Fautaua Valley: Tahiti's Lush Waterfall Hike
Hike through Tahiti's Fautaua Valley to discover towering waterfalls, lush landscapes, and a rich history. A challenging trek with breathtaking rewards.
Explore the Fautaua Valley, a verdant river valley near Papeete, Tahiti, and home to the towering Fautaua Falls. This challenging yet rewarding hike offers a glimpse into Tahiti's history and natural beauty, culminating in stunning waterfall views and refreshing natural pools.
A brief summary to Fautaua Valley
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Local tips
- A permit is required to hike in Fautaua Valley. Obtain it from the Papeete Town Hall (Mairie de Papeete) on weekdays.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be steep, rocky, and slippery.
- Bring mosquito repellent.
- Check weather conditions before heading out, as the valley may close due to rain.
- Pack swimwear to enjoy the natural pools at the top of Fautaua Falls.
Getting There
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Car/Taxi
From downtown Papeete, drive or take a taxi along Avenue Pierre Loti into the Fautaua Valley. The drive is approximately 10-15 minutes. Continue on Avenue Pierre Loti until you reach the gate at the end of the road, where the trailhead begins. Taxi fare from Papeete to the Fautaua Valley entrance is estimated at 2,000-3,000 XPF. Parking is available near the trailhead. Note that parking may be limited.
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Public Transport
From the bus terminal next to the Papeete Town Hall, take bus 8A TITIORO. This bus operates on weekdays only, from approximately 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The bus will take you almost to the end of Fautaua Valley. Get off at the last stop, near a multi-sport court (Salle Omisports Pape Ora), and walk approximately 10 minutes to the entrance of the hike. A single bus fare is around 200-300 XPF.
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Permit
Before heading to Fautaua Valley, obtain a permit from the Papeete Town Hall (Mairie de Papeete). The office is located on the ground floor, north side. It is open from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Thursday, and until 1:30 PM on Fridays. The permit costs 600 XPF per adult and 150 XPF per child (12-17 years). Children under 12 are free. You can pay by card.
Discover more about Fautaua Valley
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Rainbow Park Tahiti
1.0 km
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O Belvédère
1.2 km
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Monument of Milan Rastislav Štefánik on The Island of Tahiti / Pamätník Milana Rastislava Štefánika na ostrove Tahiti
3.1 km
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Papeete Tahiti Temple
3.2 km
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Evêché de Tahiti
3.2 km
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La Sicile à Tahiti - Mamao
3.4 km
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Tahiti Tours
3.6 km
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Brasserie des Remparts Tahiti
3.6 km
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Studios Painapo
3.6 km
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Réalité Virtuelle Tahiti
3.6 km
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L'Agora
3.6 km
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Le Sully
3.7 km
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L'O A La Bouche
3.7 km
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AVIS Location Papeete
3.7 km
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Monument aux Morts pour la France
3.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Aquabike Center Tahiti
2.1 km
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Pater Te Hono Nui Stadium
2.7 km
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Vallée de Tipaerui
3.3 km
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Papeete Catholic Cathedral
3.7 km
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Territorial Assembly
3.7 km
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Parc Aorai Tini Hau
3.8 km
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Papeete Market
3.8 km
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Natural Aquarium
3.9 km
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Bougainville Park
3.9 km
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Place Vai'ete
4.0 km
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Fā'ati City
4.1 km
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Église Protestante de Taunoa
4.1 km
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Tahua Tū Marama
4.1 km
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Musée de la Perle Robert Wan
4.1 km
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Pā'ōfa'i Gardens
4.3 km
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Essential places to dine
L'auberg'in
2.9 km
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Restaurant Jeannine
3.0 km
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Dans l'air du temps - Chef de cuisine privé
3.1 km
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Snack Fantaisie
3.1 km
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Set Beach Club
3.2 km
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Villa Conti - Tahiti
3.3 km
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Te Hoa
3.3 km
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La Taverne
3.4 km
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L'alpha B
3.6 km
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MANAIA Steakhouse & Lounge
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Kozy restaurant
3.6 km
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La Petite Auberge
3.6 km
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Le Matete Chez Kohu
3.6 km
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Lou Pescadou
3.6 km
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Moko Café Tahiti
3.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Par-Ci Par-Là
3.1 km
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Lollipop Tahiti
3.1 km
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TAHITI CANDLES
3.3 km
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Playerz Tahiti
3.3 km
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TMI
3.3 km
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Magasin Alene
3.4 km
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Fenua Shopping Mamao
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Arii Creation
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Aito Sport
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Store Bébé9 Tahiti
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Tara Tahiti Lodge
3.6 km
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TAAPUNA TAHITI
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Fenua Shopping
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BOUTIQUE TARAVANA TAHITI
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Vanaa Import
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shape Up Pirae
2.7 km
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Tiki D'Or
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Virgin Tiki Bar
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Zion bowl
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L'ivresse Tahiti
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Le Perchoir Tahiti
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Jungle Bar
3.8 km
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Le Sugar
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Le Ute Ute
3.9 km
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THE AVENUE TAHITI
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Lux Tahiti
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Royal Tahitien
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Matavai Bar
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CMIT espace Lagon
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L'After
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