Kaienana

February corresponds to August in the south. In Tahiti the rains are mainly before Xmas. In the Marquises islands, the rainy season is from January to July.

There have been 8 cruise ships at Nuku Hiva this year and the weather has smiled every time! Sometimes a little cloudy, but that just makes it a little less hot.

There is very little walking needed to see the islands, air conditioned cars are easy to hire, with or without Driver/guide.

We did Claude's tour this past spring. He was ready and waiting for us. But because of the lengthy tender process (there are steps to egress the tender and despite being told numerous times, people with walkers and mobility issues still insisted on tendering) our tour was shortened at our request. This was our last stop before returning to San Diego and did not want to risk a late return. Claude is the only English speaking person on the tour. He had many, many modern vehicles for our group and the drivers were courteous and drove safely. Part of our tour required some hiking and certain individuals in our group were unprepared and/or unable to participate. The tour itself was fine but not a highlight of our cruise for me and my husband. The island itself had beauty and the history and primitive nature of it are very unique. Unlike a previous poster, we did have issues with payment at the end. Despite negotiations for the shorter tour length, we were charged a higher rate. Because of the commotion at tour end, the decision was made to not argue and cause a scene so the amount was paid.

West Coast Cruiser.

You should not tell porky-pies!

Your issue with the cruise ship and it's method of getting people ashore has nothing to do with the tour ashore. If you felt that the tour was spoilt by the delay, Of several hours! In getting all the group ashore, you should have taken it up with the ship!

You were charged the normal price for the tour and, apart from the visit to the church and paepae in town, you saw, and did all the normal tour. Time was made up by faster driving and less time in Hatiheu and Taiohae. The guide, whose name is Philip, by the way, not Claude, is the only native English speaking guide on the island. Most Marquisians find it hard enough to learn their own language, French and Tahitian, without learning English as well! How many Americans are trilingual, I wonder?

I remember you well. Like I always say, "One can please all of the people some of the time. Some of the people all of the time. But not all of the people all of the time"

The journey out to Hatiheu takes 3 hours, but this is including all stops and detour to the beach that the ship's tour goes to, very dull, Pua Excursion (Claude Pua) really starts it's tour when arriving back in Taipivai from Houmi.

Instead of returning to Taiohae, they continue on to Hatiheu, visiting a copra factory, spectacular views and sites. Lunch at Yvonne's. The return journey takes less than 1 hour, (All the roads are now surfaced!)

Back at Taiohae there is another site and the church to see, before getting back to the dock.

The main guide is the only one for whom English is a first language.

Hi Beth,

I agree with your comments. Kaienana certainly doesn't act like the very sweet people we met in Polynesia. She has not posted much, but her first post related to a group stiffing her on a tip due to something that should not have happened. I do think she was treated wrongly; but that is certainly no reason to come on to this thread and attack people's opinions of the Marquesas.

Pointing out your errors, (that influence others) is surely helpful! For example, Hammerhead sharks mainly eat squid. The reason that their eyes are so far apart is to protect them from tentacles. Add to that the quote about beaches in Polynesia: Nuku Hiva has many white sand beaches alone. The Tuamotus are atolls, so are really just long white beaches.

Cruise Critics are very quick to condemn, even when their facts are wrong...... I am just trying to put those facts right.

Taiohae has two white sand beaches alone, other bays are even better..... Sharks are friendly and never attack. You are totally out of order!

I second the comment on Nuku Hiva being unsuitable for tanning your backside and boogalooing on a sandy beach.

 

Almost all beaches in Polynesia (esp. the Marquesas) are rocky - not like idyllic sands of St. Lucia or Barbados. Plus, waters teem with sharks in Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.

 

If you enjoy swimming with sharks, hey, this will make your day.

 

BTW, roads & island infrastructures are a mess. Don't rely on map distances to time excursions on either island. You will need an experienced driver to get around and back to the ship by departure time.

If you can't remember too much!

If I recall, this is the Island where Paul Gaugin is buried. Princess provided free 'shuttle' service into town, where they have a polynesian dance and music demonstration in the town square. There were no tours available, as it was on a Sunday.

 

The shuttle service is some buses and lot's of locals with their personal vehicles.

 

We had a lovely woman take us to the Cemetery, and then we walked down into town (she offered to drive but we like to walk). Lots of photo ops.

There were a few booths set up with local crafts.

 

We walked back to the ship (the same woman passed us many times and offered to drive) but it was a beautiful day and we enjoyed all the stunning views.

 

There isn't much else there. Just a beautiful, rugged Island with very nice people.

 

I can't recall which excursion we took on Nuku Hiva. I THINK it was a 4x4 tour around the Island, the "Taipivai Valley 4wd Overland & Hike" but I really don't remember. IF this was the tour we took, we enjoyed it very much- it is as described though - the hike is strenous and the trails can be very muddy and slippery.

 

We thought every Island was more beautiful than the next.