Maupiti Island, Top 10 things to do
Last update: 03/12/2024
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If you decide to travel to Tahiti, French Polynesia, you absolutely must visit the tropical island of Maupiti. The island is known for having stood up to the large hotel groups and has kept an authenticity that can still be felt when you walk around. Mass tourism has not yet arrived here, and that is a good thing in my opinion. People live here in simplicity, fishing in local boat, cultivating copra and watermelon. Here are the top 10 things to do on the island of Maupiti. With all this, you should have a great time on the island and know what to do in Maupiti! I had the opportunity to explore the polynesian island at the same time as the atoll of Tikehau in the Tuamotu, which also remains, an island to visit if you are travelling in French Polynesia. If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet place to spend a few days, this is the place.
Maupiti Island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the Society Archipelago and more precisely in the Leeward Islands (along with other islands called Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Tahaa). This island is located about 40 km west of the famous tropical island of Bora Bora.
Like all the other Polynesian islands, this preserved and picturesque island is an ancient volcano. This paradisiacal island is at the “almost atoll stage” (this is my geographer side speaking). At the time, this volcanic island was much larger in area, most probably of the current size of the island if we include the lagoon and the motu (these fine sandbanks located at the end of the lagoon). Over millions of years, the island has collapsed under its own weight and erosion phenomena.
The place is idyllic and the island is clearly less oriented towards “wedding trips and honeymoons”. There are no hotels so don’t go looking for the Sofitel or the Intercontinental. Instead enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches for relaxation and tranquil time and take the time to spend these few days to relax on the island. Maupiti remains an island that I hold really close to my heart, one of the most beautiful, but especially the one where I was able to start this travel blog!
A new service has recently started offering microlight flights over the island from Maupiti (yes!). What a great way to see this beautiful turquoise lagoon and fly over it. An experience not to be missed!
What to do in Maupiti?
1 – Enjoy a day trip on the lagoon
Among the things to do on Maupiti Island (French Polynesia) don’t miss a trip on the lagoon if only for its beauty, which you will already discover upon arrival by plane.
Maupiti’s lagoon is well-known for being one of the most beautiful! Indeed, you will be surprised by the different shades of blue that you’ll find here. The coral reefs and sandbanks really bring out the shallow crystal-clear water in some places.
Boat trips (sailing) are one of the main water activities to be done on the island along with diving/snorkel (to discover marine life and coral-reefs). You can also try other water sports: kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, etc. Several service providers are present on the island to do boat trips. I did mine with Sammy Maupiti Tours. The day trip was very nice. It consisted in starting with the discovery of the lagoon around the island then a stop on a motu for lunch, which was raw fish with coconut milk, grilled fish and coconut for dessert. Then swimming with manta rays and snorkeling around the corals “at the aquarium” to finish off. To sum up, it was a very good day. It’s just a regret that the day-trip sometimes lacked explanations from the guide with whom we were with (the cultural and historical aspect of the island).
Sammy either offers day trips (6000 xpf – 50€), trips around the lagoon, or manta ray trips. You can check his website for prices.
2 - Hiking to the top of Mount Teurafaatui (372 m)
Yes, French Polynesia is not just “white sandy beaches, coconut trees, palm trees and scuba diving (snorkelling)”. It is also possible to do a beautiful hike to the summit of Maupiti Island, which rises up to 372 m. The start of the hike is almost just opposite the Tarona snack bar, where you will find concrete stairs on the mountainside for the start. There’s a little store across the street that sells water! I realize that I forgot to update with the latest information from Marie Laure, a friend of mine, who was there recently. The start of the hike is now a little further away than the snack bar, at the foot of the large antenna, next to the refreshment bar. There is apparently a red/white marking.
The hike is not too long, but can be quite steep. Allow for 1h30 to 2h to reach the summit, depending on your level and shape. The beginning is quite easy, but the middle and end of the walk is harder. The slope is very steep in places and good shoes are necessary, especially for the areas where you have to hang onto ropes.
