EXTREME CATEGORY / TROPICAL MOUNTAINEERING

Picture of Pito Hiti taken from Orohena - 2025

Technical sheet

Name: Pito Hiti

Summit height: 2110 meters / 6922 feet

Distance from start: 11km (one way) / 7 miles (one way)

Height difference: +1750 meters / 5741 feet positive

Duration: 2 days (1 night in tent).

Average weight of trekking bag: 17kg  to 20kg.

 

Type of terrain : Wet - slippery - steep - crumbly - dense vegetation - rope passages - climbing - narrow and exposed to strong winds.

Description

 

Tahitian Odyssey invites you to climb Pito Hiti, the second highest peak on the island of Tahiti, with a bivouac option.
Culminating at 2,110 meters, the summit of Pito Hiti means "to rise" in Tahitian. However, since the "H" is not pronounced in French, its name is sometimes written Pito Iti, which literally means "little navel" in Tahitian.

It is a mixed hike,  between hiking and rock climbing, similar to mountaineering in a tropical environment.

The trail is wild, rarely used, very unstable, and humid (mud, wet earth).

Throughout the climb, there are numerous rope sections and ridge sections—beware of vertigo!

 

1st day > Start between 3am and 5am (depending on the weather forecast)

  • Between 2 to 2.5 hours on the "Milles Sources" Trail, access which is regulated by the Mahina Town Hall. Easy, hilly and maintained path.

  • Water supply at the "Milles Sources" Waterfall before beginning the ascent of Tahiti's 5th highest peak - Pihaiateta (see technical sheet here). A 3 to 4 hours climb with many rope sections.

  • A 1-hour break (depending on the weather and hiking time) at the summit of Pihaiateta (1,742 m / 5715 feet). Rainwater supply available.

  • Departure on the ridge leading to the foot of Tahiti's 2nd highest peak. Between 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the most difficult section of the day.

  • Ascent of Pito Hiti (2,110 m / 6922 feet) over wet and steep terrain. This is a mixed section with some climbing. It takes between 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit and Camp site.

  • Set up camp/bivouac at the summit of Pito Hiti - Rain collector allow to shower and water supply (temperatures can drop to 1°C at night between July and October).

End of 1st day > Between 9 and 11 hours of hike.

 

2nd day > Start between 6am and 8am (depending on the weather forecast)

  • Descent from Pito Hiti between 1.5 to 2 hours.

  • Return to Pihaiateta after 1.5 to 2 hours on the ridge.

  • Lunch break (depending on weather conditions and hiking time).

  • Descent from Pihaiateta between 3 to 4 hours.

  • Return to the "Milles Sources" Trail for the final kilometers - between 2 to 2.5 hours.

End of 2nd day > Between 7 and 10 hours of hike.

 

*The times mentioned above are for informational purposes only but may vary depending on your physical condition, the number of hikers in the group, and weather conditions. A Phone call interview with the guide is necessary to address all technical points and assess the level of hikers before embarking on this magical adventure!