Three Coconuts Pass is easily the best hiking trail in Moorea. Why? It’s challenging yet fun and offers breathtaking views of the island, making it a must-do hike while visiting this paradise!
You’ve made it to Moorea—one of the most stunning islands in the South Pacific—and while the lagoon is world-class, the real magic happens when you trade your flip-flops for hiking boots and head into the lush, green heart of the island.
In this Moorea hiking guide, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about Three Coconuts Pass (or Col des Trois Cocotiers), including the secret trailhead location, what to watch out for in the jungle, and how to reach that epic 360-degree viewpoint without getting lost.
Welcome to your next adventure!
Planning your trip? My French Polynesia Favorites:
🚢 Ferry: Book your ferry between Tahiti and Moorea via Terevau or Aremiti – It’s a quick 30-minute hop and way cheaper than flying.
🚗 Car Rental: Compare deals on Expedia – You’ll definitely want a car or a scooter to explore the rest of the island and reach all the other trailheads.
🏨 Hotels: Find the best bungalows on Booking.com – I recommend staying near Hauru for the best beaches or Cook’s Bay for the mountain views.
🎟️ Tours & Activities: Book lagoon tours and shore excursions on Viator – Moorea is one of the best places in the world to swim with humpback whales (seasonal).
🛡️ Insurance: Don’t hike without cover. I use Ekta Travel Insurance – It’s affordable, easy to set up, and essential for unpredictable jungle adventures.
📱 Connectivity: Stay connected with a Saily eSIM – Don’t rely on spotty island Wi-Fi; get instant data so you can use GPS on the trails.
✈️ Flights: Check Air Tahiti for island-hopping – If you’re heading to Bora Bora or Maupiti after Moorea this is the easiest option.
Table of Contents
A note from Sara:
There are affiliate links in this post, and I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support my work if you found this guide helpful – thank you so much!
Three Coconuts Pass Details
Trail Overview
- Location: Island of Moorea, French Polynesia
- Trail Length: ~5 km round trip
- Trailhead: Belvedere Lookout or Opunohu Valley.
- Duration: 2–3 hours (Add 1 hour for the loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: About 280 meters
- Look for the red strings: On most of this hike you can be sure that you’re heading the right way by following the red strings tied to branches.
- Pro Tip: Download Maps.me before you go for offline navigation. The jungle is thick, and it’s easy to lose the path!
- Want to make it a loop? You can start from Opunohu Valley, which will add another 2 kilometers. I describe how to do it in the next section.
Essential Tips for the Jungle
- Footwear: Sturdy boots or trail runners are a must.
- Hydration: Bring more water than you think you need. The humidity is intense.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring sunglasses.
- Ralph’s Tax: Pack an extra snack for the mountain rooster, and of course some for yourself as well.
- Safety: Tell someone where you’re going. The jungle is beautiful, but it’s raw and unpredictable.
- Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Avoid the trail during or after heavy rain.
Getting to the Trailhead
There are two main ways to conquer Three Coconuts Pass.
Option 1: The “Classic” (Start from Belvedere Lookout)
This is the most popular route. You drive up to the famous Belvedere Lookout (follow the signs from the main road), park your car, and hit the trail. It’s well-marked, shaded, and takes you through lush rainforest.
Don’t have a car? Compare deals at Expedia, and get a set of wheels to explore Moorea.
Option 2: Start from Opunohu Valley – The Loop Trail
If you want a less traveled path, do the Loop Trail. I’ve done this hike three times, and this is my favorite. You start at the bottom of the Opunohu Valley (near the bay). It adds about 2 km and an extra hour to your hike, but you’ll likely have the entire forest to yourself.
Start of the loop:
These are the coordinates of the starting point: -17.524116, -149.842212
The Turn:
After a while on the wide, sometimes muddy, road that is mostly being used by ATV’s, you will have to take a right turn. This is where the hiking trail really begins.
