Atuona

Atuona is the administrative capital of the commune of Atuona, on the southern coast of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. It is the island’s largest settlement and serves as its main port and service center, with a small harbor and access to air travel via the nearby Hiva Oa Airport.

The town is notable for its association with Paul Gauguin, who lived in the Marquesas before his death in 1903 and is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Atuona. The cemetery is also associated with Jacques Brel, who lived on the island and died there in 1978. The legacy of Gauguin is preserved at the Musée Paul Gauguin in Atuona, and the Gauguin Cultural Center hosts exhibitions and programs related to his life and work.

Today, Atuona serves as the administrative and commercial hub for the island, with local markets, churches, and government offices. The economy relies on fishing, small-scale agriculture, crafts, and tourism connected to Gauguin’s legacy and Marquesan culture. The town is connected to other parts of Hiva Oa by road and is served by a harbor used for inter-island transportation.

Geography and demographics: The climate is tropical and maritime. The population is small, consisting of a few thousand residents. The surrounding landscape features rugged coastlines, volcanic terrain, and coconut groves, reflecting the broader geography of the Marquesas Islands.