• Wear good hiking shoes- due to all of the mud, the trail becomes incredibly slippery and wet. So, a nice pair of hiking shoes will ensure you don't slip or get soaked. 
• Bring a walking stick- there are steep inclines, a lot of rocks/roots, and a very narrow trail, so a walking stick will help you keep your balance.
• Bring a lot of water (around 100 ounces per person)- The hike is lengthy, physically exhausting, and the heat is intense. So, it is important that you stay hydrated throughout the entire hike.
• Bring a snack- because the hike is so long, a snack will give you the energy you need to summit the mountain. 
• Wear long pants- during parts of the hike there are pokey bushes that will leave you bleeding if you don't have your legs protected. 
• Bring bug spray- you will be in the rainforest and those mosquitoes get nasty
• And of course... Bring a camera! - the view is absolutely breathtaking, and there are great photo opportunities along the way. 

YOU CANNOT SUMMIT THIS MOUNTAIN IN 1 DAY! Due to the height of the peaks and the low coverage of the clouds, at around 11:00 am the clouds begin to cover the trail making the visibility low. This creates a dangerous situation considering the fact that the trail was difficult to begin with...and now you can't see it! However, to summit the mountain in 1 day may be possible if you check and ensure that there is not any cloud coverage that day. Along with that, you would have to start hiking at 5:30 am before clouds showed up. But, it is safer to spend the night in one of the huts along the way of the trail. 

The hike is 8.8 kilometers long which is about 5.5 miles (one way), so 11 miles total. It is important to know that this is from the start of the trailhead at Le Belvedere restaurant. If you want more of a challenge (as if this hike isn't a challenge enough already) park lower on the road leading up to Le Belvedere, and add another 2 hours to your hike. 

The first part of the hike begins with steep inclines. There are ropes along the way for you to hold on to, to help you get up the hill. The hike then plateaus as you go under the trees. At this point you are able to get some shade. However, this is where the trail begins to narrow out. It is crucial to slow your steps down, take your time, and watch the trail, so you don't fall off of the side. At about 1 hour and 30 minutes into the hike the trail is covered in pokey, thorny bushes. Not only that, but the incline becomes much steeper, and the trail becomes much more slippery. However, the views are beautiful. You are now in line with the clouds, and you can see a 360 view of Tahiti. 

Unfortunately my Mom and I had no prior knowledge before entering this hike. We were told that the hike would take "about 2 hours to summit". I think there was something lost in translation with our conversation. So, my mom and I were in no way prepared for this difficult hike. It was at the 2 hour mark that we decided to turn around. We hiked about 9 miles in four hours, up and back. We had run out of water, and did not have any food. We were delirious, dehydrated, and starving. So, in our best interest, we turned around early. 

"45 Minute Hike"- if you are looking for an opportunity to hike, see beautiful views, but not do anything too difficult, do the "45 minute hike". This hike is the same trail as the summit of Mount Aorai. You begin at Le Belvedere restaurant and walk up the trails inclines until you get to a point on the mountain when you can see views from both sides. You have now officially hit the "45 minute hike." This is a great place to see Tahiti, the valleys, and the ocean all in one place without too hard of a hike. 

Le Belvedere Restaurant the other alternative to viewing spectacular views (without the hike) is simply eating at the restaurant. The restaurant has incredible views any where you sit. The food is pricey, but you are paying for the experience. 

If you have any questions about the hike please feel free to contact me!