Faarumai Waterfalls
Three waterfalls in a valley on Tahiti's north coast, one of them reached in a few minutes' walk.
Updated 14 October 2026
The Faarumai valley at Tiarei holds three falls: Vaimahuta, reached in about ten minutes along a level path through mape chestnut forest, and Haamaremare Iti and Rahi, further up a rougher path. Vaimahuta drops around eighty metres into a pool at the head of a rock amphitheatre. The valley has been closed at times after rockfall, and warning signs about falling rock at the base are not decorative.
What you'll find
- Vaimahuta - a fall of around eighty metres into a pool, ten minutes from the road.
- The mape forest - the buttressed Tahitian chestnut along the path.
- The upper falls - Haamaremare Iti and Rahi further up the valley.
- The rock amphitheatre - the enclosed bowl the main fall drops into.
When to go
November to April is the wet season and the falls are strongest. The dry season reduces them. The valley closes after heavy rain or rockfall.
What to expect
Rockfall at the base of the main fall is a genuine hazard and the site has been closed for it more than once. The upper falls need a rougher walk. Mosquitoes in the valley are persistent.
Nearby
Arahoho Blowhole is nearby, and Papeete is west.
What to pack for Faarumai Waterfalls
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
- Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
