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.

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