Fautaua Valley Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Papeete

I’m not one to write reviews- but after my difficult experience getting to the Falls I’m hoping this will help someone in the future.

BEFORE YOU GO ON THIS HIKE- whether it be to either the upper or lower falls- you MUST obtain a permit from City Hall in downtown Papeete (Mairie de Papeete). It’s 600 CFP per person (about $6 USD) and they DO ACCEPT card payment.

The office to obtain the permit was a bit difficult to find, at least for us since we’re only English speaking. it is located at the bottom level. Most people spoke English in the building, and were able to help us. Even if someone doesn’t speak English, and you’re looking for help, simply show them the name of the hike, and they’ll know where to direct you.

The office hours weren’t extensive, so try to get there on a weekday, earlier in the day. The first day we tried, the office was closed (around 11am on a weekday) so we went back the next morning around 8 am and it was open.

We saw there is a local bus to take directly to the trail head. Bus line 8A, which leaves from the bus stop directly outside city hall where you get the permit, is the bus you’ll need. They do not accept card, so you will need to get Franc. It was 200 CFP Franc one way per person (about $2USD one way per person). We couldn’t find a schedule for the bus anywhere, but we waited approximately 45-50 minutes before bus 8A showed up. We were able to exchange USD for Franc from one of the vendors inside the local Market, about a 5 minute walk away.

NOW, onto the hike! Once we got to the trailhead, we crossed over a gate. There was a security guard there, who wanted to see our permit. To my understanding, this area is where the city gets its fresh water, which is why we need the permit in the first place.

The first hour of the hike is really just a walk on dirt road. Then, you’ll come to a fork. If you go left, you’re choosing the more strenuous hike to the top of the falls. If you choose to go right, it’s a moderate hike to the base of the falls.

We chose to go right, and do the moderate hike, due to a time constraint.

It took us about another hour to get to the falls. The biggest notes:

We had to cross the river 3 times during late March. It was clearly marched with a red stripe that it was where the path continued. I hadn’t read a single review that mentioned river crossings.

There was also one small section with a rope, where you had to hoist yourself up onto a sleep cement slab of stairs.

Once you get to the waterfall, the first glance you’ll want to drop your jaw. However, the amount of gnat like bugs is so dense in this area that you will inevitable swallow a handful at least.

That being said, we LOVED this hike. It was lush, we saw some fresh fruit along the initial walk, lots of lizards, and following along the river was beautiful. Be sure to pack lots of water, we had 3 liters between the two of us and wished we had another liter by the end of it. Snacks, and bug spray are...

As others stated, this is the parking area for the Fautaua Valley Falls trailhead. It is located behind a gate. When we visited in May 2022, the gate was closed and required an operator to open it. We do not speak French. There were locals who spoke to the operator who then opened the gate for us to enter. When we entered, he asked for a permit - we did not have one. I read you need to get a permit from the town hall in Papeete; however, we were not able to get one as we arrived on Saturday and left Monday morning. Alternatively, the gate operator accepted 1000 francs in currency for entry (I believe this is the cost of the permit as well).

There are two trails - the lower trail to the base of the falls, and the upper trail to the top of the falls. We took the upper trail. We recorded our hike with Strava, and it showed the trail was about 7.5 miles (12 km) with 1,800 ft (549 m) of climb. It took us a little over 4 hours. It can be pretty challenging if you are not used to hiking distances or climbing. Always bring enough water and food that you think you need. Always good to bring a bit extra, too.

I've read elsewhere that a permit may not be required, but I'm not sure. It would make sense for Tahiti to attempt to source revenue from this beautiful trail/falls. At the very least, if you cannot get a permit and try to hike the trail, you should still be able to (you just may have to pay someone something - for better...

This is the parking lot for the Fautaua Valley Falls trailhead, although it's absolutely not marked. When you approach, there will be a paved road that goes through the water department, or a rough dirt road that circumvents it. Both end up in the same place, although I don't think you're supposed to use the water department road.

Drive as far as you can up the road, past all the machinery, and you will come to the fireroad gate. We asked one of the people working there if it was cool to park there, and they said absolutely, just park as far up as you can so you're not in the way of the employees.

The fireroad heads up next to the river to the trail turn off to Fachoda (it's over a bridge, the only bridge) and there is a sign. You can continue straight on the fireroad to the base of the falls as well.

There's tons of fruit on the way up, from papayas to soursop to avocados, pineapples, coconuts, and more. Beautiful and quiet. Good for a lazy bike ride, or nice warm up if you're headed up to Fachoda (bring...