Mount Pahia
Mount Pahia
4.5
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Pavel Petrenko
Kitchener, Canada10 contributions
Aug 2020
My wife and I only had about 3 to 4 hours, and we really wanted to reach one of the peaks. We thought we could do it, as it didn’t look that high relative to some of the other hikes we’ve done. We found a way up using the AllTrails app, starting in Vaitape. Unfortunately, the app showed 3 possible starting points. Only 1 was actually viable, and that’s the one which starts on the road by Hina Pearls (see photo). Just go down the road, and near the end, the road turns left before turning into a hiking trail. The hike is extremely steep, make sure to take lots of water. It’s also easy to get lost, which we did. We didn’t notice initially, but going up there were markings on some of the trees. At a certain point, we took the wrong turn and kept going up what vaguely looked like a trail. When we went back down, we saw the correct turn we were supposed to take, confirmed by markings. Since we ran out of time, we couldn’t actually finish the route. Overall, we estimated it would take 3 hours to go up to the very top, and 2 to get back down, for experienced hikers.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nbharucha2
San Francisco, California, United States3 contributions
Aug 2021
The wife and I wanted to do some hiking while in Bora Bora and this seemed to fit the bill. The hike is as challenging as advertised. We took the road by Hina Pearls. Lots of time on all fours because of steepness of the terrain. Multiple ropes to help negotiate the pitch.
The All trails app was crucial for us in terms of not getting lost. Would have been way more challenging without it. We had an awesome time but if you're not in good shape then this probably isn't the best idea. Took us about 2.5 hours up and 2 hours down.
The All trails app was crucial for us in terms of not getting lost. Would have been way more challenging without it. We had an awesome time but if you're not in good shape then this probably isn't the best idea. Took us about 2.5 hours up and 2 hours down.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan W
Baltimore, MD51 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Most on-line info for Mt. Pahia suggests hiring a guide. My wife and I (in our early 50s, but generally fit and avid hikers) did this hike on September 2, 2015 without a guide. If you are prepared for a steep hike, punctuated by five short sections where fixed ropes are present for help, then you can do this hike. I think a guide is not necessary.
The first issue is finding the trail. I found several different descriptions on-line. Here's mine, fresh in my mind. The Protestant church is your primary landmark. It is across the street and a little north from the Vaitape town port, and a couple hundred yards north of the Gendarmerie. It has a red roof and red steeple. Moving south from the church building, you will see: a little church driveway, then a fence followed by a building that houses a few pearl shops (first one is Tahiti Pearl Shop) and a car rental place. Then there is an unpaved road before another small building. Go up that road. Toward the end of the road you will see a white house on the left. Turn left on the path before that white house. That path soon turns right, toward the mountain. It soon comes to what looks like a four-way intersection where the steepness and forest begin. Left and straight are dead ends. Go right. Now you are on the trail.
The trail is generally easy to follow, but there are a few places where short stretches are a little overgrown. There may be seasonal variations. If trail is not obvious, you can find it with a little looking around.
Having taken the right at the four way, in a few minutes the trail appears to end. It continues with a sharp left and up switchback. From there, the trail doesn't mess around much, going more or less straight up the slope, perhaps trending a bit to the right. There is a point at which a fork is apparent. I took the right option. I think the left may also work - see below. After more steep uphill, the trail turns left for a long lateral traverse (seemed to trend down a bit), around to the north side of the mountain. Along that traverse we saw a side trail that may be from that left fork option. Eventually the trail resumes the steep uphill trend toward the initial, secondary summit.
The two steep portions of the trail include five especially steep and/or slippery sections where fixed ropes are present. Use them. The fifth one is especially steep. I am a rock climber of modest skill. My wife is not. We were both able to get ourselves up. But it is the kind of ascent for which I'd prefer to have actual climbing protection, especially on the way down! Once past that rope, the secondary summit is a relatively easy uphill walk. A flag was planted there, indicating that the secondary summit is the typical stopping point.
