Hiking in Mo'orea is an experience you will never forget. Boasting with deep, lush forests, pineapple fields, wild flowers, and breathtaking views of the lagoons of Tahiti. Mo'orea also features two bays, Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, that can be seen from a majority of the hikes below. Discover the depth of Moorea's landscape by foot!
There are a total of 12 hiking trails in Moorea, ranging from easy to moderate to hard. There are trails for every skill level and ability. The various trails feature pineapple fields, waterfalls, rivers, lush vegetation, and more. Since Moorea is a tropical island, it is important to note that dry season is from March to November and is the most ideal time to hike. During wet season (Dec-Feb) the trails can be extremely slippery, knee deep mud, and dangerous for even the most advanced hikers. Be aware of the weather prior to venturing out on a hike in Moorea.
Hiking in Moorea
I like to use the ALL TRAILS app to find hikes any where I travel. The app doesn't show all of the trails in Mo'orea for some reason, so I listed them below.
Here are a list of all 12 hiking trails in Moorea based on difficulty level
EASY
La Montague Magique - 2.5 mile loop trail featuring beautiful views of Opunohu Bay
Les Trois Sapins via Col des Trois Pinus - 1.9 mile out and back trail located near Tupauru'uru featuring beautiful wild flowers and mountain peaks
MODERATE
Cook's Bay, Opunohu Lookout - 11.4 mile out and back trail near Tupauru'uru featuring a river and magnificent views of the two bays
Col des Trois Cocotier (3 Coconuts Pass) - 4.5 mile out and back trail near Tupauru'uru featuring a waterfall, river, bay views, lush vegetation, and a bamboo forest
Cascade d'Afareaitu (Afareaitu Waterfalls) - 1 mile out and back trail leading to the stunning Afareaitu Waterfall. Short but steep hike
Col de Vai'are - 3 mile out and back trail featuring a river with views of Vai'are and both bays in the distance
Paaruiti - 3 mile out and back trail featuring wild flowers, and views of the bays and endless lagoons of Tahiti
HARD
Mount Rotui from Faimano - 4.2 mile out and back trail featuring beautiful wild flowers and bay views. This hike takes you up the narrow ridge between Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. Narrow trail, very steep and strenuous.
Caldera de Mo'orea Loop - 9 mile loop trail featuring a waterfall, mountain peaks, and views of the entire island. Beautiful, long hike.
Marae Titiaroa Belvedere & 3 Coconuts Pass - 7.7 mile loop trail featuring a waterfall, pineapple fields, bamboo forest, and lush vegetation
Mou'aputa - 3 mile out and back trail featuring a waterfall. This trail is very difficult and should be trekked by experienced hikers only. There is a creek that you cross, and ropes available for support during the vertical climb. Quick altitude gain, so come prepared with lots of water and appropriate hiking shoes. Do no attempt after rainfall
De la Baie de Vaiare a Pao Pao (From Vaiare Bay to Pao Pao) - 7.1 mile out and back trail featuring a river and mountain peaks. It is very steep. Trail is not easily marked, so it's easy to get lost quickly. Do not attempt after rainfall
Hiking in Moorea is an unforgettable experience! It is often overlooked, as visitors coming to the French Polynesian Islands tend to picture the beach, lagoons, and overwater bungalows that are highlighted on the island or Bora Bora. However, there are many islands throughout French Polynesia that boast some of the most stunning hikes in the world. There are also guided hikes in Moorea (as well as other islands) that take you canyoning, kayaking through mountains, and more.
I hope this guide helped you pick out the best trails to hike in Moorea! Comment below or send me an email if you have any questions for me.
Lastly, feel free to check out this hiking page for more hiking information.
CHEERS.
Jenna
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