Trou du souffleur reopens after three years

The Trou du souffleur, a natural attraction in Tiarei, has reopened to the public after nearly three years of closure due to damage caused by the depression Nat in early 2024. The site officially reopened on October 30, with construction barriers removed and access to the beach, picnic tables, and restrooms restored.

Restoration work details

The restoration, conducted by the Tourism Service in partnership with the Equipment Directorate, cost 102 million francs. It included rebuilding a retaining wall, a bridge, and slope safety measures. A new aluminum bridge now overlooks the sea, and protective nets have been replaced along the tunnel connecting Tiarei to Papeno’o. Coastal plant species such as riri, sea grape, and naupata have been replanted along the promenade.

Damage and restoration process

Bertrand Marcillat, project manager for the Development of Tourist Sites, explained that the site was severely damaged by weather, with the bridge torn away and protective nets destroyed. Geotechnical studies and soil tests were necessary for the restoration, particularly on the sea side where entire blocks had been torn away.

Visitor response and local impact

Visitors have begun returning to the site, with many enjoying the natural attraction during good weather. Families such as Ophélie and Adeline, who are starting an island tour, and Eric and Agnes, who arrived from Marseille, have praised the site’s unique features. Locals like Raihoarii and Gary have also returned, expressing happiness at the reopening and the quality of the restoration work.

Tourism boost and future outlook

The reopening is also a boost for local tourism, particularly for the two artisan shops at the site. The manager, Tehaamoana Teauna, noted a decrease of about 75% in activity during the closure but expressed cautious optimism about the site’s future. The Trou du souffleur is now fully accessible and secured, with a caretaker responsible for daily operations from 7 to 19 hours. It is also an integral part of tourist transport circuits.

Natural phenomenon explained

The Trou du souffleur, also known as Arahōhō (the road that roars) or formerly Anahōhō (the howling cave), is a natural phenomenon explained by a unique morphology of a marine geyser corresponding to a lava tube whose ceiling is perforated. The ocean rushes into this underwater cavity, compressing air until the pressure becomes "explosive," resulting in a jet of spray similar to the breath of a whale.