trekking / hiking on tahiti island

hi guys,

i will be back in Tahiti in May and i was wondering if anyone could help me untangle the puzzle regrading treks in Tahiti. well, i was traveling the island about 14 days ago and could not get on a sound trek i had wanted... so this time i would like to get geared much better.

Substantial info i have got from the Moon Book Tahiti (of 2008), which was by the way, incredibly incorrect in many aspects already back in 2008 when I was traveling tahiti for the first time, let alone now in 2015.

anyway, it has come down to three or four treks i would like to choose from. I am looking opportunity for photography, thus nice views over the peaks and valleys of the island...

1000-spring trail (en route to Mr.Orohena)
I tried to locate the trailhead, which i eventually did, but found only a locked gate. I learnt I had to ask for permission at the local mairie at Mahine. Question is, did anyone of you attempted to hike this route? Did you or did you not get the permission? i spoke with some locals, and they were looking at me like from another planet. it seems like nobody does trekking/hiking in tahiti anymore...

Fautaua Valley - waterfall
it was the biggest blowout in tahiti because i hadnt expected this to be closed. but yes, it is (confirmed by four people independently)...anyway, does anyone know any updates to this place? in the visitors center the folks of which were quite unfriendly, pushing me for a guided tours only said it was closed and should inquire papeete mairie.

Mt.Aorai
My priority trek i would like to do. I have no idea in what status this place is... Is it open? Is it doable for a single traveler without a guide?

Mt.Marau
The same questions: Is it open and doable on a solo trip without a guide?

appreciate any tips or info about any other treks/hikes with scenic views

Jirikoo - you might get more information on the forum at tahiti-explorer.com - a lot of the posters there would have more up to date details for you. Or try the forum at tripadvisor. Unfortunately, most of the posters these days are honeymooners whose interests do not run much to hiking.

http://www.ladepeche.pf/Vallee-de-la-Fautaua-acces-retabli_a4441.html

There are very good French guidebooks on treks on Tahiti and Moorea.
Check the French site of Amazon using keywords "tahiti moorea randonees".
I saw these in Noumea and they seemed useful even with very limited knowledge of French.
Of course, like the Moon book, they won't be really up to date, but should be very useful anyway.
If I were going there, I'd certainly buy one.

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