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 definitely need a car to access many sites other travel blogs recommend, but the Fautaua Waterfall is only a 25 minute moped ride ride from the center of Papeete.
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. Once at the city hall head directly to the main floor and 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. 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 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. 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 more than 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 it in 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 note. Some sections require you to step across wires secured into the cliff side, 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. Following the metal stairs down you reach the two pools and the clearing at the top of the falls, like stepping into 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. Swimming to the edge of the 400 ft. waterfall is insane as you can sit on the rocks that hold the water back if they are dry.
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.
Moped Rental Tahiti
Getting around for the day 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.
Thanks for reading!
Make sure you like, comment, and subscribe to catch the next time I post!
AND Follow me on my social media!
Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links where I earn commission, if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use and the income helps me operate my site and travel!
SUBSCRIBE TO BLOG VIA EMAIL
Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Hey, I am Joe and I want you to travel the world with me! Subscribe to join the journey.
- Hiking Cascade de Fautaua, Tahiti’s BEST One Day Adventure
- Ultimate YOSEMITE Hiking Guide | California, USA
- Nantucket & Martha’s Vineyard Summer Travel Guide
- 12 MUST HAVE Travel Apps! ✈️
- Best Lakes to Ice Skate On In Colorado
The Impulsive Traveler 