The long, narrow bay of Taipivai, Nuku Hiva; the place that inspired Herman Melville to write his famous novel, “Taipi”. The word “taipivai” literally means “water full of sea” (tai=ocean; pi=full; vai=fresh water), describing what happens when the tide comes in and the ocean floods into the lower portion of the river, creating a semi-salty home for a variety of fish and plants.