Vaipahi Falls

Taravao, Tahiti Island, French Polynesia

About Vaipahi Falls

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Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Vaipahi Falls was more of those classic intimate small jungle waterfalls where it’s easy to relax, swim, and play here (though the mozzies can easily break that piece of mind).

Tall hanging vines surrounded the little cove containing this waterfall.

Vaipahi_Garden_025_20121215 - Vaipahi Falls within the Vaipahi Public Garden
Vaipahi Falls within the Vaipahi Public Garden

Meanwhile, some pretty plants with colorful flowers flanked the stream leading down away from the falls towards a pond on the other side of a footbridge.

The garden encompassing the Vaipahi Falls itself was a nice place to take a relaxing stroll while taking note of the pretty ponds and plants (I understand very few of them are native).

Thus, I’d have to say that with such idyllic tropical scenery, I could easily envision why George Harrison (of The Beatles fame) and Pattie Boyd spent time here back in 1964.

I was able to reach this waterfall after a short walk in the Jardin Public Vaipahi (i.e. Vaipahi Public Garden in French), which did not charge an admission fee.

Vaipahi_Garden_032_20121215 - Looking across some attractive ponds within the Vaipahi Public Garden
Looking across some attractive ponds within the Vaipahi Public Garden

While there were many trails leading to much longer walks (more on these later), the path to this waterfall was on an approach just to the right of some steps leading higher up the mountain.

This flatter path ultimately led to a footbridge as well as the banks of the plunge pool to its left.

I had read some signage here that there was a second waterfall in this garden area, but a local here said it was a pretty solid hour-long hike up the mountain to get there.

I didn’t try going up there, but maybe I might try again if we’re fortunate enough to return to Tahiti.

Vaipahi_Garden_006_20121215 - A couple about to take a dip in the plunge pool before the Vaipahi Falls
A couple about to take a dip in the plunge pool before the Vaipahi Falls

I suppose it’s also possible to combine these longer hikes into about a half-day’s worth of hiking in a long loop.

So indeed there were options to extend a visit here beyond just the Vaipahi Falls itself.

That said, the waterfall was the sole reason why we stopped at this garden.

Authorities

Vaipahi Falls is on Tahiti Island near Taravao in Tahiti (or more formally French Polynesia). It is administered by the Jardin Public Vaipahi (Vaipahi Public Garden). For information or inquiries about this area as well as current conditions, visit the Tahiti Tourism website or their Facebook page.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual members. See Membership Options.
Content is for members. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: taravao, mataiea, papeari, tahiti nui, tahiti island, tahiti, french polynesia, waterfall, paul gaugin, vaipahi, garden, george harrison, beattles



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Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.