Afareaitu Waterfalls
Afareaitu Waterfalls
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
95 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
33
Average
6
Poor
3
Terrible
5
Dee N
229 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
10/6/2022 the trail to the waterfall was easy, took us under 20mins. We’re in our late 30s mid 40s, active couple. They trail was pretty dry, but could be slippery after rainfall. Got there around 8am and literally no one else in sight, had the entire waterfall to ourselves for 30mins. It took us 12-15mins to trek back to our car, we just light jogged back. Now, getting to the trail: drove down a very rocky, bumpy “residential” road (drive slow). There’s no sign that’ll say where to park so we drove down to the end of the road and parked behind a white Jeep. Did not have to pay any parking fee. I’m not sure if that was ok but since we were there early enough no one else was driving on that road and we weren’t going to stay at the waterfall for too long. As we were mid way out to the main road we saw a few hikers/locals walking towards the entrance and didn’t see any other cars driving in so I don’t think we were suppose to drive to the entrance. My advice is to go early 730-8am, get in and out quietly and enjoy the waterfall to yourselves.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolf_W
Tucson, AZ116 contributions
Dec 2020
Nice hike, but expect lots of mosquitos! You should park at the school, as the road beyond is not in good condition. Trail condition is good, but wearing good shoes is recommended. Not a trail for flip flops. You will pass through the village and farms with bananas before entering an area with trees. Some signs for the trail were missing, but we fortunately had the map downloaded.
Written 22 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MisplacedHawaiian
Calgary, Canada26 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
While on Moorea this is a must do if you like to adventure off the beaten path. It was very difficult to find, but after two tries at directions we finally made it! I will help you with that!!
To get there: turn off the main island road by the Ah Sing Market, across the street from the Church. This road will take you past the police station, and a school. Follow the unpaved road (slowly) staying right at the first fork in the road. When you get to the next 'fork' you can park your car on the right side and take the '4x4' road on the left for the start of your hike. The road is quite overgrown but well worth the hike. From the car it may take you 30min to hike up to the waterfalls. While hiking you will have to cross over one stream (don't worry there are rocks to step on) and then when you get to another fork in the hiking trail, take the marked trail to the right (it is marked by a piece of blue and white colored fabric). Follow this path through what my kids called the 'jungle gym' to the water falls and pools that we took a much needed dip in. Great adventure on Moorea and well worth the effort. There is nothing here but wilderness and natural beauty, enjoy the wonderful smells and real Tahitian nature. Bring everything you need including bug spray, water, snacks and water shoes.
To get there: turn off the main island road by the Ah Sing Market, across the street from the Church. This road will take you past the police station, and a school. Follow the unpaved road (slowly) staying right at the first fork in the road. When you get to the next 'fork' you can park your car on the right side and take the '4x4' road on the left for the start of your hike. The road is quite overgrown but well worth the hike. From the car it may take you 30min to hike up to the waterfalls. While hiking you will have to cross over one stream (don't worry there are rocks to step on) and then when you get to another fork in the hiking trail, take the marked trail to the right (it is marked by a piece of blue and white colored fabric). Follow this path through what my kids called the 'jungle gym' to the water falls and pools that we took a much needed dip in. Great adventure on Moorea and well worth the effort. There is nothing here but wilderness and natural beauty, enjoy the wonderful smells and real Tahitian nature. Bring everything you need including bug spray, water, snacks and water shoes.
Written 6 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie A
Brisbane, Australia7 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We spent seven amazing days in Moorea. Each day kept being more amazing than the last so it's no wonder we left the waterfall hike till the last day!
It did not disappoint! Thanks to may other travelers and their amazing directions we found these magnificent falls in less than 30 minutes!
The water was only trickling but the rock face itself was majestic enough to warrant the hike. The trial is rocky and medium difficulty, I would not recommend this hike in sandals or if you are unfit of elderly.
I went in gym gear with trainers and that was just perfect!
If you can drag yourself away from snorkeling in brilliant to amazing conditions, in water so blue and crystal clear that it will haunt your memories forever, then get up that mountain side guys and feel at one with this majestic island.
We had a little 50cc Peugeot Tweet which was heaps of fun and got us there.
Here are the directions we used:
It did not disappoint! Thanks to may other travelers and their amazing directions we found these magnificent falls in less than 30 minutes!
The water was only trickling but the rock face itself was majestic enough to warrant the hike. The trial is rocky and medium difficulty, I would not recommend this hike in sandals or if you are unfit of elderly.
I went in gym gear with trainers and that was just perfect!
If you can drag yourself away from snorkeling in brilliant to amazing conditions, in water so blue and crystal clear that it will haunt your memories forever, then get up that mountain side guys and feel at one with this majestic island.
