Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia.

Located in the southeastern Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia, Hiva Oa is the second-largest island in the Marquesas. Guests on Star Clippers will arrive to find laid out before them an exotic island framed by majestic mountains and dramatic coastlines.

Over the last 170 years this largely undiscovered archipelago has served as an escape for artists, writers, adventurers and musicians, and is best known as the final resting place of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel.

Fans of Gauguin will want to visit Puamau Village where Gauguin’s descendents live. The black sand beach of Taaoa and Tahauka Bay provide an ideal place to relax and enjoy the island’s beauty.

An island landmark is an 8-foot-high stone tiki, the largest in all of Polynesia, that makes for a fun photo opportunity.

Before heading back to the ship, guests will want to make time to purchase some of the beautiful traditional Marquesan handcrafts sold throughout the tiny island villages and at the port.

Star Flyer will call at Hiva Oa during its 24-night Tahiti to Panama trans-Pacific crossing that departs Feb. 14, 2010.