Continuing on from yesterday’s post, we left the Arboretum and headed into the main town of Ua Huka – Vaipaee.  The Aranui cruise ship in town was causing a traffic jam as all passengers seemed to be in regular vehicles and we must have passed at least 30 leaving the port as we were entering.

A couple tourists avoided the traffic jam by riding horses!

The Aranui is too large to come into port so goods and passengers are ferried in on smaller boats or barges.  The Aranui also serves as a cargo ship and the local Manu bird guide, Geoffray Sulpice also serves as an inspector to make sure no black rats can get into the island.

Here is the Aranui anchored further out.

Looking back towards the port. UA HUKA MUSEUM

A few metres back in the village, there is a small but very interesting museum showing the history and culture of the island.  As you enter, there are some Tikis and a nice carving that looks like a coat of arms with some birds on it!

Inside, you can see artifacts and photographs of traditional Marquesan people. There is also a taxidermied Ultramarine Lorikeet called Pihiti in the local language.  It is very clear that this beautiful bird means a lot to the locals and they are very keen to conserve the birds.

Taxidermied Marquesan Fruit Dove

Outside the museum is a poster to show the new currency which has been recently re-designed.  The new bank notes are a bit smaller and each one has a reference to the culture, flora and fauna of French Polynesia.