We are unable to get to our next stop at Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia due to high winds and heavy seas. As an alternate, we go to a nearby island and stop at Hapatoni, a village located in the bay of Vaitahu, on the island of Tahuata, also in the Marquesas Archipelago and with a population of about 100 people. We are told that the village is known for its friendly people and welcoming culture and that the main sights in town are the marketplace, the church, the beehives, the stone bridge, and the public toilet. We go ashore to find these items, all on the Royal Road, and discover a delightful, happy, beautiful town.
Approaching Hapatoni
Welcome to our town!
We walk down the Royal Road through the middle of town to find the sights.
Lots of coconuts
Views of the sea
Along the Royal Road
We arrive at the marketplace and find that the building is filled with handicrafts for us to admire (and, possibly, purchase), tables of food for us to enjoy, and a local band.
At the marketplace
We continue along the Royal Road to the church and the beehives.
Beautiful flowers along the way
Passing the church
More great views of the sea
Reaching the beehives at the end of the road
We stroll back along the Royal Road, stopping briefly at the marketplace again, and then return to the ship, caught by surprise by a few things, including a telephone booth in the middle of town and that the lights and poles at the port are all wrapped with flowers.
Telephone booth near the market
And, we did find the public toilets in the middle of town near the market (and the telephone).
Public WC
Creative pole decoration
Back on the ship, we are treated to a group of local dancers from the island who come aboard to entertain us before we depart.
Local dancers and band
This has been a terrific [alternate] stop. What a happy, delightful place!
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