Hike· Fatu Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Hanavave Waterfall Hike
10° 28.4′ S · 138° 39.8′ W · approximate
A steep, hot climb from Hanavave up the Omoa road and along a jungle path to Vaieenui falls, a tall cascade into a cool pool. It is the classic Fatu Hiva walk.
Practical
Approximate position: the OpenStreetMap viewpoint on the Omoa road near the hairpin climb, close to where the waterfall track turns off; the falls themselves are not mapped. Directions (Aug 2022): ignore the first dirt track left after the last bridge, which leads to getting lost. Continue on the main road until AFTER it makes a steep hairpin climb; a carved sign then points left to VAIEENUIE (the waterfall), with OMOA to the right on the main road. In 2022 a hand-painted sign also marked the turn. Noonsite (2019): follow the road until the number '2' painted on it, then turn left. Allow closer to an hour each way than the half hour often quoted. The last third of a mile is rugged and very slippery after rain. Wear proper shoes, bring water and bug spray, and swim in the pool.
Best for
Half-day hike and freshwater swim
Itineraries that stop here
Nearby
- Fatu Hiva Not a Port of Entry (clear at Atuona first)0.5 NM away
- Hanavave Bay of Virgins Anchorage (Fatu Hiva)0.5 NM away
- Hanavave Mairie and Post Office0.5 NM away
- Hanavave Water and Trash0.5 NM away
- Hanavave Williwaws (Fatu Hiva Downslope Gusts)0.5 NM away
- Fatu Hiva Dance and Drum Evenings0.6 NM away
- Hanavave Bay Snorkel (Fatu Hiva)0.6 NM away
- Hanavave Kaikai Dinners with Local Families0.6 NM away