Pension Koku'u

Nuku Hiva


Here's a family-run place that embraces you like a big, warm Marquesan hug. Rooms are simple and not very private, but they are clean, tiled and have hot-water bathrooms. The location, a few kilometers uphill from Taiohae is inconvenient, but you come here more to dine, sing and be taken on adventures by the lovely Alvarado family.

The family will shuttle you down to town for free whenever you want. Meals from fresh produce are served at a big communal table.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nuku Hiva attractions

2. Tohua Koueva

0.56 MILES

It’s believed that this extensive communal site, with its paved esplanade, belonged to the war chief Pakoko, who was killed by the French in 1845. Today…

3. Pae Pae Piki Vehine

0.58 MILES

Rebuilt for the 1989 Marquesas Festival, this pae pae (traditional meeting platform) contains modern sculptures and a dozen magnificent tiki made by the…

4. Church

0.69 MILES

Smaller denominational church.

5. Beach

0.78 MILES

Taiohae's lovely black sand beach.

6. Monument to the Dead

0.81 MILES

On the seafront, opposite the Kamake shop, you can’t miss this obelisk fronted by a cannon constructed in honour of Étienne Marchand.

7. Musée Enana

0.82 MILES

This little museum has a few documents and some beautiful ancient Marquesan artefacts. It also doubles as a small craft shop. Entry was free at the time…

8. Mairie

0.96 MILES

The local mayor's office.