You can enjoy beautiful views along the way. The view from the top is wonderful and breathtaking, a view fit for a postcard (perfect spot to admire sunsets). It is in this moment that you become aware of the paradise your in. I couldn’t even consider advising another activity on the Leeward Islands. It’s a real must on Maupiti Island!
Since the last time I was in Maupiti, I have been contacted by Magalie, who has just opened a massage place which is perfect for relaxing after the hike. You can contact her to book at 87 36 94 94 94. I haven’t tested it personally yet, but I’ll see to it next time I go there.
3 - Walk on the motu Auira (in front of the beach of Tereia)
If you have made the trip, here is another activity to do on Maupiti Island! You can cross over to the motu just opposite the main and the best beach of the island, which is called Tereia.
Just make sure you leave when the sea level is at its lowest. All you have to do is aim for the motu and generally follow the places where the water is shallowest. The water at its highest point reached my waist. The crossing takes about 30 minutes by foot and we were able to do it with a baby carrier for those who are considering it.
The view all along is surreal, splendid with emerald polynesian water, and you will probably have the opportunity to meet curious rays and sharks that pass by.
On the other side of the coastline you get to enjoy the islet with its white sand, coconut trees, palm trees and cliffs!
4 - Eat a raw fish at the Tarona Snack Bar
It’s one of the island’s little snacks that I think is worth a visit. We ate there several times. The prices are very good and what we had was very nice as well (these were typical Polynesian dishes).
Take advantage of this moment by the sea to enjoy some nice raw fish by the turquoise lagoon.
5 - Tour the island (on foot or by bike)
A must on the island of Maupiti: to tour this small paradise. Don’t worry, it is only about 10 Km, done by 2/3h of walking. I generally recommend doing it during the day, stopping for photo shots or swimming and having a snack at the Tarona Snack Bar. There is even a small archaeological site not too far from the road.
You can also rent bicycles at several guesthouses for those who do not want to walk!
6 - Swimming with manta rays
During your boat trip, you will have the superb opportunity to end up on a well-known spot on the island where Manta rays are almost always present all year round.
The spot is underwater in the lagoon, at a depth of about 8/10m. For those who have never had the opportunity to do so, swimming with manta rays is a pretty crazy feeling, like swimming with a whale (which I just did on the island of Rurutu). Take the time and enjoy this magical moment surrounded by rays. You can also discover them during a dive with the island’s diving club.
7 - Dive in Maupiti
You can also take advantage of the island of Maupiti to dive. Only one diving club is present on the island (at the time of writing this article).
When I came to the island for the second time, I wanted to try it. The owner of the club, very nice, came to pick me up at the guesthouse where I was staying. I was the only customer that morning. Depending on your level and your desires, you can either ask to dive with the manta rays in the lagoon, or (what I chose), which was to dive on the ocean side where the reef is outside the lagoon.
After about 30 minutes by boat, we arrived at the diving spot with great weather conditions and a breathtaking view of the island and its lush vegetation. The dive went very well.
8 - Bring back a small souvenir
Shopping lovers will probably be disappointed overall on the island. The island is not a big tourist spot like the island of Bora Bora can be. However, you will find some shops although they open at random times, in the main village. Some shell necklaces and homemade jewelry are available. But the island has a specialty, the penu, which is a specialty of Maupiti. You can find them in the small shops around here, a nice little gift to bring back.
9 - Swimming on the superb beach of Tereia
Among the other things to do on Maupiti Island, swimming on the beautiful white sandy beach of Tereai is a MUST!
This beautiful beach can be reached on foot depending on where you’re sleeping. If you are, like me, staying in the guesthouse outside the village, you can either walk and go through the small crossroads or walk along the coast to the beach. From the village, the easiest way is to hitchhike and have yourself dropped off near the beach (or bicycle).
In my opinion, this beach is superb and much more beautiful than the Matira Point of Bora Bora which can be full of tourists, snack bars and restaurants. Here, simplicity and authenticity rule. White sandy beaches, coconut trees, views of the mountain and the turquoise waters. Nothing more is needed than that.
