Hike· Rapa Iti· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Mount Perahu Summit (Rapa Iti)
27° 35.7′ S · 144° 22.4′ W
Rapa's highest point (about 650 m), the jagged peak on the caldera rim northeast of Ahurei Bay; from the ridge you look over the flooded crater and the open Southern Ocean.
Practical
Coordinate is the OSM peak (ele 650 m; en.wikipedia also gives 650 m, de.wikipedia 633 m). None of the cruising sources describe a marked trail to the summit; the island's paths are on ridges and steep, cliff-lined slopes, so go with a local guide and ask the mairie/Tohitu council for permission and a route. Weather turns fast: cold fronts bring gales, rain and cloud on the tops even in summer (Pitufa recommends long sleeves and socks). Allow a full day. Endemic, critically endangered birds such as the Rapa fruit dove live in the native forest: keep to paths and leave no food scraps.
Best for
Hardcore ridge day with a guide
Season
Clear, settled days; avoid frontal weather
Nearby
- Rapa Iti Ridge Forts (Pa)1.1 NM away
- Morongo Uta Fortified Village (Rapa Iti)1.6 NM away
- Ahurei Bay Inner Anchorage (west end, Rapa Iti)2 NM away
- Tevaitau Fort Hike (Rapa Iti)2.2 NM away
- Ahurei Bay Anchorage (Rapa Iti)2.4 NM away
- Ha'urei Football Field Trailhead (Rapa Iti)2.4 NM away
- Ahurei Main Dock and Fuel (Rapa Iti)2.5 NM away
- Ahurei Mooring 2 (Rapa Iti)2.5 NM away