Hike· Hao· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Hao Rim Road Walk and Bike Ride
18° 5.4′ S · 140° 55.6′ W · approximate
The military-built road runs along the northern rim from Otepa past the old basin to the 3 km runway. It is a flat walk or bike ride past base relics, with the ocean reef on one side and the lagoon on the other.
Practical
The base built about 15 km of road (Wikipedia); the commune's 2019 profile lists 15 km of road. Pension Chez Parua rented bikes for 800 XPF a day (2020, verify locally). The old military basin is about ¾ mile from the village, and the airport is about 3 nm farther NW. Carry water: there is no shade on the runway stretch. The road gets you to the airport for flights and to the Air Tahiti counter. Respect fenced airport and private land. Position approximate: a midpoint on the rim between the basin and the airport, taken from the Natirena Lodge map point.
Best for
Stretching your legs and seeing the CEP-era base