Ua Pou was our first and last port of call in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. This island has a jagged look and is dominated by two peaks of about 4000 feet that seem to push through the clouds. After visiting the flat coral atoll of Takapoto, this first look at the volcanic Marquesas was quite a change! About 2000 people live on Ua Pou, and the main village on Ua Pou is Hakahau, where the Aranui both unloaded and picked up freight at the pier during its two stops.


After walking around Hakahau, we ate a traditional Marquesan lunch at Rosalie's, a restaurant that is only open the day the Aranui is in port. Ronnie and I also hiked the short, but steep hill overlooking the village for some spectacular photos. The Catholic Church and the Museum of Hakahau, where we were treated to a lecture on Marquesan tatoos, were both interesting and worthwhile to visit. Click on each link to see and learn more about Ua Pou in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia.

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Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Sailing into Hakahau,Ua Pou in the early morning gave us a good look at the jagged peaks soaring overhead.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - The harbor at Hakahau, Ua Pou as seen from the lookout point high above the port.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - The Aranui 3 at the dock in Hakahau.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Secluded beach in the valley next to Hakahau.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Meeting lodge in the village of Hakahau.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Aranui 3 at the pier in Hakahau was unloading and loading goods while we explored the village and had lunch.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - A traditional Marquesan lunch at Rosalie's Restaurant in Hakahau.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Young Marquesan dancers entertained us at lunch.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Catholic Church on Ua Pou

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Hand-carved pulpit in the Catholic Church in Hakahau.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Magnificent spires overlook the village of Hakahau on Ua Pou.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Ua Pou Museum in the village of Hakahau

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Marquesan "nose flute" carved with traditional tatoo symbols.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Sea Kayaking in the bay at Hakahau.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Enjoying the scenery from the deck of the Aranui 3 passenger freighter in Hakahau Bay.

Tahiti and French Polynesia - Ua Pou in the Marquesas - Sunset over Ua Pou in the Marquesas.

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