But trail continues along a narrow saddle ridge over to the main summit of Mt. Pahia. My wife stayed at the flag as I proceeded. At about 3/4 of the way over, about as high as the secondary summit, there is a spot where a little climb is required. Being alone, and seeing no good landing spot, were I to come off the little climb, I decided not to risk it. But I got some nice pictures of the Bora Bora lagoon and of Mt. Otemanu, the supposedly unclimbable high point of the island.
We had a bit of an adventure going down a couple of the ropes. My wife, being tall with a long way to fall, and not being a climber, prefers to descend steeps on her butt. But that last roped section is too steep for that. So I had her straddle the rope with me just below her, one arm between her legs and the other around her waist. As we descended, there were points where I was carrying her weight, slowly letting the rope slide through my hands. Fortunately, I didn't lose any flesh in the process. But it was scary doing that without protection! Later, she was on her butt a lot - not a good idea...
In the end, we took about 8 hours for the whole thing, longer than others say it takes. That's largely due to the "butt hiking" on the way down.
Due to the steepness, I would not recommend doing this hike shortly after rain. It can be very muddy and slippery. The wetness does not go away quickly in the forest. Indeed, the week after we did this, we were on Moorea where guides were refusing to take people up a couple of the mountains two days after some rain.
The first issue is finding the trail. I found several different descriptions on-line. Here's mine, fresh in my mind. The Protestant church is your primary landmark. It is across the street and a little north from the Vaitape town port, and a couple hundred yards north of the Gendarmerie. It has a red roof and red steeple. Moving south from the church building, you will see: a little church driveway, then a fence followed by a building that houses a few pearl shops (first one is Tahiti Pearl Shop) and a car rental place. Then there is an unpaved road before another small building. Go up that road. Toward the end of the road you will see a white house on the left. Turn left on the path before that white house. That path soon turns right, toward the mountain. It soon comes to what looks like a four-way intersection where the steepness and forest begin. Left and straight are dead ends. Go right. Now you are on the trail.
The trail is generally easy to follow, but there are a few places where short stretches are a little overgrown. There may be seasonal variations. If trail is not obvious, you can find it with a little looking around.
Having taken the right at the four way, in a few minutes the trail appears to end. It continues with a sharp left and up switchback. From there, the trail doesn't mess around much, going more or less straight up the slope, perhaps trending a bit to the right. There is a point at which a fork is apparent. I took the right option. I think the left may also work - see below. After more steep uphill, the trail turns left for a long lateral traverse (seemed to trend down a bit), around to the north side of the mountain. Along that traverse we saw a side trail that may be from that left fork option. Eventually the trail resumes the steep uphill trend toward the initial, secondary summit.
The two steep portions of the trail include five especially steep and/or slippery sections where fixed ropes are present. Use them. The fifth one is especially steep. I am a rock climber of modest skill. My wife is not. We were both able to get ourselves up. But it is the kind of ascent for which I'd prefer to have actual climbing protection, especially on the way down! Once past that rope, the secondary summit is a relatively easy uphill walk. A flag was planted there, indicating that the secondary summit is the typical stopping point.
But trail continues along a narrow saddle ridge over to the main summit of Mt. Pahia. My wife stayed at the flag as I proceeded. At about 3/4 of the way over, about as high as the secondary summit, there is a spot where a little climb is required. Being alone, and seeing no good landing spot, were I to come off the little climb, I decided not to risk it. But I got some nice pictures of the Bora Bora lagoon and of Mt. Otemanu, the supposedly unclimbable high point of the island.
We had a bit of an adventure going down a couple of the ropes. My wife, being tall with a long way to fall, and not being a climber, prefers to descend steeps on her butt. But that last roped section is too steep for that. So I had her straddle the rope with me just below her, one arm between her legs and the other around her waist. As we descended, there were points where I was carrying her weight, slowly letting the rope slide through my hands. Fortunately, I didn't lose any flesh in the process. But it was scary doing that without protection! Later, she was on her butt a lot - not a good idea...
In the end, we took about 8 hours for the whole thing, longer than others say it takes. That's largely due to the "butt hiking" on the way down.
Due to the steepness, I would not recommend doing this hike shortly after rain. It can be very muddy and slippery. The wetness does not go away quickly in the forest. Indeed, the week after we did this, we were on Moorea where guides were refusing to take people up a couple of the mountains two days after some rain.
