Cook's Bay

Travel Guide

Cook\'s Bay featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Cook\'s Bay which includes views, mountains and tranquil scenes
Cook\'s Bay featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Cook's Bay
Cook's Bay

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.

Hotel Kaveka
Hotel Kaveka
B.P. 373, Maharepa, Moorea-Maiao, Windward Islands
$194 nightly
The price is $229 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$229 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (282 reviews)
"Nice place to stay. Air conditioning wasn’t very cold. Very clean, friendly staff. Room was oceanfront and very large. Lots of fish, rays and turtles in the lagoon visible from the restaurant. Nice pier and reef to snorkel around."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Hotel Kaveka
Cook's Bay Hotel and Suites
Cook's Bay Hotel and Suites
Cook's Bay, Paopao, Moorea-Maiao, Windward Islands
$431 nightly
The price is $510 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$510 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (175 reviews)
"Amazing experience. Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful, brightly lit, spacious, and clean rooms. Super high speed internet. Delicious tea. Free kayak. Overall wonderful experience."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Cook's Bay Hotel and Suites
Our Cook Bay House
Our Cook Bay House
Paopao
Book a stay at this beach villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
Sears 2025 family
"Perfect property for our family of 14, plenty of space, hosts very accommodating. Used the paddle boards and kayaks right out front. Morning coffee and coconut bread and view of Cooks Bay sublime."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Our Cook Bay House
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.
Our Cook Bay House
Our Cook Bay House
Paopao
Book a stay at this beach villa in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
Sears 2025 family
"Perfect property for our family of 14, plenty of space, hosts very accommodating. Used the paddle boards and kayaks right out front. Morning coffee and coconut bread and view of Cooks Bay sublime."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Our Cook Bay House
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Pk 26 Côté mer, Haapiti - Ile de, Moorea-Maiao
Book a stay at this 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! (489 reviews)
Easy stay near the beach
"Excellent location with rooms a very short walk to the beach. Fully stocked kitchen made cooking in the room easy, and in room laundry was very convenient. There is no housekeeping during the stay which can be tough on a longer stay, particularly the beach towels. Room was very basic but clean and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
Pension Fare Maheata
Pension Fare Maheata
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (80 reviews)
"Wonderful location, super quiet and very nice staff. Direct access to the lagoon with kayaks and Sups available. Breakfast included, on the beach with your feet in the water. That's where I'll go again next time. Mauruuru Roa."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Pension Fare Maheata
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.

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