A climb to Tahiti's third-highest summit along a sharp ridge
At a glance
- Category
- Hikes
- Distance
- 14 km
- Elevation gain
- 1400 m
- Time
- 2 days (or 9–10 h)
- Difficulty
- 5 out of 5
- Water on the route
- No
- With children
- No
- Best time
- Dry season, clear weather
- Places to stay nearby
- 25 places to stay within 10 km
Tahiti's best-known mountain route: from the Belvedere above Papeete along a ridge fitted with rope handrails to the summit of Aorai (2,066 m).
Route. A steep climb through ferns to the shelters, then along a narrow ridge above sheer drops. Cloud often hides the summit by midday.
- Go with a guide if you have no mountain experience
- Check that the trail is open
On the map
Orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay nearby: Mount Aorai
All places to stay in the area →
Distance from the sight as the crow flies: TP.V.M — 7.5 km; TP.JRV — 7.6 km; Hôtel - Restaurant Relais de la Maroto — 7.6 km; Relais de la Maroto — 7.7 km.
Tours nearby
All tours on the island →
History and towns
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By 4×4 into the Papenoo valleyInto the crater of an ancient volcano: waterfalls, fords and marae
A full dayMay — October≈ 13 kmMore to see nearby
Hike
The Fautaua valley and waterfall
A valley with a waterfall some 300 m high above Papeete≈ 5.7 km
History
Papeete market
A covered market of flowers, fruit and black pearls≈ 11 km
History
The roulottes of Place Vaiete
Dinner at the food trucks — the cheapest way to eat on Tahiti≈ 11 km
Nature
Arahoho blowhole
A sea geyser beside the road on the east coast≈ 13 kmOpening hours, prices and rules are a rough guide: check official websites before you go.