Anchorage· Nuku Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Haapapani Bay (Hakaea, Nuku Hiva North)

8° 48.1′ S · 140° 9.4′ W

A wild, uninhabited pair of white-sand bays on the north coast west of Aakapa, recommended by the official brief for crews who want a sheltered anchorage far from other boats.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Coordinate is Sea-Seek's reference position for Baie de Hakaea (8°48.09'S 140°09.37'W), off the mouth of the two coves; OSM maps Haapapani bay at -8.80412, -140.15293 and Hakaea at -8.80198, -140.15897. Sea-Seek (2024): good anchorage in 10 m in the westernmost cove. The official brief (2023) lists Hakaea (Haapapani) as one of Nuku Hiva's 8 regulated anchorage areas: state land, generally uninhabited, but residents sometimes camp there and tour operators run treks and bivouacs, so introduce yourself and don't disturb them. Kandu (2016) passed on the advice that it is the north-coast choice when the swell is from the south, with clear water and no other boats; Aakapa next door is not good for anchoring. Untenable in north swell. No services; no-nos on the beaches.

Best for

Solitude and white sand when a south swell makes the south coast rolly

Season

Southern winter (May-Oct) with S swell; avoid in N swell (Nov-Mar)

Nearby