Are you dreaming of waking up in paradise one day? The island of Maupiti is also known as a miniature version of Bora Bora from the 1960s, untouched by mass tourism.There are no resorts or hotels on this island, so you will experience a genuine cultural shock and the authentic life of the locals. In 1997, almost 95% of the island was destroyed by a cyclone, forcing the locals to rebuild everything from scratch. They have managed to maintain the authenticity of the resort-free island to this day, which is why you won’t find this island in travel agency offers.
Detailed Google map with attractions
Practical tips
- Flights to Maupiti – we recommend buying the Air Tahiti Pass, which allows you to travel to multiple islands. Pass options (subject to change):
- Bora Bora Pass includes islands Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti
- Bora-Tuamotu Pass includes islands Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Fakarava
TIP: To find flights from Europe to Tahiti, read our comprehensive article French Polynesia – tips and tricks
- Boat to Maupiti – the so-called Maupiti Express from Bora Bora operates twice a week, but these trips are weather-dependent, so we mention it as a theoretical option only, not recommended.
- Where to stay in Maupiti – since the island has no hotels, you’ll need to find accommodation with locals. It’s best to search directly on google.maps or Facebook. Expect a high price / quality ratio when it comes to accommodation. And I’m not even talking about the room size. It will be a cultural shock and genuine authenticity, but locals know how to balance it out with not just perfect breakfasts and dinners but especially with a pleasant atmosphere and unprecedented hospitality 🙂
TIP: Our accommodation: Pension Teheimana - Transportation – from the airport, a small boat will transport you for a small fee, and locals will pick you up at the port. Getting around the island can be done either by walking or biking, don’t expect any car rental services here.
Fascinating facts about the island
- the island has approximately 1300 inhabitants
- similar to Bora Bora, Maupiti also has only one beach, Terei’a Beach
- there is no hospital on the island, so be careful with injuries
- there is no cemetery either; people often bury their deceased in the garden in front of the house (so be careful when taking photos of their houses)
- the hike to the island’s highest peak is beautiful but physically demanding due to high humidity; on the final stretch, ropes are in place, so consider your fitness level and have enough water with you
- there are many dogs roaming the island, but they are mostly harmless; have some food prepared for them just in case
- the symbol of Maupiti is the souvenir penu, an ancient tool carved from basalt rock used for crushing herbs and fruits; it is a valuable object and can be purchased from a handful of artists on the island
TOP 7 attractions
1. Lagoon and picnic at Motu Tiapaa
Sailing on the lagoon with a subsequent picnic on the island of Motu Tiapaa is an all-day trip that takes place only on certain days and is arranged for you by locals. During our short stay, it happened to be on a Saturday, and since we arrived on a Friday, we were also lucky. The excursion starts at the port, where you board a covered motorboat, along with us and two older but lively French individuals. The boat captain sang us local songs during the journey with a beautiful and penetrating voice. Truly very original.
The trip includes sailing among motus (small islets) towards the entrance channel from the ocean into the lagoon. By the way, it is reportedly very dangerous for boats, and conditions must be very favorable. We make stops at several snorkeling spots where we saw manta rays, fish of all kinds imaginable, and even a shark. Finally, there is a picnic on the island of Motu Tiapaa. Get ready for an exquisite poisson cru (raw fish) prepared in the ground and covered with leaves. And beware, do not expect any cutlery, you will be eating with your hands!
GPS route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7256639025
2. Snorkeling at the Manta ray cleaning station
Snorkeling at the manta ray cleaning station is part of the excursion from point 1, but since we saw mantas only at this location throughout the French Polynesia, I am presenting them as a separate attraction. Just as Moorea is the best place to observe sharks, Maupiti is the best place to observe mantas. The season is from May to November, when the waters are cooler and the mantas feed on plankton. During this time, there are also fewer rainfalls, resulting in better visibility.
3. Hike to Mt. Teurafaatiu
The highest peak of Mount Teurafaatiu stands impressively at 380 meters. While the ascent to the summit of the mountain is challenging, the views from the top are simply breathtaking. From the summit of Teurafaatiu mountain, you can see the entire island, lagoon, and the neighboring islands of Raiatea and Bora Bora. The hike takes two to three hours and includes several steep sections. However, the trail is clearly defined with plenty of resting spots where you can catch your breath and enjoy the stunning scenery. The final stretch has fixed ropes, so consider your fitness level and carry enough water. To avoid the daytime heat, it’s better to start the hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Tahiti.
4. Terei’a Beach
Terei’a Beach is the only beach on Maupiti and, as expected, it is very picturesque. There are two ways to get here – along the coast over rocks (a shorter, more challenging path over stones, but you can also go snorkeling) or along the main road over the hill (a longer route with views of the lagoon and the island’s peak, ideal if you’re cycling). The water along the beach is very shallow, and you can walk through the entire lagoon waist-deep. If you approach the island opposite and want to explore it, beware of the dogs from a private property that may start barking at you. Along the beach, there are snack bars where you can refresh yourself or have a baguette. There is also a more luxurious guesthouse Maupiti Residence, but it tends to be fully booked a year in advance.
GPS route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7262026494
5. Island Roundtrip Drive
There is nothing better for exploring the island than renting a bike, which can also be arranged by your host. The whole route, including a detour to Terei’a beach, is just over 10 kilometers long. Each part of the island is marked with a stone “pen” indicating the beginning and the end. From our guesthouse, we pass by a gas station, a phone booth, a harbor, a post office, and a church. Heading north on the island, we search for petroglyphs, and a bit further is the attraction Coral Palace by the artist Ah-Ky Firuu (Palais de la Mer).
GPS route: https://www.strava.com/activities/7267638176
6. Boat trip from the airport motu
Maupiti Airport is located on Motu Tuanai Island. From the airport, you can reach the main village of Vai’ea by shuttle service operated by the local council. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and the fare is paid upon boarding the boat. Now, you are enjoying a boat trip through the perfectly blue lagoon with a view of the silhouette of the island and the highest peak, Mount Teurafaatiu. The resemblance to a boat trip from Bora Bora airport is purely coincidental, but nature somehow arranged it that way 🙂
7. Petroglyphs in Haranae
Some archaeological remains are still visible on the island, such as the famous petroglyphs in the Haranae Valley. Specifically, you can discover two crabs and two turtles here. We didn’t find them. We only came across one large petroglyph. It’s better to ask the locals for directions to them, and you might also discover burial sites from the year 850 AD, the oldest on the Society Islands. It’s worth mentioning that you will mainly communicate here mainly in French; sporadically, English is also understood.
