Mont Rotui: Moorea's Majestic Divide
Hike to the summit of Mont Rotui in Moorea for breathtaking views and a taste of Polynesian legend. A challenging climb with unforgettable rewards.
Mont Rotui, a striking mountain peak, splits the bays of Cook and Opunohu on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. Reaching a height of 899 meters (2,950 feet), it offers panoramic views and a challenging but rewarding hiking experience. Steeped in Polynesian legend, the mountain adds a touch of mystique to Moorea's stunning natural beauty.
A brief summary to Mont Rotui
- Moorea-Maiao, Paopao, PF
Local tips
- Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential afternoon showers.
- Bring plenty of water (3-5 liters) and wear sturdy hiking shoes due to the steep and sometimes slippery terrain.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, and avoid hiking Mont Rotui if it has rained recently.
- Notify someone of your hiking plans, as the trail can be challenging and isolated.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a safer and more informative experience.
Getting There
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Car
The most common way to reach the Mont Rotui trailhead is by car. From the Moorea Airport or ferry terminal, follow the main coastal road (Route de Ceinture) towards Cook's Bay. Continue past the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, heading towards Opunohu Bay. After the Hilton, look for a dirt driveway on the left marked with a coconut tree and a red 'Rotui' sign. Parking is limited near the trailhead, so consider parking at the public beach Ta'ahiamanu, a 10-minute walk away. Car rentals are available at the airport and ferry terminal. Expect to pay around 8,000-9,300 XPF (approximately $70-$85 USD) per day for a rental car. There are no tolls.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from the Moorea Airport and ferry terminal. Inform the driver that you wish to go to the Mont Rotui trailhead near the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. A taxi from the ferry terminal to the trailhead will cost approximately 2,000 XPF (around $18 USD). Note that taxi fares increase at night. The starting price for a taxi is 1,500 XPF, with an additional 130 XPF per kilometer. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
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Public Transport
Local buses run along the main coastal road. You can catch a bus heading towards the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. Confirm with the driver that they stop at or near the resort. From there, it is a short walk to the trailhead. Bus fares are around 500 XPF (approximately $4.50 USD) per ride. Be aware that the bus service is not particularly efficient.
Discover more about Mont Rotui
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Painapaopao Backpacker
1.4 km
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Moorea Miti Tours
1.7 km
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Kaylakea Moz Food by Chef Tunui Haring
1.8 km
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Lilikoi Garden Cafe
2.0 km
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Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
2.0 km
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Fare Maheata
2.1 km
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Tahiti Food Tours
2.1 km
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Robinson's Cove Villas
2.1 km
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Village Temanoha
2.5 km
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Corallina Tours
2.8 km
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Rudy's
3.0 km
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Tiki Parc Moorea
3.2 km
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Fare Tutava
3.2 km
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MOOREA ARIKI PRIVATE BOAT TOURS
3.8 km
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Temple protestant de Papetoai
4.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Manutea Tahiti - Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery
1.2 km
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Cook's Bay
1.4 km
Experience Cook's Bay in Moorea: stunning views, water activities, and Polynesian charm await in this tropical paradise.
Route des ananas
1.4 km
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Tropical Garden
1.6 km
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Voila Moorea
2.0 km
Discover Moorea's lagoon with personalized snorkeling and sailing tours aboard a cozy catamaran. Unforgettable Polynesian adventures await!
Public Beach Ta'ahiamanu
2.0 km
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MOOREA TIKI TOUR
2.0 km
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Opunohu Beach
2.1 km
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Tahitian Historical Society (1925)
2.3 km
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Moorea Activities Center - Opunohu
2.8 km
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Corallina Tours excursion baleine snorkeling Moorea Polynesie
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Safari Mario Moorea
2.8 km
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Vallée d'Opunohu
3.2 km
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Mana Moorea Tours
3.5 km
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Magic Mountain Overlook
3.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Snack Rotui
1.3 km
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Crêperie Cook Café
1.5 km
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Aoy Thaï Food
1.6 km
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Restaurant Te Honu Iti
1.6 km
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Allo Pizza
1.9 km
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LE COOK'S Bar et Restaurant, Moorea
2.0 km
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Rotui Grill & Bar
2.1 km
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TOATEA CRÊPERIE & BAR
2.1 km
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Tama Hau Opunohu's Bay
2.2 km
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Moorea Beach Cafe by Bruno Jamais
3.1 km
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Snack Didier
3.4 km
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Moz Café
3.4 km
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Manuia Grill
3.7 km
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Mahana'i Restaurant Moorea
3.8 km
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Miti Bar & Terrasse
3.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Super U Aré
1.4 km
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Heivai Black Pearl
1.7 km
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Moana Pearls
1.9 km
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Quai des croisières
2.0 km
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Eimeo Store
2.1 km
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La Boutique Moorea
2.1 km
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RON HALL Pearls
2.3 km
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Black pearl Shop
3.1 km
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Fenua Shopping
3.3 km
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Shop Gilles Moorea
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L'Effet Mer Moorea
3.3 km
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Côté Maison & Décoration Moorea
3.3 km
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Bambou Shop Moorea
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Pearl Romance
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pearls & more
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Moorea Maitai
3.7 km
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Resto moorea
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Vue Bar
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Beach Bar
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Fontaine eau potable
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O2 CoCo Bar & Restaurant
8.4 km
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Tiki Bar
24.0 km
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L'Aviation - Bar Restaurant de l'aéroport
24.6 km
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La Cantina Tahiti
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Ginger Kitchen & Bar
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Poke bar II
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Te Moana Tahiti Resort
26.0 km
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Heiva Lounge Bar
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VISU Pub Tahiti
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Prin's Bar Tahiti
28.1 km
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