Four wheel drive vehicles will transport guests between the church, the small Museum of Vaipaee, and the Arboretum. The small Museum of Vaipaee, opened in 1989, is located next to the town hall of Ua Huka. At the entrance, you will see a commemorative board dedicated to Captain Marchand, who discovered this island in 1791. This small museum displays a number of original archaeological findings and some nice reproductions, made by a local craftsmen of the island. You will also discover a small seashell collection.

The "Arboretum", a large botanical garden, was created twenty years ago by the mayor of Ua Huka. He passionately gathered hundreds of tropical plants year after year. You will discover coffee plants, vanilla plants, mangoes, avocadoes and over three hundred species of tropical plants brought from other Pacific Islands, such as teak trees, cedrella, star fruit, cacao, macadamia, etc.

An experimental plantation of citrus fruits will also be presented containing more than 6,000 plants, representing 120 varieties of citrus plants are part of scientific research made in collaboration with national scientific research centers (CIRAD and INRAD). You will be amazed by the richness of the tropical flora, all gathered on this small island. Far from civilization and human pollution, the island of Ua Huka is trying to preserve an endangered flora.

Please note: Four guests will be accommodated in each vehicle. It is recommended that families and friends advise the Travel Concierge Desk in order to be assigned the same vehicle. This tour is not recommended for guests with back or neck problems or for pregnant women as it involves some rough roads. The drivers are not guides and their command of English is poor.

Discover Ua Huka's unique lunar landscape and ancient past during this memorable off-road journey in the Marquesas Islands.

Depart the pier for the drive to the Museum of Vaipaee. Upon arrival, you will view old photographs and ancient Marquesan artifacts, including replicas of a chief's burial grotto and a Marquesan oven.

You will then continue on to the Manihina archaeological site, which is situated in a small valley between Vaipaee and Hane on Ua Huka. Here, you will learn how excavations in the early-1990s unearthed an ancient settlement dating back to 750 AD; the Marquesas Islands' oldest-known settlement. This site is quite unique, as it spans the entire time period from the first settlement to the historic period of contact with Europeans in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Next, you will proceed along the coastline en route to the hamlet of Hokatu. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a brief traditional dancing exhibition, and have an opportunity to purchase some exquisite wood-carved Marquesas crafts. You will then travel through the valley and past herds of semi-wild horses roaming the hills before reaching the small town of Hane. A visit will then be made to the Museum of the Sea, which houses some reproductions of outrigger canoes and drawings from the Polynesian Triangle that retrace the route of the first Polynesian sailors that settled the South Pacific islands.

Following your visit, you will re-board your 4WD vehicle for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: Ua Huka is renowned as the best place in the Marquesas for woodcarving. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to purchase some excellent woodcarvings not on display anywhere else. The itinerary may be operated in a reverse order. Insect repellant is strongly recommended. Each vehicle will accommodate four guests. It is recommended that families and friends wishing to ride together contact The Regent Travel Concierge Desk in order to be assigned to the same vehicle. The drivers are not guides, and their command of English is poor. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.