We had a little 50cc Peugeot Tweet which was heaps of fun and got us there.
Here are the directions we used:
Written 2 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
callyzea
Cape May, NJ16 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
My husband and I relied on past reviews to find the waterfall. The unpaved road is quite pitted so we parked our Ford Fiesta and walked when we saw a good spot. The first part of the walk continues up the unpaved road and then becomes a slick and muddy 4x4 trail. You cross three mountain streams and after the third stream there is a steep rocky climb right before the falls (hikes like this always save the best for last). We saw 4 other groups during out 1.5 hour hike two of which were in flip flops. We had ankle boots and were glad to have them. We didn't swim in the waterfall pool (we weren't planning to) and we saw an eel (how did it get there?!). We highly recommend it if you like a little adventure. Turn down the road at Ah Sing market and drive past the police station and school, keep right at all of the forks and you'll find it :)
Written 4 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dlahs
Redondo Beach, CA23 contributions
Nov 2015
Found the falls on Trip Advisor but found out from our hotel excursion coordinator that they are actually on private property. You need the owners permission to enter and he absolutely will not allow any cars. He is in his 60s I think and he still goes out daily to cut the trees and keep the area looking beautiful! He allows the locals to come to the falls on his property to get fresh water.
You will get lost if you try to find these on your own so please take the only tour available with Yvette. She is known to the hotels so ask your excursion planners at the hotel about the tour of this area. She is amazing and brings a bunch of fruits to each for lunch. She knows everything about the plants and trees on the island and the many ways to use them from communications, time-keeping, medicine and cosmetics. Really fun to hear all of this from her.
This is a very active tour. Very steep trails in some areas and if it rains it can be very slippery. Yvette provides walking sticks for you and you will need them. Bring your swim suit and towel. You are able to swim in two pools and she will take your photos for you.
Bug Spray is a MUST! We kept applying and still came home with about 5-10 bites each. Also bring sunscreen. You are in the jungle most of the time but when you are in the water you are not protected from the sun.
You will get lost if you try to find these on your own so please take the only tour available with Yvette. She is known to the hotels so ask your excursion planners at the hotel about the tour of this area. She is amazing and brings a bunch of fruits to each for lunch. She knows everything about the plants and trees on the island and the many ways to use them from communications, time-keeping, medicine and cosmetics. Really fun to hear all of this from her.
This is a very active tour. Very steep trails in some areas and if it rains it can be very slippery. Yvette provides walking sticks for you and you will need them. Bring your swim suit and towel. You are able to swim in two pools and she will take your photos for you.
Bug Spray is a MUST! We kept applying and still came home with about 5-10 bites each. Also bring sunscreen. You are in the jungle most of the time but when you are in the water you are not protected from the sun.
Written 7 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julian H
Sydney, Australia135 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Not too hard to find if you read other reviews. Basically when you get to the final fork in the unsealed road park (there are only really a couple of spots) and take the right fork up the 4wd track. Rule of thumb is when the powerline ends this is the correct fork. You will cross three streams on the 4wd track and the path beyond it when it ends whilst heading up a slippery at times hill. Virtually at the falls you have to navigate a large boulder then wow - awesome view.
Written 26 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandra4561
Overland Park, KS51 contributions
Jun 2017
After hiking up the mountain (about 1 hr 45 min) we were let down. The water coming down was more like a trickle and the base was knee deep. If I had known this, I would've saved myself the pain, agony, and almost a heat stroke from climbing up there. This is not a climb for those who aren't used to climbing, hiking, and vigorous activity. Do not recommend for elderly people. The "path" is not marked. If it hadn't been for 2 young men who volunteered to lead the way, we would have turned around due to no markings or trail.
Written 8 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S4806STjenniferl
Ventura, United States17 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Tricky to find-- -follow instructions from other people's posts----
We took the scooter on a bumpy road past the high school--- all the way to the goat farm-Park at the fork just past the goats. --- Make a RIGHT at the fork in the road and start hike there. Definitely no sandals-- wear sneakers. Goes from grassy path to rocky path to a little climbing at the end. When we got to waterfall, it was a minor fall-- not gushing-- but that was fine, as the pool is nice and cool and refreshing to swim in. We doused ourselves in sunscreen and bug spray to keep away mostiquios at pool, and that worked just fine. No bites. Pool goes to about 4ft deep-- but wear shoes in, as its super rocky. Little crayfish were in there too-- be careful not to step on! Also heard there were freshwater eels- but didn't see any as it was too cloudy. Nice easy hike down- but slippery- take your time. Liked this jungle hike with the reward of the waterfall and pool at end! This is totally FREE and public--- you don't have to pay anything ro anybody and its not on private land. Don't know why people said it took hours to get up. Maybe because they were with kids?! it took us 25 up and 20 down. super easy.