Written September 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jma24
London, UK58 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
There are various folks who have climbed this on their own and it is certainly possible. But be warned, this is a fairly difficult (T4/T5) hike. A wrong turn or a slip will lead you to your death. What's more, it is exceptionally steep - continued 50-60 degrees for 4h each way, in sticky humidity. My recommendation, from someone who has been hiking in the Swiss Alps for 30 years - take a guide.
There's one certified mountain guide on Bora Bora and his name is Eric. There are others who may guide you - but they aren't certified. Eric is also certified at mountain search and rescue and he's a really nice guy. With how much you spent to get to Bora Bora, the money spent for a guide is worth it for the opportunity to return in one piece.
Clothing for this hike is quite simple - shorts, a T-shirt and tennis shoes. Better walking boots would be nice, but hot. Whatever you wear, the traction on the clay ground will suck. You do need a small napsack, or the guide will loan you one. In it put some fruit juice, energy bars, or whatever you like to eat over 8 hours. Add a minimum of 2 liters of water per person, this will keep you from dehydration.
The trail starts by the center of Vaitape and you park in a strip mall. From there you go up a short asphalt road which turns into a dirt track fast. From there you head into crops, and directly into the woods, where there's undergrowth that you wade through. There are no markings, which I think is to deliberately discourage folks who don't have a guide.
From here it gets steep and tough almost immediately, for 1.5 hours. There's a mix of rocks, roots, ropes and dirt, and it's steep all the way. At this point you traverse for 1h below the rocks, where you get to a steep gully called the Stairway to Heaven. It's all roped from here and runs for about 30 minutes straight and steep up to a ridge, where you get to the first summit.
To get to the second peak of Mt Pahia you traverse a ridge, climb some rocks (harness recommended) and climb to the summit. We didn't make it to the second summit due to time and weather, so stopped on the first where there were beautiful views. It's a 4h climb and you can't do it much faster unless you're a real expert.
And when you get to the top, oh the views. This is one of the most beautiful places on earth, the views of the lagoon are just incredible. We were lucky enough to have a little wind and some clouds, which just increase the contrast of the photos. Just amazing.
Getting down is just a matter of retracing your steps. There are many potential places where you can get lost here, and people do fairly regularly get lost for days on the mountain, and there are many hidden cliffs. Because of how steep it is, you won't be descending much faster than you went up. For us, it rained a little during our ascent, so the rocks and clay were slippery, so we took our time.
Eric was a great guide, knowledgeable about the island, climbing and the ecology of the mountain itself. In particular, he helped my wife with the confidence to do this climb - she hasn't done anything this hard before. His quiet and encouraging manner meant she got right to the top and down safely.
You are very likely to slip and fall a little on the way down, especially if it's damp, as it was for us. We ended up a little scratched up (razor grass cuts) and quite covered in brown mud. Eric, on the other hand, was as clean at the end as he was when he started, and wore nothing more than plastic sandals, which he swears by.
So please enjoy Mount Pahia, but be aware that despite its diminutive 2,159 feet (658 metres), it's a serious T4 hike to the first summit, and T5 to the second. Be safe!
There's one certified mountain guide on Bora Bora and his name is Eric. There are others who may guide you - but they aren't certified. Eric is also certified at mountain search and rescue and he's a really nice guy. With how much you spent to get to Bora Bora, the money spent for a guide is worth it for the opportunity to return in one piece.
Clothing for this hike is quite simple - shorts, a T-shirt and tennis shoes. Better walking boots would be nice, but hot. Whatever you wear, the traction on the clay ground will suck. You do need a small napsack, or the guide will loan you one. In it put some fruit juice, energy bars, or whatever you like to eat over 8 hours. Add a minimum of 2 liters of water per person, this will keep you from dehydration.
The trail starts by the center of Vaitape and you park in a strip mall. From there you go up a short asphalt road which turns into a dirt track fast. From there you head into crops, and directly into the woods, where there's undergrowth that you wade through. There are no markings, which I think is to deliberately discourage folks who don't have a guide.