These are the coordinates of where you’ll turn into the forest: -17.534953, -149.834834
The Loop:
If you want to make this hiking trail into a loop, you have to stay right when walking in the forest. At one point, you can continue sort of straight up a creek or head up a hill to the right – make sure to stay right here.
These are the coordinates of the starting point of the loop: -17.54139, -149.841912
The Viewpoint:
These are the coordinates of the viewpoint: -17.547397, -149.841837
Return:
These are the coordinates of where you’ll need to make a left to complete the second half of the loop and not end up at Belvedere lookout: -17.545155, -149.839707
My Experience: Hiking Three Coconuts Pass
I’ve tackled this trail three times with three different descends, but the loop version is my absolute favorite. It’s a journey that takes you from muddy ATV tracks to a high-altitude “enchanted forest,” with a very unexpected guardian waiting at the top.
The trail starts on a wide, lush track surrounded by towering trees and the heavy, sweet scent of ripening fruit from nearby pineapple fields. It’s an easy stroll at first, but keep your GPS handy—once you make that sharp right turn, the real hike begins.
The Enchanted Forest
Entering the loop feels like stepping into a fairy tale—think swaying vines, trickling water, and moss-covered rocks. But don’t let the “troll-forest” vibes fool you; the work starts here.
You’ll face a strenuous climb that activates every muscle in your body (luckily, there are ropes to help pull you up the steepest sections!). Once you clear the incline, you’re rewarded with a stunning stretch right beneath the canopy. To your right is a sheer rock wall; to your left, a lush green abyss. It’s breathtaking, but watch your footing.
Ralph the Rooster: Guardian of the Pass
The undisputed highlight of the summit? Ralph the Rooster. The first time I met him, he came sprinting toward me. I felt bad, thinking he was a lost, starving bird, so I fed him my entire muesli bar. I was a total amateur. Ralph isn’t lost; he’s a professional hiker-tax collector. He lives at the viewpoint because he knows exactly where the snacks are. On my last trip, he even introduced me to his “better half,” Harriet the Hen, who waits in the bushes while Ralph handles the begging.
The “Wild” Descent
The descent is where the “loop” earns its name. You follow the path toward Belvedere for a bit, but you have to keep a sharp eye on your map to catch the left turn that completes the circuit.
On my last trek, the trail was a literal jungle gym of fallen trees and tangled branches. I spent an hour hunting for the red guide strings, playing a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek with the trail as the daylight started to fade. With a little determination and a lot of help from Maps.me, I pushed through the thick vegetation and finally hit the clear path back into the valley.
The Verdict
This hike is Moorea at its best—raw, slightly unpredictable, and full of character. Just remember to pack an extra muesli bar. Ralph will be waiting.
My Top Picks: Best Moorea Tours & Adventures
Not everyone wants to go solo and play “survivor” in the jungle like I did. If you want to see the stunning sights of Moorea without worrying about getting lost (or if you just want to reach the viewpoints in style), here are the best tours I recommend:
The Full Adventure: 4WD Safari & Magic Mountain
This is the classic Moorea experience. You’ll hit the pineapple fields, the Belvedere lookout, and the legendary Magic Mountain. It’s bumpy, it’s fun, and it’s the best way to see the interior of the island if you’re short on time.
- Best for: First-time visitors and cruise ship passengers.
The Guided Hike: Nature & Culture Walk
If you want to do the hiking thing but with someone who actually knows the names of the plants (and where the path is!), this is a great private option. You get the exercise and the views with the safety of a local guide.
- Best for: People who want to hike but prefer a local expert to lead the way.
The Active Choice: Electric Bike Belvedere Tour
Want to feel the breeze and get a bit of a workout without killing your legs? Exploring the Opunohu Valley and the Belvedere on an E-bike is a game changer. It’s eco-friendly and lets you stop whenever you want for photos.
- Best for: Active travelers who want a bit of freedom.
