While French Polynesia is often seen as a beach lover’s paradise, it also offers incredible adventures for nature and hiking enthusiasts. From fern-covered trails in Tahiti to the dramatic ridgelines of Bora Bora, each island presents a unique hiking experience. Here’s our selection of the 10 most stunning hikes, one per island, suitable for various skill levels and absolutely not to be missed!
1. Moorea – Col des 3 Cocotiers (Three Coconut Pass)
- Duration: 3 hours round trip
- Distance: 6.4 km (4 mi)
- Elevation gain: +303 m (994 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Guide: Optional
This scenic hike starts at the Opunohu Lookout, marked by an informative signboard. The trail is popular among hikers and nature lovers and leads to a breathtaking view of Mount Rotui and Moorea’s iconic twin bays. A pleasant hike, perfect solo, with family, or friends.
2. Huahine – Mount Pohue Rahi (416 m / 1,365 ft)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Distance: 6.35 km loop (3.95 mi)
- Elevation gain: +414 m (1,358 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Guide: Optional
A peaceful trail through shaded forest, featuring two beautiful viewpoints. The last stretch is a bit overgrown but still manageable. This quiet morning hike crosses private land, so permission from landowners is required.
3. Rurutu – Mount Manureva (385 m / 1,263 ft)
- Duration: 2 hours round trip
- Distance: 4.9 km (3 mi)
- Elevation gain: +300 m (984 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Guide: Optional
The highest point on Rurutu offers a gentle hike along a forest track that transitions into a well-maintained trail with ropes and steps. A picnic table awaits at the summit, perfect for enjoying the view over Avera Bay.
4. Nuku Hiva – Sentinelle Trail
- Duration: ~1.5 hours round trip
- Distance: ~3 km (~1.9 mi, estimated)
- Elevation gain: Light
- Difficulty: Easy
- Guide: Optional
Starting from Mave Mai guesthouse in Taiohae, this short trail leads to a stunning viewpoint over the bay. Well-marked and relatively easy, it’s a great introduction to the Marquesan landscapes.
5. Taha’a – La Traversière (The Cross-Island Trail)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 mi)
- Elevation gain: +230 m (755 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Guide: Optional
A former 4x4 track linking Haamene to Patio, this route offers a wild and authentic experience through lush vegetation and scenic views over the bays. A great way to discover the interior of the vanilla island.
6. Mangareva – Mount Mokoto (423 m / 1,388 ft)
- Duration: 2 hours (loop or crossing)
- Distance: ~3.3 km (~2 mi)
- Elevation gain: +330 m (1,083 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Guide: Optional
Mangareva’s second-highest peak provides sweeping views over nearby islands like Taravai. The loop trail passes through streams, pine trees, and along ridges with incredible views of Gatavake Bay. A hidden gem of the Gambier Islands.
7. Tahiti – Mount Marau (1,493 m / 4,898 ft)
- Duration: 6 hours round trip
- Distance: 17.5 km (10.9 mi)
- Elevation gain: +960 m (3,150 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Guide: Optional
Though accessible, Mount Marau immerses you deep into Tahiti’s mountainous heart. Starting from Miri’s heights, the trail winds through lush forest and ferns before reaching a wide track that leads to summit antennas. The reward? Sweeping views of Mount Aorai, Fautaua Valley, and Moorea in the distance—a must for lovers of dramatic vistas.
8. Bora Bora – Mount Ohue (619 m / 2,031 ft)
- Duration: 5 hours round trip
- Distance: 5.1 km (3.2 mi)
- Elevation gain: +620 m (2,034 ft)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Guide: Mandatory
This steep, near-scramble climb to Mount Ohue includes ropes, cliffs, and ridgelines—but the views make it worth every step. Enjoy a jaw-dropping panorama over Faanui Bay, the lagoon, and the iconic Mount Otemanu.
9. Raiatea – Mount Temehani
- Duration: 6 hours round trip
- Distance: 13 km (8 mi)
- Elevation gain: +750 m (2,460 ft)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Guide: Mandatory
This legendary trail crosses rare and endemic flora, including the sacred tiare apetahi. Mount Temehani is a spiritual site, a mystical plateau offering exclusive views over Raiatea’s interior. A local guide is required to access and protect this fragile ecosystem.
10. Maupiti – Mount Teurafaatiu (380 m / 1,247 ft)
- Duration: 2.5 hours round trip
- Distance: 2.7 km (1.7 mi)
- Elevation gain: +380 m (1,247 ft)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Guide: Recommended
A classic Maupiti hike—steep ascent with ropes and nearly acrobatic sections, but at the top, you're rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the lagoon, motu islets, and the pass. Start early to avoid the heat and crowds.
Before You Go:
As you enjoy these incredible hikes, it’s vital to follow a few simple rules to help preserve our fenua (land). Our beautiful islands are increasingly threatened by invasive plant species. To learn how to reduce your environmental impact on the trails, check out our awareness guide.
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