Maupiti

Travel Guide

Maupiti2023-01-03T00:16:04-10:00

Maupiti, A Preserved Natural Beauty

Located about 40 km from Bora Bora, Maupiti is the last island in the Leeward Islands, at the bottom of the Society Archipelago. The feeling of being at the end of the world, lost in the middle of the ocean, is real. A chain of cliffs and steep mountain ranges dominates the main island. Legend has it that they represent a sister and her twin brothers. At each end of the island, two huge rocks face the lagoon which is protected by several motus. In addition to its isolation, Maupiti is also the smallest and least populated of the Leeward Islands. Its surface area of barely 11 km² allows for a quick tour of the island. Mysterious and preserved, this island has all the characteristics of a human-sized paradise.

About Maupiti

  • Location: Society Archipelago

  • Area: 11 km²

  • Population: 1,200 inhabitants

  • Main City: Vaiea

  • From Tahiti: 300 km, 60 mins

  • Airport: Maupiti

Why Visit Maupiti

Maupiti is considered by some to be the Bora Bora of yesteryear, at a time when American influence and tourism development were not what they are now in French Polynesia. The natural landscapes are largely preserved: the mountains are partly wild and the lagoon offers magnificent shades of blue. This privileged environment becomes the refuge of an amazing coral and animal biodiversity. In addition to black tip sharks and multicolored fish, we note the annual presence of sea turtles coming to lay their eggs on the shores.

Accommodation on the island is limited to traditional guesthouses (and a camping site) located on the main island or on the motus off the lagoon. Indeed, there are no major resorts or luxury hotels in Maupiti. The inhabitants carefully made this choice in order to preserve a certain authenticity and a way of life turned towards agriculture and fishing. All in all, Maupiti offers both an exceptional natural setting and a privileged cultural space. This is one of the best place to soak up daily life in Polynesia.

The Essentials Of Maupiti

1. The Lagoon

To discover the lagoon and its turquoise waters, a visit to Tereia beach is a must on the first day. Located at the south-eastern tip of the island, this magnificent white sand beach gives an idea of the tranquility of the stay to come. With its few coconut trees and its breathtaking view of the mountains, it offers a timeless experience, far from the hustle and bustle of traditional tourist beaches. With the exception of a few trailers, calm and simplicity are the order of the day.

Diving in Maupiti offers the chance to swim next to the manta rays. Every morning, the manta rays gather around the “cleaning station”. With their mouths open, the manta rays come for a natural cleaning by the numerous small fishes of the coral mass. Watching this majestic ballet is a must-see experience in Maupiti.

2. The Main Island

Maupiti is a high island whose mountains offer incredible views of the lagoon and the ocean. From the top of its 372 m, Mount Teurafaatui gives a 360° panorama on the island and a beautiful view on its neighbor Bora Bora. It is the guarantee of an extraordinary visual.

An alternative to hiking in Maupiti’s mountains is to go around the island on foot or by bike. A few hours are enough, but you can enhance the experience with breaks for swimming, eating or contemplation. This will be an opportunity to discover the flowery village of Vaiea and some archaeological remains of the Polynesian civilization.

3. Immersion In The Local Culture

The important thing, as always in Polynesia, is to remain simple and open to discussion and exchange. Indeed, the local residents are renowned for their generosity and hospitality. They will give you the keys to enter this little paradise.

Maupiti is a village life where everyone knows and greets each other. It’s also a boarding house where you share your meal with local residents and tourists from all over the world. We gather on Saturdays for the traditional Tahitian oven to the sound of the ukulele. It’s a very slow pace, ideal for immersion. The atmosphere is intimate, in contact with the real and the authentic.

Hiking In Maupiti: A Panoramic View At Mount Teurafaatiu

Maupiti in a Nutshell

Maupiti offers visitors an idyllic setting where “simplicity” and “authenticity” will probably be the key words for their vacation. The incredible impression of being at the end of the world is reinforced by the notorious absence of mass tourism. We are far from the islands of Tahiti or Bora Bora, as much for the general atmosphere as for the quality of the offer on site.

Maupiti’s reputation is well established. It is a destination to be experienced in complete intimacy in contact with a generous and stunning nature. Two to three nights on site are necessary to discover and enjoy the island. For any information and advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to help you organize your vacation in Maupiti and the rest of French Polynesia.

Good to Know

  • Flights: With only two or three weekly flights from Tahiti, airplane seats available to tourists are limited. However, the airline Air Tahiti offers deals that allow the island of Maupiti to be part of a tour that includes other destinations.

  • Accommodation: Due to the small number of rooms available, accommodation capacities are very limited. You should book your pension in Maupiti at least 10 to 12 months in advance.

  • Catering: On-site catering is limited to a few snacks and meals served in the guesthouses. Due to the difficult supply of food on the island (once a month), the inhabitants prefer local products for their consumption: fruits, vegetables and fish.

  • ATMs: There are no banks or ATMs on the island. Visitors should bring sufficient cash in Pacific francs (xpf) before getting to Maupiti. Business owners rarely accept dollars as a currency of exchange.

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