77 square km – Population: 571
The storage area of the great house of the gods, Ua Huka has an austere appearance due to prevalent drought. Its relief is less elevated than its neighbors and includes plateaus and almost deserted zones where the summit reaches 855 meters.
The island has more horses than human beings and herds of goats also run rampant. Its great interest for tourists lies in the restoration of its many archaeological sites, the display of pieces and remains in the museum and the preservation of plant life in the only French-Polynesian arboretum.
This concern for preservation and protection of the environment and the protection of cultural heritage is shared by everyone and is especially noticeable in the art of carving.
The three main villages are built at the head of small sheltered bays on the island’s south coast. Its main settlement, Vaipaee, is the proud owner of an archaeological museum set up by the local authority. It includes a collection of funeral vessels, of various items of ornamentation such as bracelets, earrings, whales’ teeth and adzes as well as photos from the Bishop Museum.
Source :
GIE Tahiti Tourisme
http://www.tahiti-tourisme.pf