The Thrill Seeker: ATV / Quad Adventure
For those who like a bit of horsepower! Taking an ATV through the muddy trails and pineapple fields is an absolute blast. You’ll cover a lot of ground and get a little dusty—exactly how an adventure should be.
- Best for: Adrenaline junkies and couples.
Where to Stay in Moorea
Moorea is an island of jagged peaks and neon lagoons, but because of its heart-shaped layout, where you sleep dictates your entire experience. Whether you’re here to conquer the vertical ridges or just want to float in a turquoise dream, here is where to drop your bags.
1. The “Base Camp” Selection (Cook’s Bay & Opunohu)
If your goal is to tackle the “Beast” (Mount Rotui) or wander through the Pineapple Valley, you want to stay in the heart of the North Shore.
- Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites: Freshly renovated and perfectly positioned. The views of the mountains from the pool are so dramatic they almost look fake. It’s the ultimate logistics hub for hikers.
- Village Temanoha: For a “deep jungle” experience. These bungalows are tucked into the valley, surrounded by towering peaks. It’s quiet, authentic, and perfect for those who want to wake up to the sound of the tropical forest.
2. The “Island Life” Vibe (Hauru & The Northwest)
This is the “hub” for great food, sunset cocktails, and easy lagoon access. If you want to balance your hiking with social energy, stay here.
- Pension Anapa Lodge: A total hidden gem. It offers an authentic Polynesian feel and is steps away from some of the island’s best snorkeling. It’s the best “recovery spot” after a grueling day on the trails.
- Hotel Hibiscus: This eco-friendly spot is a Moorea staple. It’s charming, unpretentious, and puts you right in the center of the Hauru sunset scene.
3. The “Post-Hike” Splurge (Luxury Resorts)
Let’s be real: after a 7-hour vertical battle with a mountain, an overwater bungalow is the only logical medical treatment.
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa: Strategically the best luxury pick. It’s nestled between the two bays, meaning you can literally stare at the ridge of Mount Rotui from your private deck while soaking your sore muscles.
- Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort: Located on Temae, the most beautiful beach on the island. The sunrise views here, with Tahiti glowing on the horizon, are worth every penny.
FAQ: Three Coconuts Pass Hiking Trail in Moorea
Is the Three Coconuts Pass hike suitable for beginners?
The Three Coconuts Pass hike is considered moderate in difficulty, featuring some steep sections and uneven terrain. While it may challenge beginners, it is manageable with proper preparation and pacing. Take breaks as needed and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
What is the best time of day to hike Three Coconuts Pass?
Early morning or late afternoon are the ideal times to start the hike. This allows you to avoid the midday heat and enjoy cooler temperatures. Additionally, early mornings often offer clearer views of Moorea’s stunning landscapes.
Are there any facilities along the trail?
The trail itself does not have facilities such as restrooms or water stations. It’s essential to carry enough water, snacks, and any necessary personal items with you. Facilities are available at the Belvedere Lookout area before or after your hike.
What should I wear and bring for the hike?
It’s recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners. Light, breathable clothing suitable for hiking in a tropical climate is also advisable. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, plenty of water, and snacks for energy.
Are there other activities or attractions near Three Coconuts Pass?
Yes, nearby attractions include the Belvedere Lookout, offering panoramic views of Moorea, and Opunohu Bay, where you can explore scenic coastal areas and possibly engage in water activities such as snorkeling or kayaking.
Ready to hit the trail? Moorea is so much more than just overwater bungalows and blue lagoons. It’s a place that rewards the bold—the ones willing to get a little mud on their boots and a few scratches from the brush. Whether you go for the quick trek from Belvedere or brave the wild loop to find Ralph and Harriet, Three Coconuts Pass will be a highlight of your time in French Polynesia.
Need more Moorea inspiration? Check out my guide on Snorkeling in Moorea or, if you’re heading to the neighboring island, don’t miss my Bora Bora Bicycle Guide.