Belvedere Lookout
Route du Belvedere, Opunohu, Moorea
Belvedere Lookout is a scenic viewpoint awarding views of Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, Mt. Rotui and the fertile Opunohu Valley with its many pineapple plants, craggy peaks and gentle slopes. It’s a great place to visit simply to take in the views or to get a bit of outdoor exercise in.
The Basics
There are numerous ways to get to the top of the lookout, and while many visitors prefer to hike or take an electric bike up to the top, you can also get there by ATV (or even car if you’re more about the destination than the journey). And if you're still feeling energetic, you can access waterfall and nature treks from the top. Many tours combine a visit to Belvedere with nearby pineapple farms and Magical Mountain.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Belvedere Lookout is a must-visit for outdoorsy travelers.
- Wear comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- If you’re hiking, bring plenty of water for the trek up.
- There are stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and beverages at the top of Belvedere.
How to Get There
There are two roads leading to Belvedere Lookout, depending on whether you're going from Cook's Bay or Opunohu Bay. While Cook's Bay will take you through pineapple fields and lush vegetation, Opunohu Bay will bring you through Moorea's natural preserve, with the option to stop at the local Agricultural School for some fresh juice and sorbet and jam tastings along the way.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit is at sunset at around 5:30pm, where you can see the sky and landscape illuminated by a rainbow backdrop of reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, and purples. Note that the views can sometimes be obscured by clouds and rain, particularly in the rainy season (November- March).
Magical Mountain
If you've made your way up to Belvedere and want to experience more of Moorea's lush mountain areas, consider also visiting Magical Mountain. It's not as easy to summit as Belvedere (you'll need an ATV or a car with 4-wheel-drive) and is best accessed as part of a tour rather than independently.
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