Nuku Hiva is part of the northern island group of the Marquesas Islands. The island's particular charm undoubtedly lies in the beautiful bays found all around the craggy coastline. Taiohae is the adminstrative seat and the seat of the archbishop and also boasts many attractions, such as the Nôtre Dame des Marquises cathedral, with unsusual sculptures carved from exotic woods, or the wooden sculpture dedicated to the author Herman Melville. Just a few kilometres from Taiohae, in the valley of the same name, is the archaeological site of Tohua Koueva. It was the main headquarters of chief Pakoko, who lead a successful rebellion against the French in 1845. A visit to the site is worth it just to see the bougainvillea and hibiscus plants that bloom in an array of colours and the ancient Banyan trees.
