The MUST DO adventure if you only have one day to explore Tahiti. Fautaua is over 400 feet tall with multiple cascading waterfalls, an infinity pool, natural water slides, cliff jumping, and unparalleled views of the Fautaua valley.
I still cannot believe I found this waterfall during my trip research, and got the chance to spend all day exploring to tell you about it. Tahiti is a big island and you will definitely need a car if you plan to access other sites. The Fautaua Waterfall is only a 25 minute moped ride ride from the center of Papeete, where the Moorea ferry drops off, so it is plenty do-able for the average traveler.
This hike will take about 4-5 hours total, but there are different ways to cut time and effort if you are only a moderate hiker. The falls has a lower, less intensive hike and an upper approach that will make you earn the views. I adamantly recommend doing the upper approach because it is worth all of the effort when you get to jump into the pools at the top.
Getting a Permit
You NEED a permit to hike to Fautaua Waterfall, but no worries it is easy to get and can be done the morning of your hike. To get a permit drive to the Papeete city hall basically in the center of town. This part is confusing, but once you arrive at the city hall head directly to the main floor. You will find the permit office to the right of the central staircase. There was a sign on the door indicating they provided the permits for Fautaua, so look for that. Once you are inside walk to the back desk, fill out a form, pay a fee, and get your permit on the spot.
Permit Fee: 600 CFP/person or $5.50 USD/person
You will need to take your notarized permit with you to the trailhead where a security guard will be checking. DO NOT attempt this without first obtaining a permit, we saw someone get turned away and it is not worth the hassle for how easy it is to obtain.
Hiking Options
The hike starts after driving 5.7 miles (9.2km) from city hall, where the paved road dead ends at a dirt lot. We locked our moped and it was fine sitting there all day, with a trail security guard on duty nearby. You can definitely get a taxi to this point, on return you may have to walk down into the town a bit.
You will begin hiking up the dirt road, meandering between abandoned buildings and grass lawns for about 2 miles. After walking for less than an hour you reach an obvious fork with trail markers, where you need to make the decision to continue to the base of the falls or ascend up the 400+ feet to the top.
- Upper Approach
I did the upper approach and it was one of the coolest experiences in French Polynesia. Of course the hike up is long and steep, but if you pack water and snacks, it should be no problem for average hikers.
To access this trail cross over the river on a green bridge, you can’t miss it. After crossing the bridge you immediately begin a steep muddy foot trail climbing exposed roots and rocks. Switchbacks take you through the jungle where sections can be confusing with patches of thick overgrowth.
After hiking uphill for 40 minutes you reach the first vantage point of the falls and it alone will give you the strength to finish the ascent. You can hear the shear amount of water cascading over the edge from here and we hung out taking in the valley views while having a snack.
Continue hiking along the ridge where sections become fairly exposed to the drop offs and there are signs of trail erosion, so take caution. Some sections require you to step across wires secured into the cliff, but I felt confident in their durability. There are warning signs, ropes, and an obvious trail leading down into the foliage when you get close to the top of the falls. Practice 3 points of contact on this section of the trail as one wrong move could send you tumbling off the cliff on either side. Following the metal stairs down you reach the two pools and the clearing at the top of the falls, like you are arriving at a secret oasis.
Both pools have natural waterslides you can go down as the rocks are smooth and the water is deep. You can cliff jump off the edge of the first pool or from the top ridge into the main infinity pool. The rocky ledge also allows you to swim directly to the edge of the 400 ft. waterfall. You can even sit on the rocks that hold the water back if they are dry and peer over the top.
2. Lower Approach
If you continue on the foot path directly from the fork and DO NOT cross over the green bridge you will head towards the base of the falls. There are many quiet pool sections along the way people bath in, and feel free to indulge.
The trail hugs the river and narrows considerably the closer you get to the falls. There are several river crossings and most are indicated by markers. ONLY do this trail if water levels are moderate, as the river may be too dangerous to cross during rainy season.
Getting Around Tahiti by Moped
Getting around quickly in Tahiti is pertinent as you want to access everything in the limited time on island. The best way to get around for a single day trip is by renting a moped and there are many options to do this.
Here are a list of the closest and cheapest operators out of Papeete.
Final Thoughts
If you only have one day in Tahiti, hiking to Fautaua Waterfall is an absolute must. Whether you choose the upper approach for breathtaking views and natural infinity pools or the lower approach for a more relaxed adventure, this Tahiti hiking experience is unforgettable. Don’t forget to secure your Fautaua permit and consider a moped rental in Tahiti to make the most of your day trip. From cliff jumping to exploring hidden waterfalls in French Polynesia, Fautaua Waterfall is the ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
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