Cultural site of Tahiti

The legend of the 3 waterfalls

The legend relates the story of a young princess called Fauai who was kept away by his father from all the men. As she wandered in the valley one day, escorted by guards, she met a young man, Ivi, with whom she decided to escape from her father’s guards. As those were running after them, the water from the mountain began to flow and covered the two friends. Nowadays we say that they are living in happiness behind the waterfalls called Haamaremare rahi and Haamaremare iti. On their way back, the guards were covered as well by the water, which is now the place where the third waterfall called Vaimahuta is located.

Today it is possible to go to Tiarei’s village in order to admire this water gushing out from the rock of the Faarumai 3 waterfalls. The starting point of the walk is located 17 km away in the North West of Papeete. You will have to walk about 15 minutes to discover them deep in the valley. On your way, you will be surrounded by a luxuriant vegetation typical of Tahiti : banana, coconuts, coffee, mango and guava trees. You will also see a taro, manioc and watercress plantation. At the bottom of the waterfalls, there are some observation platforms to fully enjoy this natural show. When going back to the car park, don’t hesitate to walk through the bamboos border to the water….

© Picture L.Desmons