Abstract
Total duration: 3h30 (start from belvedere) / 4h (start from port)
Total distance: 9.6km
Positive elevation: 300m (start from belvedere) / 550m (start from port)
Difficulty: difficult
Guide: recommended
Rough and potentially dangerous trail between the 3 pinus and the Col de Vaiare (April 2026).
Steep section from the port to the pass.
Track
Hike description
The Pass of Vaiare is located just by the port of Vaiare, where ferries arrive from Tahiti.
This pass gives access to Cook and Opunohu bays, located on the other side of the island.
The proposed itinerary links the Opunohu belvedere to the port of Vaiare,
but other trails exist, especially from Paopao, at the bottom of Cook's Bay.
From the Opunohu belvedere, follow 3 pinus trail.
After a pleasant walk in the forest, during which you will cross a marae,
a small ascent will take you to the 3 pinus point of view.
Take the ridge path to the left to access the magnificent viewpoint over the caldera and the two bays.
Take the ridge in the opposite direction, then go down the path that starts on your left.
Warning: the following section may be rough and dangerous according to information from April 2026.
Now you are walking on a well-marked forest path, which will take you along the caldera on your left.
Stream crossing after 2.2km, then bamboo grove 1.2km further.
About 500m further on, you will find some viewpoints over the caldera,
and on the big rock you just walked around.
You finally arrive at the Col de Vaiare after a smooth ascent.
At the bifurcation at the top, continue on the ridge to enjoy the incredible panorama of the caldera on one side,
and on the port of Vaiare below on the other side.
Turn back, then go down towards the port of Vaiare on your left.
The trail is quite steep on this portion.
You quickly get to a dirt track that will take you to the port.
