The Marquesas Islands are yet another group of volcanic islands in French Polynesia.  The largest island of this group is Nuku Hiva and its capital is the charming Taiohae.  This cruise is lucky to be on a smaller ship, as many of the recent small island ports can not be visited by the larger ships.  This is one of those, as the Regatta anchored with just a quick 10 minute tender to shore.

The visual coming in to the beautiful bay is stunning.  Once again, the mountains created by the volcanos come straight down to the water and are covered with very lush greenery.  The tender takes one right into town with the warm island welcome.

Good morning Huku Niva.

😉

The youngster on the left was very vigorous with her welcoming chant.

Watching over the bay is a massive female tiki – Tiki Tuhiva – with a warrior by her side.  They are a quick 10-15 minute walk up the hill from the tender dock.  Worth the time for the view of the bay.

Tiki Tuhiva – –

– – and her warrior checking us out!

Another 1/2 mile walk up the Main Street will take one to the Notre Dame Cathedral.  Another charming sight with exquisite wood carvings inside instead of the usual stained glass windows.

Striking church buildings…

…with beautiful wood ceiling…

…and extensive carvings like these…

…instead of stained glass windows.

Back to the Main Street and another short distance is Temehea Tohua, a ceremonial site filled with tiki statues – and quite peaceful.

If you are hungry – or need a place to stay – there is a Relais and Chateau property on up the road, Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resort.  It will provide not only good food and drink, but an excellent view to go with it;-)

Nice walk to a hillside resort for lunch…

…with good food and great views.

With the visit to this quaint little island it is time to say goodbye to French Polynesia and the Islands of the South Pacific.  It has been very eye opening to see the number of tiny little islands out here, with very small populations, that have very exclusive, expensive resorts to escape to.  And, the number of relatively small sailboats that are anchored off shore.  In talking with many of the sailing folks, they are living on their boats for many months (in some cases years) and often with small children!  What a life and what an education!!!!

In a day and a half, this cruise will once again cross the equator and will return to the North Pacific on the way to the Hawaiian Islands.  Then it will only be a short week before it all ends and these passengers will return to the ‘real world’;-(  But – that is another week.  So ‘til then – keep enjoying.

E & G – Amazed and Awed