Cook's Bay

Travel Guide
Cook\'s Bay featuring tranquil scenes and mountains
Moorea’s eastern bay shelters the island’s largest commune and has magnificent mountain views, secluded swimming spots and a range of hotels and restaurants.

Experience one of Moorea’s finest waterfront destinations when you visit Cook’s Bay. One of the two twin bays on the island’s breathtaking north coast, Cook’s Bay is renowned for its matchless views of Moorea’s mountainous interior and the forested hillsides that cascade into the bay’s calm waters. Travel around the deep u-shaped bay on foot, by scooter or by car and visit the waterfront precinct of Pao Pao, the island’s largest commune.

Also known as Pao Pao Bay for its proximity to the town, Cook’s Bay contains some of Moorea’s most accessible attractions. Jump on your scooter or take a drive around the picturesque bay. The commune of Piha’ena lies on the northwestern edge of the mouth of the bay. The road travels south along the water’s edge, with palm-fringed shores on one side and pretty terraces of pineapple plantations on the other.

Continue south to find St. Joseph Catholic Church, which marks the beginning of Pao Pao’s communal boundaries. This township reaches deep into the valleys of the island’s mountainous interior. From here, you can join up with the road that winds up the slopes of Mount Tohivea to the Belvedere Lookout.

Along the eastern banks of the bay, you’ll find the local seafood market, a collection of restaurants and some waterfront hotels with views of the Moua Puta and Moua Roa peaks. In the distance you’ll see the jagged summit of Mount Rotui. Peruse the daily catch at the market or take a seat at one of the restaurants to enjoy local cuisine, which fuses French influence with the magnificent tropical produce grown locally. On the northeastern mouth of Cook’s Bay, you’ll find Cook’s Beach. Go for a swim in one of the pretty beaches and snorkel amid the offshore coral.

Cook’s Bay is located on the northern coast of Moorea. The bayside drive is easy for a rental car or scooter. Alternatively, join a charter tour of the island. The region is free to visit at any time.

Cook's Bay Hotel and Suites
Cook's Bay Hotel and Suites
4 out of 5
Cook's Bay, Paopao, Moorea-Maiao, Windward Islands
The price is RM1,450 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
RM1,450
RM1,681 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
"Nice hotel with a pretty view. Would recommend it. We had a 2 bedroom and it was nice. Bartender at the pool was nice. Le Cooks was nice with good food."

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2024

Cook's Bay Hotel and Suites
Hotel Kaveka
Hotel Kaveka
2.5 out of 5
B.P. 373, Maharepa, Moorea-Maiao, Windward Islands
Book a stay at this beach resort in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (253 reviews)
"The hotel grounds are amazing with a great view on Cookes Bay. Very peaceful and quiet. The only thing I would like to see are better options for breakfast. Too expensive and not a great selection compared to other hotels on the island. But that would not stop me from coming back here. My 4th time ..."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Hotel Kaveka
Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Te Moana Tahiti Resort
4 out of 5
BP 2851 Punavai, Punaauia, Tahiti
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Punaauia. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"beautiful waterfront property with easy access to pool and ocean"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Te Moana Tahiti Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
3.5 out of 5
Pk 26 Côté mer, Haapiti - Ile de, Moorea-Maiao
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (457 reviews)
"Location near most beautiful beaches."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Pension Fare Maheata
Pension Fare Maheata
2.5 out of 5
Pihaena Papetoai Pk 14,3 Côté Mer, 9872, Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (76 reviews)
"The host was awesome and the location was perfect. It was quite and close to the ocean."

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2024

Pension Fare Maheata
Green Villa Moorea
Green Villa Moorea
Motu Temae, Moorea-Maiao, Moorea
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and concierge services. Popular attractions Moorea Ferry Terminal and Temae ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Highly recommend this property. Lovely modern villa and very comfortable."

Reviewed on 29 Sep 2024

Green Villa Moorea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do