Ua Pou: Hakahau and Hakahetau
After a short overnight voyage, dawn reveals the extraordinary jagged pinnacles that have given Ua Pou the name ‘Cathedral Island’. Smiling locals turn out to greet the Aranui 5 at the dock in the small town of Hakahau. As the crew busy themselves unloading cargo, passengers can take a 40-minute walk for a bird’s eye view of the harbour before exploring the town. The cultural and agricultural centre on the waterfront is a highlight and an opportunity to taste a variety of local fruit and pick up some unique souvenirs including pieces carved from the exquisitely patterned volcanic flower stone. Before a traditional buffet lunch at Tata Rosalie’s Restaurant, we are treated to a performance by some of the finest dancers in the Marquesas, including the spectacular Bird Dance, for which Ua Pou is famed. In the afternoon we sail around the rugged northern tip of the island and drop anchor off Hakahetau where we go ashore by barge and spend a relaxed couple of hours exploring the village.