Discover the Pineapple Trail in Moorea: A Sweet Escape for Nature and Culture Enthusiasts

Welcome to the Polynesia Paradise, a blog that dives into the heart of Tahiti and her islands, offering you a sneak peek into the beauty, culture, and enchanting experiences that await you. Today, we’re journeying to Moorea, Tahiti’s sister island. Our adventure: The Pineapple Trail.

The Pineapple Trail or “Rotten Pineapple Road” and also affectionately known as Route De Ananas, is a must-experience attraction when you find yourself in Moorea. Nestled within the island’s lush vegetation lies this verdant path paved with pineapple plantations, offering an unforgettable experience for nature, adventure, and, of course, pineapple lovers.

The Journey Through The Pineapple Trail

Driving through the Pineapple Trail is a thrilling adventure in itself. The road, which starts at the coastal village of Paopao, winds uphill through the island’s peaks and valleys, offering incredible vistas of Moorea’s magnificent bays - Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.

As you progress on the journey, you’ll be surrounded by pineapple fields, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Rotui and the emerald-green Opunohu Valley. The hint of sweet pineapple lingering in the air makes the journey all the more intoxicating.

The Pineapple: An Emblem of Moorea

Pineapple has a long history in Moorea and is deeply woven into the island’s agricultural tradition and overall identity. The tropical climate and rich volcanic soil create the perfect conditions for growing pineapples, which are incredibly sweet and aromatic, unlike any other you’ve tasted before.

Visitors often stop at these plantations along the route and learn about the cultivation process. A visit to the famous juice factory, Distillerie de Tahiti, is a delightful addition to the day’s itinerary where you can sample a variety of delicious juices as well as decanters made from the island’s juicy pineapples.

The Trail Beyond the Pineapples

The Pineapple Trail doesn’t end with the pineapple fields. It paves the way to Moorea’s interior landscapes, where you can embark on various hiking adventures — including La Trois Pinus, Magic Mountain, and Belvedere Lookout, notable for its panoramic views of the Opunohu and Cook’s Bays.

A Slice of Polynesian Culture

A journey along the Pineapple Trail is more than a visual treat; it’s an encounter with Polynesian culture. The pineapple plantations are remnants of the agrarian lifestyle of the Tahitian people, and they stand as a testament to their resilience and resourcefulness.

The pineapple has also influenced local gastronomy. It’s used in a variety of Polynesian recipes, the most famous being the Tahitian Poisson Cru, where the sweetness of fresh pineapple counters the tanginess of lime and the rich creaminess of coconut milk.

If you’re lucky, your journey might coincide with the Moorea Pineapple Festival, an annual cultural event celebrating all things pineapple with dance, music, and of course, lots of pineapple!

Experience Moorea’s Pineapple Trail

The Pineapple Trail in Moorea is a captivating blend of nature’s bounty, cultural history, and rural charm. Whether you’re a hiker in search of the island’s best viewpoints or a traveler on a quest for unforgettable experiences, the Pineapple Trail should be on your itinerary. It offers a slice of paradise that’s unmistakably Moorea — sweet, breathtaking, and authentically Polynesian.