10 - Visit the Sea Palace (« Palais de la mer »)
As you leave the village, on the lagoon side, you’ll notice a crazy-looking house made from blocks of coral, shells and sculptures of all kinds. You can visit the site accompanied by Ahky Firuu, a legend of Maupiti Island.
The programme includes a tour, a tasting, a song and a woven hat. We don’t consider this an essential activity as the price seems a little high.
Take the time to have a chat with the guy, a very endearing artist!
These are my top 10 things to do on Maupiti Island.
Here’s a new activity from a new supplier. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in Maupiti with a 30 minute microlight flight over the island. During the flight you’ll be able to admire Mount Teurafaatiu and the Motus Auira, Tuanai, Pae’ao, Pitiahe and Tiapaa.
Comfortably seated in the cabin of the multi-axis microlight, you will be accompanied by a qualified instructor who will share his knowledge of Maupiti to make your experience even more interesting. We haven’t had the chance, but there’s no doubt it must be magical!
If you’re interested in history and legends, there are several archaeological sites scattered around the island:
- Vaiahu Marae: Located next to the Orovaru Guesthouse (in the south of the island), this is the largest marae on the island, although it is not very visible from the road. On the site you can discover the famous “sacred fish hole” which was used to predict the success of fishing.
- The Haranae Valley petroglyphs: in the north of the island, just after leaving the village, to the left of the mountain, about 300 metres from the main road, you can see several petroglyphs in the river, including a representation of a turtle and a tiki.
- The Vaitia Valley: another area where you can admire a flat stone representing Hiro’s legendary canoe.
Don’t hesitate to contact Albert Temana Firuu, who can guide you through the various sites. Phone: 40.67.83.64.
Tips for your trip to Maupiti Island
How to get to Maupiti?
If you arrive from outside French Polynesia, you will obviously have to travel first to Tahiti Island with one or more international flights. I wrote a complete article on the main different possibilities. I recommend you have a look at this flight comparator that I’ve been using for at least 10 years now.
For US travelers, the cheapest option will be to choose a flight from San Francisco to Papeete. If you’re flexible with your dates, you can find flights from around 500/600$. From Canada, you will have to take a flight first from Canada to San Francisco and then from SF to Papeete.
Going to Maupiti by plane
Once in Tahiti, you’ll have little choice but to take one of the many domestic flights. The Tahiti Maupiti flight is operated by Air Tahiti. It costs around 50,000 xpf for a flight of just over an hour. There are several flights a week from Tahiti, either direct or with a stopover in Bora Bora or Raiatea. Note that Air Tahiti includes the island of Maupiti in some of its itineraries, so you can combine your visit with other islands.
However, the island is not served every day and it can be a little complicated to organise a return flight to suit your holiday dates. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the planes fill up quickly. You can find the latest timetable here.
Interestingly, the Séjour dans les îles website offers packages on the island of Tahiti to save money for those who prefer a flight + food (and 1/2 food) package. I’ve already done the maths and it’s more expensive to organise it yourself (if you take one of the 2 pensions on the site).
To get to the airport, be aware that it is on a motu. If your accommodation allows it, they may offer a direct shuttle service from the airport. Be sure to check with them if this transfer is included in your booking.
If not, you can take a shuttle bus from the village quay, near the post office and the Air Tahiti agency. The cost is 500xpf per adult and 300xpf per child for a crossing of about 10 minutes. The shuttles leave 1? to 2 hours before each flight. To find out the exact timetable, call the Air Tahiti agency on 40.60.15.05 or ask at your guesthouse.
Getting Maupiti by boat
For those who have more time and/or want to familiarise themselves with local travel, it is possible to travel to Maupiti by boat from the island of Bora Bora on the Maupiti Express 2.
Feedback suggests that the sea can be quite rough at times, especially at the famous Onoiau Pass.
The Maupiti Express 2 offers trips from the island of Bora Bora. Apparently conditions can be quite rough at times, especially at the Onoiau Pass. Departures would be on Tuesdays (7am) from Bora Bora for a Thursday return from Maupiti (4pm). To be confirmed with the company. Fares: 10,800 xpf return (adult) / 5,400 xpf return (child). Possibility of transporting bicycles, packages, scooters, etc.
