introduction

Discovered in 1595 by Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana de Neira, Tahuata ("Sunrise" in Marquesan) is the smallest island of the archipelago. Accessible only from Hiva Ova, this volcanic structure with sheer cliffs is dominated by Tumu Meae Ufa (3181 feet) which separates the five wild valleys of the island.

Seduced by the white sand beaches and the lush vegetation which lines the twin bays of Iva Iva Nui and Iva Iva Iti, navigator Alain Gerbault wrote: "one of the rare times I wished I was a land owner".

The monoi island is the only one to be edged by coral formations that give her wonderful, deserted, white sand beaches bathed in clear waters such as Hana Moenoa.

Built on the edge of a large bay along an ancient paved road, one finds the village "Hapatoni".

Charming houses, huge churches and memorials give this village a provincial at-the-end-of-the-world style. Its crafts center reminds us that most men in Tahuata are sculptors, carving rosewood, horse bones and even swordfish rostrums, reinventing the meaning of Marquesan traditional patterns.

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