From here it gets steep and tough almost immediately, for 1.5 hours. There's a mix of rocks, roots, ropes and dirt, and it's steep all the way. At this point you traverse for 1h below the rocks, where you get to a steep gully called the Stairway to Heaven. It's all roped from here and runs for about 30 minutes straight and steep up to a ridge, where you get to the first summit.
To get to the second peak of Mt Pahia you traverse a ridge, climb some rocks (harness recommended) and climb to the summit. We didn't make it to the second summit due to time and weather, so stopped on the first where there were beautiful views. It's a 4h climb and you can't do it much faster unless you're a real expert.
And when you get to the top, oh the views. This is one of the most beautiful places on earth, the views of the lagoon are just incredible. We were lucky enough to have a little wind and some clouds, which just increase the contrast of the photos. Just amazing.
Getting down is just a matter of retracing your steps. There are many potential places where you can get lost here, and people do fairly regularly get lost for days on the mountain, and there are many hidden cliffs. Because of how steep it is, you won't be descending much faster than you went up. For us, it rained a little during our ascent, so the rocks and clay were slippery, so we took our time.
Eric was a great guide, knowledgeable about the island, climbing and the ecology of the mountain itself. In particular, he helped my wife with the confidence to do this climb - she hasn't done anything this hard before. His quiet and encouraging manner meant she got right to the top and down safely.
You are very likely to slip and fall a little on the way down, especially if it's damp, as it was for us. We ended up a little scratched up (razor grass cuts) and quite covered in brown mud. Eric, on the other hand, was as clean at the end as he was when he started, and wore nothing more than plastic sandals, which he swears by.
So please enjoy Mount Pahia, but be aware that despite its diminutive 2,159 feet (658 metres), it's a serious T4 hike to the first summit, and T5 to the second. Be safe!
Written December 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan W
Baltimore, MD51 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Most on-line info for Mt. Pahia suggests hiring a guide. My wife and I (in our early 50s, but generally fit and avid hikers) did this hike on September 2, 2015 without a guide. If you are prepared for a steep hike, punctuated by five short sections where fixed ropes are present for help, then you can do this hike. I think a guide is not necessary.
The first issue is finding the trail. I found several different descriptions on-line. Here's mine, fresh in my mind. The Protestant church is your primary landmark. It is across the street and a little north from the Vaitape town port, and a couple hundred yards north of the Gendarmerie. It has a red roof and red steeple. Moving south from the church building, you will see: a little church driveway, then a fence followed by a building that houses a few pearl shops (first one is Tahiti Pearl Shop) and a car rental place. Then there is an unpaved road before another small building. Go up that road. Toward the end of the road you will see a white house on the left. Turn left on the path before that white house. That path soon turns right, toward the mountain. It soon comes to what looks like a four-way intersection where the steepness and forest begin. Left and straight are dead ends. Go right. Now you are on the trail.
The trail is generally easy to follow, but there are a few places where short stretches are a little overgrown. There may be seasonal variations. If trail is not obvious, you can find it with a little looking around.
Having taken the right at the four way, in a few minutes the trail appears to end. It continues with a sharp left and up switchback. From there, the trail doesn't mess around much, going more or less straight up the slope, perhaps trending a bit to the right. There is a point at which a fork is apparent. I took the right option. I think the left may also work - see below. After more steep uphill, the trail turns left for a long lateral traverse (seemed to trend down a bit), around to the north side of the mountain. Along that traverse we saw a side trail that may be from that left fork option. Eventually the trail resumes the steep uphill trend toward the initial, secondary summit.
The two steep portions of the trail include five especially steep and/or slippery sections where fixed ropes are present. Use them. The fifth one is especially steep. I am a rock climber of modest skill. My wife is not. We were both able to get ourselves up. But it is the kind of ascent for which I'd prefer to have actual climbing protection, especially on the way down! Once past that rope, the secondary summit is a relatively easy uphill walk. A flag was planted there, indicating that the secondary summit is the typical stopping point.
But trail continues along a narrow saddle ridge over to the main summit of Mt. Pahia. My wife stayed at the flag as I proceeded. At about 3/4 of the way over, about as high as the secondary summit, there is a spot where a little climb is required. Being alone, and seeing no good landing spot, were I to come off the little climb, I decided not to risk it. But I got some nice pictures of the Bora Bora lagoon and of Mt. Otemanu, the supposedly unclimbable high point of the island.
