The airport is at an altitude of 500m (1,650 ft.) up on the Tepuna Plateau, 13km (8 miles) northeast of Atuona. Fog or rain can unexpectedly close the airstrip here, so be prepared to enjoy an extra night or two on Hiva Oa. Always plan to fly back to Papeete a few days before your international flight home.
Your accommodations will arrange to pick you up if they know you're coming, or look for Vaite Transport (Ida Clark Taxi; tel. 92.71.33 or 72.34.73). Despite her anglais name, Ida Clark speaks scant English, but she will take you into Atuona for 1,500CFP (US$19/£9.50).
Atuona Rent a Car (tel./fax 92.67.07 or 72.17.17), Hiva Oa Location (tel. 91.70.60 or 72.83.83), and David Location (tel. 92.72.87; davidkmk@mail.pf) all rent four-wheel-drive vehicles for about 12,000CFP (US$150/£76) a day. The main road is paved from Atuona past the airport going northeast, but be extremely careful when driving here. The north-shore road is so dangerous that I strongly recommend taking an organized tour to see Puamau.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
