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.
Atuona, on the south side of the island was formerly the seat of government for all of the Marquesas Islands, but has been replaced by Nuku Hiva's Tai o Hae, leaving it as the regional seat of government for only the southern Marquesas.
The island was the final home of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel, both of whom are buried in Calvary Cemetery, overlooking Atuona.
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