We had a bit of an adventure going down a couple of the ropes. My wife, being tall with a long way to fall, and not being a climber, prefers to descend steeps on her butt. But that last roped section is too steep for that. So I had her straddle the rope with me just below her, one arm between her legs and the other around her waist. As we descended, there were points where I was carrying her weight, slowly letting the rope slide through my hands. Fortunately, I didn't lose any flesh in the process. But it was scary doing that without protection! Later, she was on her butt a lot - not a good idea...
In the end, we took about 8 hours for the whole thing, longer than others say it takes. That's largely due to the "butt hiking" on the way down.
Due to the steepness, I would not recommend doing this hike shortly after rain. It can be very muddy and slippery. The wetness does not go away quickly in the forest. Indeed, the week after we did this, we were on Moorea where guides were refusing to take people up a couple of the mountains two days after some rain.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g669130-r310598720-Vaitape_Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html#
The first issue is finding the trail. I found several different descriptions on-line. Here's mine, fresh in my mind. The Protestant church is your primary landmark. It is across the street and a little north from the Vaitape town port, and a couple hundred yards north of the Gendarmerie. It has a red roof and red steeple. Moving south from the church building, you will see: a little church driveway, then a fence followed by a building that houses a few pearl shops (first one is Tahiti Pearl Shop) and a car rental place. Then there is an unpaved road before another small building. Go up that road. Toward the end of the road you will see a white house on the left. Turn left on the path before that white house. That path soon turns right, toward the mountain. It soon comes to what looks like a four-way intersection where the steepness and forest begin. Left and straight are dead ends. Go right. Now you are on the trail.
The trail is generally easy to follow, but there are a few places where short stretches are a little overgrown. There may be seasonal variations. If trail is not obvious, you can find it with a little looking around.
Having taken the right at the four way, in a few minutes the trail appears to end. It continues with a sharp left and up switchback. From there, the trail doesn't mess around much, going more or less straight up the slope, perhaps trending a bit to the right. There is a point at which a fork is apparent. I took the right option. I think the left may also work - see below. After more steep uphill, the trail turns left for a long lateral traverse (seemed to trend down a bit), around to the north side of the mountain. Along that traverse we saw a side trail that may be from that left fork option. Eventually the trail resumes the steep uphill trend toward the initial, secondary summit.
The two steep portions of the trail include five especially steep and/or slippery sections where fixed ropes are present. Use them. The fifth one is especially steep. I am a rock climber of modest skill. My wife is not. We were both able to get ourselves up. But it is the kind of ascent for which I'd prefer to have actual climbing protection, especially on the way down! Once past that rope, the secondary summit is a relatively easy uphill walk. A flag was planted there, indicating that the secondary summit is the typical stopping point.
But trail continues along a narrow saddle ridge over to the main summit of Mt. Pahia. My wife stayed at the flag as I proceeded. At about 3/4 of the way over, about as high as the secondary summit, there is a spot where a little climb is required. Being alone, and seeing no good landing spot, were I to come off the little climb, I decided not to risk it. But I got some nice pictures of the Bora Bora lagoon and of Mt. Otemanu, the supposedly unclimbable high point of the island.
We had a bit of an adventure going down a couple of the ropes. My wife, being tall with a long way to fall, and not being a climber, prefers to descend steeps on her butt. But that last roped section is too steep for that. So I had her straddle the rope with me just below her, one arm between her legs and the other around her waist. As we descended, there were points where I was carrying her weight, slowly letting the rope slide through my hands. Fortunately, I didn't lose any flesh in the process. But it was scary doing that without protection! Later, she was on her butt a lot - not a good idea...
In the end, we took about 8 hours for the whole thing, longer than others say it takes. That's largely due to the "butt hiking" on the way down.
Due to the steepness, I would not recommend doing this hike shortly after rain. It can be very muddy and slippery. The wetness does not go away quickly in the forest. Indeed, the week after we did this, we were on Moorea where guides were refusing to take people up a couple of the mountains two days after some rain.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g669130-r310598720-Vaitape_Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html#
Written September 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunshine6688
Naples, FL50 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
But seriously.
