Vaimahutu Falls

There were many ways to visit this falls (e.g. self-drive, tour, or public transport). But Julie and I attempted this excursion on our own putting the main island's public transportation to the test. We managed to do it successfully, but it wasn't without a bit of drama though we did save a bit of money by not having to hire a car. It was through this exercise that we realized that Tahiti was not a destination meant for cheaping out trying to utilize the infrastructure, especially when it came to visiting waterfalls.

From the car park (see directions below), there was a short path leading right to the base of the waterfall. From the road, we were able to get a sense of its full height as we were approaching the car park on the spur road leading to it. However, from the bottom of the falls, we were only able to see the main tier and none of the upper sections.

During the short walk to the falls, there was a signposted spur trail leading to the other pair of waterfalls - Haamaremare Iti and Haamaremareahi Falls. Unfortunately, that trail was closed during our visit.

Directions: We started off by luckily catching one of the infrequent trucks (actually, a cab driver picked us up for a nominal fee) and got dropped off at the ferry back to Papeete. After the ferry ride (I don't recall if it was 45-minutes or over an hour), we walked around Papeete looking for the correct bus stop to take us towards Vaimahutu Falls.

This was difficult for us since we didn't know much French at the time. However, we were eventually told to wait for an hourly bus bound for Taravao (going along the northern shores) and get off at the Arohoho Blowhole.

Eventually, a bus showed up and we rode roughly 21km to the Arohoho Blowhole (the driver I think was helpful in letting us know when to get off). He also mentioned that he came to this stop hourly, which was useful for the return trip out.

We then walked along the main road before turning right onto a signposted access road that ultimately led to the car park for the falls. This walk to the car park probably took around 20 minutes I think.

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Distant view of Vaimahutu Falls - the tallest of the Faarumai Waterfalls

Black sand beach seen as we were waiting for the return bus

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TRIP REPORTS

• September 4, 2002

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