Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands, is accented with a mountain range dominated by Mt. Tekao with a central plateau of pasture, agricultural fields and forests; towering peaks, secluded valleys, high waterfalls; and a coastline of fjord-like bays, capes, rocky promontories and cliffs. The valley of Taiohae is the administrative seat and is located in a large sheltered bay on the southside of the island. Herman Melville's book "Typee" is based on his adventures here during his brief stay in the 19th century.