Mount Tohivea

Mount Tohivea (or Tohiea) is a volcanic peak and the highest point on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia at 1,207 metres (3,960 ft). On its slopes are many streams and fertile soils. There are hiking trails along the summit close to Belvedere Point where people can view Mont Routui and the two bays and three peninsulas of Moorea. Mount Tohivea is a dormant volcano that is easily visible from Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The surrounding peaks are almost as tall as Mount Tohivea.

View of Mou'a Roa (880 m) from Belvedere Lookout

Location

Mount Tohivea is located at the center of Moorea. As seen from Tahiti, Mount Tohivea appears to be in the southern part of Moorea. The mountain is about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Pao Pao and 20 miles (32 km) from the town center of Papeete.

Surrounding peaks

Mt. Tohivea has many peaks surrounding it. These include Mount Rotui (899 m), and Mou'a Roa (880 m), both of which can be seen from Belvedere Point. Other peaks include Mou'a Puta (830 m) and Mou'a Tamaru To'ofa (916 m).

A panorama view from Belvedere Point, looking towards Opunohu Bay on the left, and Cook's bay on the right, separated by Mou'a Rotui (899 m). Mou'a Roa (880 m) is on the left.

History

Moorea consists of at least 16 flows of shield-stage basalt and post-shield lavas from 2.15 to 1.36 Ma.[1]

The area was first settled by early Polynesians during the early 4th century. Then Charles Darwin explored the area. After many years the area became very populated. Then people made trails and then it became a park. Today, the park is a tourist attraction.

Tourism

Mount Tohivea is visited a lot since it has easy access from Papeete, and has scenic walking trails. People from Tahiti use the Moorea Temae Airport or the Aremeti Ferry to get to Moorea. Mount Tohivea is visible behind Mount Rotui from the two bays.

Hiking trails

There about 5 miles (8.0 km) of dirt hiking trails along the Mount Tohivea's slopes. The trails are about 2 feet (0.61 m) wide. There are some points with views of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and Pao Pao, the largest commune of Moorea. The animals that people can see are mainly geckos. The hiking trails end close to Mont Mouaroa which is only a couple of miles west of Mont Tohivea. People can also see Mont Mouaroa from both the main road and the two bays. People can mainly see Mont Mouaroa from Opuhunu bay. Some of the hiking trails go to the bottom of Moorea from the south point. People can also see Mont Tohivea from the south point and get on the trails from there.

Farms

There are farms at the bottom of Mount Tohivea. The farmers mainly farm pineapples and potatoes. The farmers give the pineapples to the Moorea Juice Factory. People can see the farms as they drive the small road up the valley. The farms are mainly located at where the small road starts at the bottom of Opuhunu Bay. There is also a shrimp farm.

References
  1. Uto, K.; Yamamoto, Y.; Sudo, M.; Uchiumi, S.; Ishizuka, O.; Kogiso, T.; Tsunakawa, H. (2007). "New K-Ar ages of the Society Islands, French Polynesia, and implications for the Society hotspot feature". The Society of Geomagnetism and Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences. 59: 879–885.

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