Hakapehi

town, French Polynesia

Also known as: Tai-o-hae

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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Hakapehi, also known as Tai-o-hae, is the main harbor and administrative seat for the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. It is located on the south coast of Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the northwestern part of the archipelago.12

Nuku Hiva is a volcanic island known for its rugged, wooded terrain and is considered the most beautiful of the Marquesas Islands. Hakapehi serves as the primary port and is where the French established a fort after annexing the Marquesas in 1842. The island's narrow valleys are fertile, producing copra and fruit for export. American writer Herman Melville visited Nuku Hiva in the 1840s, and it served as the setting for his novel Typee.1

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Nuku Hiva
Hakapehi (Tai-o-hae), on the south coast, the main harbour and port, is the administrative seat for the Marquesas. Another harbour, Anaho Bay, is on the north coast. American writer Herman Melville visited the region in the 1840s, and Nuku Hiva was the setting for his…
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Hakapehi (Tai-o-hae), on the south coast, the main harbour and port, is the administrative seat for the Marquesas. Another harbour, Anaho Bay, is on the north coast. American writer Herman Melville visited the region in the 1840s, and Nuku Hiva was the setting for his…
Read More