Discovered in 1595 by Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana de Neira, Tahuata (“sunrise” in Marqusan) is the smallest island of the archipelago.

Accessible only from Hiva Oa, this volcanic structure with sheer cliffs is dominated by Tumu Meae Ufa (3181 feet) which separates the five wild valleys of the island.

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

Build on the edge of a large bay an ancient paved road, one finds the village “Hapatoni”.
Its crafts center reminds us that most men in Tahuata are sculptors, carving rosewood, horse bones and even swordfish rostrums, reinventing the meaning of the Marquesan traditional patterns.