Atuona

Atuona, located on Hiva `Oa is the administrative center for the southern Marquesas Islands. It is located on Atuona Bay on the southern coast of the island.

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Until it was replaced by Tai o Ha'e, Atuona was the capital of all the Marquesas Islands.

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The peak Temetiu, rising to 1,190 m (3,903 ft.) above sea level, towers above the town.

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Atuona was the final home of Paul Gauguin, who is buried in Calvary Cemetery, which overlooks the town. The Belgian singer Jacques Brel is also buried there. In 2003, construction on the Paul Gauguin Cultural Center was completed in Atuona.

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Hiva `Oa: Hiva `Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas Islands, and the largest island of the southern group. Its name means "long ridgepole" in South Marquesan. The island is likely so named because of its long central ridge....

Marquesas Islands: The Marquesas Islands, not to be confused with the Marquesas Keys of Florida, are a group of islands in French Polynesia. In French they are known as the ?les Marquises or Archipel des Marquises or Marquises, and in Marquesan they are known variously as Te Henua (K)enana (North Marquesan) and Te Fe...

Atuona Bay: Atuona Bay (French Baie d'Atuona or Baie Tahauku) is a small inlet on the north shore of Ta‘a ‘Oa (the Bay of Traitors), on the southern coast of Hiva ‘Oa. The bay is traditionally called Vevau in Marquesan....