We took the scooter on a bumpy road past the high school--- all the way to the goat farm-Park at the fork just past the goats. --- Make a RIGHT at the fork in the road and start hike there. Definitely no sandals-- wear sneakers. Goes from grassy path to rocky path to a little climbing at the end. When we got to waterfall, it was a minor fall-- not gushing-- but that was fine, as the pool is nice and cool and refreshing to swim in. We doused ourselves in sunscreen and bug spray to keep away mostiquios at pool, and that worked just fine. No bites. Pool goes to about 4ft deep-- but wear shoes in, as its super rocky. Little crayfish were in there too-- be careful not to step on! Also heard there were freshwater eels- but didn't see any as it was too cloudy. Nice easy hike down- but slippery- take your time. Liked this jungle hike with the reward of the waterfall and pool at end! This is totally FREE and public--- you don't have to pay anything ro anybody and its not on private land. Don't know why people said it took hours to get up. Maybe because they were with kids?! it took us 25 up and 20 down. super easy.
Written 15 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krl388
Tehachapi, CA52 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
A group of five of us did this hike while on Moorea in August 2016. There are two sets of waterfalls near the Village of Afareaitu; we did the easier hike, to the falls near the high school. Entrance to the trail is not regulated, or even on private property, from what we could tell. It doesn't cost anything to do this hike. Most of the difficulty with this hike is finding the trail that will get you to the falls - the initial portion of it has no markings whatsoever; once you find the trail marking, it is very easy to follow the trail to the falls. The tourist guidebooks mostly advise driving to Afareaitu, turning at the store, going past the high school, and then asking locals for directions, but we used the directions found on other reviews in TripAdvisor, and they worked fine. We drove past the high school, and parked at a fork in the road. After starting down a path that turned out to be an access road to someone's house, we backtracked and eventually found the correct pathway to the trailhead; this pathway is theoretically a small, partially overgrown track just wide enough for a 4WD vehicle. Luckily, about 20 minutes into the hike, there was a sign that shows where the actual trail starts (i.e. it departs from the vehicle track). The actual trek is very pretty, and not that difficult, although you will have to cross two or more (depending on how much rainwater runoff there is from the adjacent hills) very shallow streams (you might be able to walk across stones in the stream, to stay mostly feet dry), but otherwise, you have a relatively nice trail to follow. The trail is mostly through pretty dense forest, so I'm not sure if sunscreen would be that imperative, but we did notice lots of flies at the small pond beneath the waterfall, so some mosquito spray is advised, for sure. The trail is not that steep anywhere - I'd say you are "walking", rather than "climbing" anywhere... I think little children and older trekkers alike could reasonably make this hike. Including a 5 minute backtrack, It took just over an hour to get to the falls from where we parked, and less time to come back. Budgeting three hours for the whole trip is about right. The pool at the end is relatively small and shallow; you'll want to bring some kind of reef shoes and maybe a towel along, if you have plans to explore the pool at the end.
Written 3 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a tour for the waterfalls or is it a do-it-yourself and pray you go the right way excursion..lol How long of a hike is it?
Written 22 May 2017
Hi, I am going in a couple of weeks and would love to see this. Is there a guided tour that we can use? Thanks!
Written 11 July 2016
Great to know and I would definitely recommend in Moorea. Where are you staying and do you have a rental car?
Not sure if there is a legit guided tour since it's a nature trail up to the falls. There might be some local I've seen from an earlier reviewer (Yvette?) who might help, but I thought it was not needed.
Written 11 July 2016
Hello! We are booked to go in Moorea this August. We really wanted to see the Afareaitu falls. As per your review, you need a car to get there. Where there any car rentals available? We only see the ATVs and roadster but there's 3 of us (me, my husband and our daughter). Any tips for us? Do we still need to hike to be by the falls? Thanks in advance.
Written 24 July 2015
Hi
We just got back from Moorea. The waterfalls are a perfect activity for your family. You would need to rent a car which is easy to do even for a day. By the Ferry terminal or airport there is Avis and Europecar. The only other option I know of is to take the island bus that locals use. There are two that circle the island all day going in opposite directions. They stop in every town but not sure of their schedules. We saw them often whenever we were out driving. As far as seeing the falls. You can get glimpses of it from far but really should consider the 30 min hike to see the real beauty! The trail head is unmarked and not easy to find. Just go past the school parking area on the only road and keep follow until it seem very very narrow and higher grass. This is a perfect place to park . Locals don't seem to mind as they see tourist do it. They may point you slightly back or gesture to you a better spot as they did us. Just use the word "Cascade" which tells them want your agenda is. And smile! They are friendly. Enjoy😀
Written 26 June 2016
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