Hike to the ‘King’s bath’: An easy, family-friendly trail on Tahiti’s west side
This short hike located in Papeari on Tahiti’s west coast ends at a at a small natural pool, known as the ‘King’s bath’ (bain du roi) with it’s own mini waterfall. Perfect spot for a refreshing dip after the walk – just watch out for the friendly resident eel!
Where is it? How do I get there?
This hike is located in the district of Papeari on the west side of the island of Tahiti.
Car/Moped: About 45 minute drive from Papeete. Head west and follow the main road all the way to Papeari. When you see a big chapel (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) on the mountain side and the Roulotte Kohai, a food truck, on the ocean side, turn left just before chapel. This road leads into the valley. At the end of the sealed road there’s a school and sports field with space to park the car. Alternatively, you can drive along the rocky dirt road all the way to the trail entrance. *Note that sometimes on weekdays, locals block the dirt road* If this happens, just go back and park at the sports field.
Bus: *Weekdays only from about 6am – 5pm* Take buses from Papeete marked TARAVAO, TAUTIRA or TEAHUPOO. Make sure they’re going down the west side of the island, towards Faa’a. (Some lines head east instead). If in doubt, ask the driver. The bus will take over an hour to get from Papeete to Papeari. Get off in Papeari at the stop Titaaviri c/mer or when you see a big chapel (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) on the mountain side and the Roulotte Kohai, a food truck, on the ocean side. From there, you can walk to the trail head.
How long is the King’s bath hike?
It takes about one hour to get there and one hour back, if you’re walking at a leisurely pace. The trail is actually a 4WD accessible road and is easy to follow the whole way to the waterhole. There’s one or two sections where the path forks – always take the path to the right, which follows the river.
Good to know: Info & Tips for the King’s bath hike
- Bring shoes that can get wet! There are two river crossings, and the water is ankle height. Crocs or jelly sandals are good options.
- There’s not a lot of shade or cover on this hike after the first 15 minutes, and it can get very hot under the sun. Consider going early in the morning or late afternoon, and bring a hat and some sunscreen.
- Bring some natural bug repellent, there are little midgies around the water.
- Once you reach the King’s bath, there are a few concrete tables under the trees. Consider bringing a picnic or some snacks! There are many small shops and fruit stands to buy snacks at on the way to Papeari. For a cheap local snacks, try mango with bonbon chinois (often available already cut up and sold on the roadsides) or chao pao (chinese steam buns).
- Consider bringing some goggles if you want to get an up close look at the eel that lives in the King’s pool. He usually hangs out down the bottom at the deepest bit.
- Unlike other hikes in Tahiti, this one doesn’t require a guide. However, if you want to explore deeper into the valley, it might be a good idea to get one.
Our experience
We parked the car right at the trailhead and started the hike late in the morning, so it was already pretty hot. We took our time and enjoyed the walk through the lush valley. At the beginning of the hike we passed a pig farm, and we smelt it long before we saw it! It took us about an hour of walking to get to the famous King’s bath.
Since it was a beautiful sunny day, when the light hit the pool you could see how beautiful and clear the water was! It was so nice to swim after a sweaty walk through the valley, and the water was cold. The kids had a lot of fun jumping off the rocks into the deeper section of the pool, watching the eel, finding freshwater shrimps and sitting underneath the little waterfall.
About half an hour after we arrived, a big group of middle school kids came with their teachers for a swim in the pool, but they didn’t stay long before they had to start the trek back. It was fun watching all the kids making the most of the spot!
Overall this is a great, quick hike for families with small children, and would probably be even more fun with some dirt bikes.
Hope this guide to hiking in Papeari was useful! If you’re looking more to do in Tahiti check out this post:
7 Best Things to do in Papeete
Tiare
Tiare is a successful freelance writer and travel blogger, focusing on French Polynesia. Her work has been featured in National Geographic and The Guardian.
This travel blog is is her newest project with her twin sister. Their mission is to give everyone the confidence to explore the beautiful islands of French Polynesia.
Tiare has been living in Tahiti for the last six years.