Faarumai waterfalls

Faarumai waterfalls

The Faarumai Waterfalls are located in Tiarei and can be reached via a short stroll through the forest. There are three stunning cascades to appreciate.

A visit to the Valley of the Waterfalls is a natural gem that is included in practically all Circle Tours offered by local tour operators (Les Trois Cascades). The waterfalls are around a 45-minute drive from Papeete if you rent a car.

An offshoot road leads into the island’s interior at PK 22.1. After about 1.5 kilometers, you will reach the parking area of the Trois Cascades de Teefaarumai after passing through the little humble cottages of the people in the midst of fertile palms and bread trees. The first waterfall, Vaimahutu Falls, is only a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.

A visit to the falls is especially striking during the “rainy season,” which lasts from December to March. Then, in addition to the main Vaimahutu Falls, two smaller side falls plunge several hundred meters down the rocky cliff face into a natural pool, where visitors can also swim.

Faarumai waterfall, © Matthew Dillon

Visit the twin falls of Haamaremare Rahi and Haamaremare Iti further up the cliff for an even more tranquil and scenic experience. Because organized bus excursions often only include a stop at the first waterfall, the platforms of the remaining two falls are sometimes vacant or just infrequently visited. The shorter, less dramatic, but no less peaceful falls can be reached in a 45-minute moderate climb from Vaimahutu Fall. The trail is well-marked.

If you’re already in the neighborhood, check out the adjacent Arahoho Blowhole (PK22). The seawater erupts into geyser-like cascades into the sky here. The phenomenon is generated by hollowed-out shoreline slopes. There is a small black sand beach just next to the blowhole that is not overly crowded. As a result, you can round off your journey with a relaxing swim in the South Sea.