Discover Vai'anae: Hiking Trail and Waterfall

There are several very different points to consider when planning a trip to Vai'anae: behind the village, an easy 30-minute hiking trail leads to a waterfall; nearby, there is a surf spot suitable only for very experienced surfers. The village has a grocery store, while the Autea snack bar is a few kilometres away in Vairapa Bay. These differences can help you plan your excursions and look for a holiday rental at the same time.

Waterfall Trail and Surf Spot

The hiking trail leads to a waterfall behind the village of Vai'anae. It is rated as easy and takes 30 minutes. This makes it a manageable option if you want to include a short hike in your plans. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The standards are different at Avarapa Pass: the surf spot there is suitable only for very experienced surfers. Surfers should obtain permission from local residents before taking part. Keep both points in mind when planning, and also check current conditions. Unlike the easy hiking trail, surfing here is subject to clear requirements.

Amenities and Anchorages

Vai'anae has a grocery store. Check before your trip to see whether it is still open. The Autea snack bar is in Vairapa Bay, a few kilometres away; check whether it is currently open before visiting. This lets you treat a stop in the village and a visit to the bay as separate parts of your day's plans.

At nearby anchorages, shore access by dinghy is possible via the Haapiti jetty. If you plan to use this option, check current access conditions before your trip. This way of arriving is quite different from the hike behind the village and should be considered as a separate planning point.

Other Travel Highlights of the Leeward Islands

Huahine, Taha’a and Raiatea each have their own appeal in the Leeward Islands. Huahine consists of Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, which are connected by a bridge; Huahine Nui is the larger island. Taha’a has numerous vanilla plantations. It is directly accessible by ferry from Tahiti, Bora Bora and Huahine. Check current operators and timetables before planning. On Raiatea, Marae Taputapuatea was once a religious and political centre of power throughout Polynesia, including Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island and the Cook Islands. Raiatea also offers a historical perspective on the region. This historical highlight can be complemented by the island's scenery: a lagoon, rocky mountain cliffs and lush vegetation define the island.

Discover More Destinations

Also discover: Tema'e, Papetoai, Maharepa, Fa'aone, Vairao, To'ahotu, Punaauia, Pihaena.

Return to the main travel overview: Windward Islands.