My husband and I are very active, and will usually do a couple of hikes wherever we travel to. So of course by our 3rd day in Bora Bora we wanted to hike the mountain we had been staring at from the beach for the past few days. We googled it, looked at Trip Advisor, but still couldnt find too much info on it. We did know that paying for a guide would cost us a little under $1000. Not happening! How hard could it be, we figured.
Trail was pretty well marked with red tape all along. There was a point when things were a little unclear if we should go right or left, and we made a left. This is where you really start to wrap around the mountain to make it to the top.
The views at the top of course, were incredible. I am glad we did it, but I would not do it again, and here is why.
To me, it felt more like mountain climbing than a hike. I have come to realize that I am scared of heights. Why would you do this if you are scared of heights? You might ask. Great question. I have hiked all sorts of mountains all over the US and in Europe, but for some reason this one really got me! Also, while using the ropes to go up was fun, going down was definitely more nerve wracking. I spent alot of the time going down “butt scooting” because it felt safer for my center of gravity to be lower to the ground!
Now, once we finished (6 hours) I asked me husband, wasn’t that so hard? Weren’t you scared? Were we at a ridiculous incline? He insists that it really wasn’t that bad! I disagree, and I’ve learned that I prefer easier hikes with no rapelling with ropes and idk, maybe cell service in case an emergency happens?
Overall, super happy we did it, but definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done!
My husband and I are very active, and will usually do a couple of hikes wherever we travel to. So of course by our 3rd day in Bora Bora we wanted to hike the mountain we had been staring at from the beach for the past few days. We googled it, looked at Trip Advisor, but still couldnt find too much info on it. We did know that paying for a guide would cost us a little under $1000. Not happening! How hard could it be, we figured.
Trail was pretty well marked with red tape all along. There was a point when things were a little unclear if we should go right or left, and we made a left. This is where you really start to wrap around the mountain to make it to the top.
The views at the top of course, were incredible. I am glad we did it, but I would not do it again, and here is why.
To me, it felt more like mountain climbing than a hike. I have come to realize that I am scared of heights. Why would you do this if you are scared of heights? You might ask. Great question. I have hiked all sorts of mountains all over the US and in Europe, but for some reason this one really got me! Also, while using the ropes to go up was fun, going down was definitely more nerve wracking. I spent alot of the time going down “butt scooting” because it felt safer for my center of gravity to be lower to the ground!
Now, once we finished (6 hours) I asked me husband, wasn’t that so hard? Weren’t you scared? Were we at a ridiculous incline? He insists that it really wasn’t that bad! I disagree, and I’ve learned that I prefer easier hikes with no rapelling with ropes and idk, maybe cell service in case an emergency happens?
Overall, super happy we did it, but definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done!
Written October 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine H
McKinney, TX34 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This was a full-on adventure! While I read every single review and tip on how to find and then enter the trailhead for the hike up Mount Pahia, I still struggled to actually figure it out. And while it seemed easy enough, the fire station wasn't obviously marked, nor was the street to where the road up. After spending about an hour hunting down the entrance, off the main road (look by the Bauhaus spirit store, there is a small road up to a neighborhood or village, hidden in plain sight is a sign that basically cautions even thinking about hiking Mt. Pahia), we finally stumbled upon the dirt road up.
As previous reviews noted, this first part of the hike is more or less a warning, full of stray dogs that look like they'd be willing to eat you, there was even some growling and following. I was with my boyfriend who made sure to run them off. We passed by many locals on the way up that barely acknowledged our existence, but also were unphased by our passing through their yards.
At the top of the hill cut to the left by the last house and then head up to an opening. We visited in May of 2017 and the foliage was overgrown and it was beyond difficult to tell what was an actual trailhead. After trying three we were almost ready to give up when we caught a second wind and decided to keep looking. Lucky for us, a local farmer took pity on us and came into the forest and helped us to find the right path (he was barefoot and spoke no English, but he showed us how steep the descent would be and demonstrated bracing ourselves and trees on the way down).
