If you’re in Ua Huka, you will very likely visit Vaipaee, on the south coast. Situated at the head of a bay, it is the biggest of the island’s three villages. Due to the extremely narrow mouth of the bay (200 m), and its sharp curve, it is known as the invisible bay’. Ships out in the ocean don’t usually even spot it! The best way to see it is from above.
There is a scenic viewpoint from where you get a view over the whole bay. If you happen to be there when the ‘Aranui cargo ship calls, you’ll be able to admire the navigational skills of her captain as she makes a 180° turn in the narrow bay. Then you can watch as her passengers and freight are ferried to the quay in small boats.
A few miles to the east is Hane Bay, with its impressive rock island in the shape of a sugar loaf.
