Half of these Polynesian sites are unpopulated, and the rest only have a few thousand visitors yearly.

today , it seems like anytravel inspirationis couple with a monition ofovercrowdingandovertourism . call places you see on your feed can often intend combat through crowds of grand of others who also interpret them on their feed . That is not the case with the Marquesa Islands , in the beginning name Te Henua Enata , a group of islands in Polynesia . Just half of the12 islands are populated , consort toCNN , and do n’t receive too many visitors because of their hard - to - reach location .

Te Henua Enata is getting more attention now that it has been named one of the newestUNESCO World Heritage sites .   The primary island , Nuku Hiva , is home to archaeological sites and waterfall and is centered around an archipelago . The 12 island are home to a pretty unbelievable mix of history , culture , and born knockout . With Nuku Hiva make a universe of just 9,000 people , the island are " well-nigh free from human victimisation , " according to UNESCO , and are " among the world ’s last nautical wilderness areas . "

" Through its selection of the Marquesas Islands , the World Heritage Committee recognizes the exceptional universal value of this archipelago , where we incur evidence of a civilisation intimately linked to its unique geologic and marine environment , " theFrench government sharedin a statement . " Its inclusion on the lean air a content of musical accompaniment for bear on the Pacific ’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity and for recognizing the richness and various refinement of our overseas territories . "

Hakanahinui also known as “Bay of sharks” between Hakahetau and Hakahau on the west coast of island of Ua Pou on June 14, 2024, in Ua Pou island, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images

Hopefully , the UNESCO designation will encourage the preservation and protection of the islands ' ethnic and natural life , even among the great unwashed chatter the expanse . Overseen by the Tahitian Tourism Board , there are ways to call the remote islands responsibly .

you could take a lineal escape from Papeete , the majuscule of French Polynesia , to Nuku Hiva through Air Tahiti and Air Moana , which is a three - hour flight . There are also ways to sail from other island in French Polynesia into the Marquesas . Just be prepared to spend significant money to make it to the island ; it costs upwards of $ 700 just for that escape from Papeete to Nuku Hiva .

If you do decide to make the journey , you wo n’t be the only American there . Even though it is not a very busy tourist destination , US travelersare the 2nd most frequent visitors to the Marquesas , mighty behind French travelers , according toCNN .

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