We decided to head to Vaitahu, the “main village” of Tahuata which is about 2nm south of Hanamoenoa Baie.  A quick motor and we dropped the hook near our friends on Maple.  This is a super small village with 2 snacks, 1 magasin, 2 churches and a post office.  That’s it.  Small and simple and full of lovely people!

Vaitahu in Tahuata

A Wedding

The day we arrived there was a local wedding.  Of course, we had to go check it out (from the outside).  It was held in the beautiful Catholic church with an enormous stain glass window.  It is tradition to invite everyone in Vaitahu to the ceremony and then feed everyone in the town.  Even crazy tourists and cruisers like us.  We declined, but it was a super nice gesture.

Wedding island style

We found a short hike to another cross at the entrance of Vaitahu.  It was only 20 minutes to the cross, but it was straight up hill about 2.7 miles.  It had beautiful views of the bay.

Hike Photos

A New Tattoo

No, not for me (yet).  Our friend Daryl on Maple got a new tattoo.  It was done the modern way, but still pretty painful.  The tattoo artist works in his carpark with a nice breeze.  It took several hours to draw out the design including strength, family, Marquesan cross, tiki, and more.

Drawing the Tattoo

Then the fun began with the outline, then the filling and the beautiful finished product.

Daryl’s Tattoo is all done

I went to church on Sunday and was a little frustrated because it was super-hot and I could not understand anything.  For some reason, I just did not have my heart in it, but I did enjoy the beautiful singing, church, and lovely people.

Church with stained glass

Vaitahu has two snacks, but the popular one is called Chez Jimmy whichhas the most interesting herb garden made out of used, plastic, wine bottles.  So clever!

Wine bottle garden at Jimmy’s

A couple of beautiful sunsets to wrap up our evenings and we’ve fallen in love with Vaitahu.

Vaitahu Sunset on Sugar Shack