Ua Huka and its magnificent arboretum

Ua Huka, an open crescent of the Northern Marquesas, conceals a myriad of tropical riches nestled in an absolutely authentic nature. The queen island of Tapa, a Polynesian fabric made from tree bark such as the banyan, offers magnificent hills that form a real playground for the animals that live there freely.

This beautiful mystical land is the sanctuary of an incredible arboretum, an incredible paradise of tropical plants. Located in Papuhakeikaha, this botanical reserve extends over 17 hectares and was created in 1974 to combat deforestation and the impoverishment of plant species on the island, consequences of the climate of Ua Huka, but also the overpopulation of goats, horses and wild pigs.

The island's arboretum is full of more than a thousand endemic and international species, fruit trees and others. You will find the Marquesas palm, the Hokatu papaya, the Veveke breadfruit, the "tau" (cordia subcordata), the "miro" or rosewood, the badamier, the Tiare Tahiti, the mango tree, the bamboo, the ylang-ylang, the vanilla, the coffee, the lotus, the soursop, the calabash tree, the carambola tree, the caimito tree, the macadamia tree, etc.

Its citrus plantation (lemons, grapefruits, mandarins, etc.) is one of the largest in the world with nearly 300 varieties, 28 of which are marketed. It was decided since its foundation that this tropical reserve would be made available to the island's inhabitants so that they could replant their land and thus participate in the plant repopulation effort.

A true research laboratory, the Ua Huka arboretum also contributes to the economic development of the island with a fruit processing plant, producing jams, candied fruits, fruit pastes, chutneys, etc. A beautiful harmony between nature and human needs...

A stone "tiki" (human or divine representation sculpted in stone or wood) is also implanted within the arboretum and ensures respect for this magical and absolutely marvelous place.