2G. It has the basic needs for a community; a post office, a hospital, a town hall, a bank, five grocery stores and a pharmacy.
Gregorie le Bacon
The 40-foot-tall Tiki Tuhiva sculpture looms over Taiohae. Thereâs a mystical allure that permeates through Nuku Hiva. Locals say itâs a place where you can feel the authentic âmanaâ â the spiritual life force of Polynesian culture. Itâs hard not to feel thousands of years of history, especially as striking Tiki and Moai statues depicting ancient gods or ancestors are proudly dotted around the island.