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 CA $577 per night from Nov. 11 to Nov. 12
CA $577
CA $668 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
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! (99 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 Oct. 24, 2024

Cook's Bay Hotel and Suites
Hotel Kaveka
Hotel Kaveka
2.5 out of 5
B.P. 373, Maharepa, Moorea-Maiao, Windward Islands
The price is CA $297 per night from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8
CA $297
CA $351 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
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 Oct. 27, 2024

Hotel Kaveka
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! (51 reviews)
Lovely stay in a true "South Pacific" heaven!
"Loved this home and all the outdoor spaces. Kayaking in Cook Bay was great and appreciated the functioning washing machine!! Close-by shopping, even some just across the street. Parking a little hairy as the sharp turn off the road - but mastered it well before our departure. I would highly recommend ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 2024

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! (51 reviews)
Lovely stay in a true "South Pacific" heaven!
"Loved this home and all the outdoor spaces. Kayaking in Cook Bay was great and appreciated the functioning washing machine!! Close-by shopping, even some just across the street. Parking a little hairy as the sharp turn off the road - but mastered it well before our departure. I would highly recommend ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 2024

Our Cook Bay House
"Villa Blanche" PANORAMIC POOL-BAR COOK BAY
"Villa Blanche" PANORAMIC POOL-BAR COOK BAY
Moorea-Maiao
Stay at this vacation home in Moorea-Maiao. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Moorea Ferry Terminal and Distillerie ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
A slice of heaven in Moorea
"We loved our time at this vacation rental. It was high enough up for phenomenal views of Cook's Bay and the ocean but also an easy walk to the waterfront. Full kitchen, air conditioning, negative edge pool, washer/dryer, so many amenities! We recommend this place highly."

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

"Villa Blanche" PANORAMIC POOL-BAR COOK BAY
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 Nov. 1, 2024

Residence Moorea Sunset Beach
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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