Open-air terminal and palm-lined apron at Nuku Hiva Airport in the Marquesas Islands, backed by dramatic volcanic peaks

Airport

Nuku Hiva Airport (NHV)

Nuku Hiva Airport is the main air gateway to the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, connecting travelers with Papeete and other islands in French Polynesia. From the airport, visitors typically continue by road transfer to Taiohae, the island's main village.

Passengers

Luggage

About Nuku Hiva Airport

Nuku Hiva Airport is the main air gateway to Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. Opened in 1980, it brought reliable inter-island air service to one of the most remote parts of the country and remains an essential link for residents, freight, medical travel and tourism.

The airport sits on the arid Terre Déserte plateau in the island's northwestern corner, roughly 40 km from Taiohae, the island's main village. Because of the mountainous, winding road network, the drive between the airport and Taiohae typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, so onward transfers are best arranged in advance.

The compact airport operates from a single small terminal and a single asphalt runway used mainly by turboprop aircraft on flights to and from Papeete in Tahiti. Air Tahiti and Air Moana provide the principal scheduled connections, with some services routed via Hiva Oa.

Facilities are intentionally basic, with a small snack bar, a modest shop, restrooms and a waiting area. Travelers should plan ahead for cash, food, transfers and limited connectivity, since Nuku Hiva Airport reflects the island's remote character rather than the amenities of an international hub.

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Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Nuku Hiva Airport operates from a single small terminal building that serves both departing and arriving passengers. The airport handles domestic inter-island flights within French Polynesia, primarily on routes to and from Papeete in Tahiti.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Nuku Hiva Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Nuku Hiva Airport to Taiohae, guesthouses and other locations across the island, with 4x4 vehicles suited to the winding mountain roads.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from Nuku Hiva Airport to Taiohae, sightseeing stops and other points around the island.

Car Rental

Rent a car at Nuku Hiva Airport for independent travel to Taiohae and exploration of Nuku Hiva's valleys, viewpoints and coastal areas.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organize minibuses or 4x4 group transfers between Nuku Hiva Airport, Taiohae, guesthouses and island excursions.