Plizio Visual Lab
Paopao
ℹ️Practical info — Paopao
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Drive to the Belvedere Lookout early in the morning for the clearest view over Cook's Bay.
- Stop at the local Rotui juice factory for tastings of fresh Moorea pineapple juice.
- Rent an e-bike to comfortably explore the coastal road around the scenic bay.
- Mosquitoes can be very active near the inland pineapple fields; pack good repellent.
🍽 Food
Some of the sweetest in the world, available at roadside stalls throughout Paopao.
Usually served in a rich vanilla sauce at lagoon-side restaurants.
The traditional staple, excellent for a casual lunch at a local snack bar.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Purchase local flavors directly from the factory shop in the village.
Available at reputable jewelry boutiques around the Cook's Bay area.
Sit by the water and watch the dramatic jagged peaks reflecting in the bay.
Just behind Paopao, offering a serene and green landscape for a quiet walk.
Water temperature…
Paopao, often referred to as Cook's Bay, is a settlement on the northern coast of Moorea in French Polynesia. The bay, which cuts deep into the volcanic massif, served as an anchorage for European explorers, including James Cook in 1769. The area features dense tropical rainforest stretching to the peaks of extinct volcanoes and intensive agriculture: pineapple, vanilla, and coffee are cultivated on terraced slopes. The bay houses rich marine life, popular among divers and snorkelers. The local economy relies on tourism, fishing, and pearl farming. Traditional Polynesian culture is preserved in marae (ceremonial sites) along the coast. The settlement has approximately 1,500 inhabitants, closely tied to the lagoon and its resources. Infrastructure includes small hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants serving local cuisine. The landscape provides hiking trails to viewpoints such as the Belvedere, providing a panoramic view of the bay and neighboring Tahiti.
- Location: French Polynesia
- Top sights: Galerie Van der Heyde · Église adventiste du 7è jour · Usine Rotui
- Nearby: Papetoai (6 km)
- Population: ~4.221 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 185 | 171 | 130 | 115 | 88 | 68 | 52 | 48 | 39 | 82 | 114 | 218 |
Geography
Facts
- The bay is about 2.5 km deep and 1 km wide.
- James Cook visited the bay in 1769 during his first South Seas voyage.
- The highest nearby peak is Mont Tohivea at 1207 m.
- Pineapple production on Moorea is around 4,000 tons annually.
- Lagoon water temperature ranges between 24°C and 28°C.
- Paopao village has approximately 1,500 permanent residents.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Paopao (10)
Panorama de Pao Pao
Viewpoint offering a view over Cook Bay and the surrounding mountains.
Cook Bay
Bay on the north coast of Moorea, known for its clear waters.
Salle paroissiale
Parish hall for church events and gatherings in Paopao.
Temple Iehova Nisi
Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Paopao on Moorea.
Église de J-C des St des derniers jours
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paopao.
Église Saint-Joseph
Catholic church in Paopao, dedicated to Saint Joseph.
Église St Joseph
Catholic church building in French Polynesia, Paopao.
Frequently asked questions
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