This hike is no joke and it's literally the most amazing feeling in the world when we summited. But the climb up was harrowing and steep, in a rainforest that allows for no air or breeze at any point. We were warned that it was a dangerous hike and that after rain there would be many areas that were narrow and extremely slick. I'm an experienced hiker and wasn't worried, my boyfriend is extremely athletic so we both expected no issues. We were both winded at times and had to stop to rest quite a bit.
I think there were 5 spots that have ropes to pull yourself up on and it was kinda of amazing and crazy at the same time. Don't attempt this hike unless you are experienced and in great shape because it will literally kick your butt otherwise.
Once you summit, the views are incredible and so worth all the fuss in finding the dang trail in the first place. The hike down is fast and steep, not easy in any capacity. I found myself slipping and catching myself on trees as the farmer showed us.
Funny thing, the trees are all marked on the way down, but we never noticed the markings on the way up. I'd rate this is hike as extreme and probably a 4.5 out of 5.
I'd come back to Bora Bora for this adventure all over again!
As previous reviews noted, this first part of the hike is more or less a warning, full of stray dogs that look like they'd be willing to eat you, there was even some growling and following. I was with my boyfriend who made sure to run them off. We passed by many locals on the way up that barely acknowledged our existence, but also were unphased by our passing through their yards.
At the top of the hill cut to the left by the last house and then head up to an opening. We visited in May of 2017 and the foliage was overgrown and it was beyond difficult to tell what was an actual trailhead. After trying three we were almost ready to give up when we caught a second wind and decided to keep looking. Lucky for us, a local farmer took pity on us and came into the forest and helped us to find the right path (he was barefoot and spoke no English, but he showed us how steep the descent would be and demonstrated bracing ourselves and trees on the way down).
This hike is no joke and it's literally the most amazing feeling in the world when we summited. But the climb up was harrowing and steep, in a rainforest that allows for no air or breeze at any point. We were warned that it was a dangerous hike and that after rain there would be many areas that were narrow and extremely slick. I'm an experienced hiker and wasn't worried, my boyfriend is extremely athletic so we both expected no issues. We were both winded at times and had to stop to rest quite a bit.
I think there were 5 spots that have ropes to pull yourself up on and it was kinda of amazing and crazy at the same time. Don't attempt this hike unless you are experienced and in great shape because it will literally kick your butt otherwise.
Once you summit, the views are incredible and so worth all the fuss in finding the dang trail in the first place. The hike down is fast and steep, not easy in any capacity. I found myself slipping and catching myself on trees as the farmer showed us.
Funny thing, the trees are all marked on the way down, but we never noticed the markings on the way up. I'd rate this is hike as extreme and probably a 4.5 out of 5.
I'd come back to Bora Bora for this adventure all over again!
Written January 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cyril59
Palm Desert, CA106 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
We on a whim decided to control our own tour of the island on a Moped. You want to take your time a enjoy the most beautiful scenery in the World. What better way than a Moped with a top speed of 30-40MPH. No hurry just enjoy. There is no such thing as traffic on this island. Rent for 4 hours and on the way back do a little shopping in Vaitape
Written October 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MargaritaDoug
Virginia Beach, VA1,411 contributions
Aug 2019
Mt. Otemanu is obviously the peak that defines Bora Bora, but what's a peak without a comparatively shorter mountain with which to compare it? Mt. Pahia a grand step that helps build up to the point.
Written September 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aurelien P
Calgary, Canada13 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Steep trail, not always easy to find...start is in front of fire station in Vaitape. I did it without a guide (pre-summit). Real summit is quite exposed and fall can be fatal. But if you are used to mountain hike and easy scramble, it is not particularly difficult. There are ropes at he steepest place. Use your judgment and do not attempt on a rainy day.
Written May 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I found your post very helpful but am wondering how did you get connected to the Mt. Pahia hike tour guides? I've been trying to google info but can't find it. Would love your help! Thanks
Written November 8, 2017
Haha, they are locals that you have to ask around for information. We hiked Mt. Pahia without a guide but then laughed at how terrible it could’ve ended. Ask staff at your resort and they’ll help you.
Written January 18, 2018
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