Where to stay in Maupiti?
The first important thing to know, there is no hotel on the island. For lovers of luxury and beautiful hotels with overwater bungalows, sorry… we are not in Moorea or Bora Bora here! The locals have always refused to install large hotel complexes (and for the better so far). There are only family guesthouses here, mainly on the island, but also on the motus. A real little paradise on earth for me!
I have been there twice now. I recommend the second pension I stayed with, the Teheimana pension. Here is their website and Facebook page where you can contact them on my behalf (Sylvain). Very often, the guesthouse have a small pontoon, perfect to admire the enchanting setting of the island and its turquoise waters.
You’ll be made to feel at home with open arms and the kindness of Tehei and Cliff. Don’t look for luxury here, it’s all about simplicity. Small, clean rooms, a shared bathroom and beautiful sea views. All of this is accompanied by good breakfasts and excellent meals.
There is a wide range of other accommodation on Maupiti, including rooms in private homes, villas for rent, guesthouses and bungalows for hire. You can choose to stay on the main island or on the motus. If you’re looking for a peaceful, secluded atmosphere with beautiful white sandy beaches within easy reach, a guesthouse on a motu is an excellent option. It’s important to note, however, that you’ll have to rely on the guesthouse or service provider to take you to the main island, which could mean extra costs. Here are some places to consider:
On the Main Island
- Pension Tereia: A small family-run guesthouse close to the only beautiful beach, offering simple rooms with private bathrooms, hearty communal meals and bike hire on site.
- Pension Taravanui: A charming guesthouse run by Luau and Rudi, opposite Marae Vaiatu, offering a double room in their house and a self-contained bungalow in the garden. Kayaks are available for exploring the lagoon, and there are stunning mountain views from the garden.
- Pension Ludo and Moyra: A well-respected guesthouse on the north side of Maupiti Island, offering a warm welcome and excellent food despite the lack of a beach nearby.
- Maupiti Camping: 5 minutes from Terei’a beach, you have access to campsites! Very simple, although the feedback is excellent! Here’s a complete guide to camping in Polynesia!
On the Motus
- Pension Le Kuriri: Located on the Tiapa’a motu near the pass, this place offers four traditional bungalows on the edge of a beautiful white sandy beach. With a warm welcome, excellent cuisine and airport transfer included, it’s a pleasant place to stay.
- Pension Papahani: Also on the lagoon side of Motu Tiapa’a, this accommodation offers a typical Polynesian welcome, meals on the sand and an idyllic waterfront setting. There is one beach bungalow and four garden bungalows, with airport transfers included.
- Maupiti Holiday: Located on Motu Tuanei, this guesthouse offers seven private bungalows with a white sandy beach and organised activities, with airport transfers at 1000 xpf return.
- Ohana Maupiti Camping: An interesting option for those looking for something different is to camp on Motu Auira at Ohana Maupiti Camping, which offers tent pitches opposite Terei’a beach. Feedback has been very positive.
Where to eat?
I personally ate every morning and evening at the guesthouse. It was very good. If you only booked a room (and not half-board), you will have to go to the village in one of the shops on the island to prepare food. For lunch, there are a few small snack bars that sell snacks and the Tarona Snack that I mentioned above. There is also a snack bar “chez Mimi’s”, on the main beach of the island which is open until 3pm.
Moving around the island?
To travel on the Maipiti island during your vacations in French Polynesia, it is not very complicated. The south Pacific island is small. So, it will be either walking, hitchhiking or renting a bike from the guesthouse!
So, I hope you liked this article and that you now have a good idea of the things and the activities to do on Maupiti Island!
Take the time to appreciate the calm, authenticity of the island, and its superb and breathtaking landscapes. It remains with the Gambier archipelago and the island of Tahaa, one of the islands I have enjoyed the most so far in French Polynesia! If you need an idea of itinerary for your trip to French Polynesia, have a look at this article.
If you are planning your future trip, Lonely Planet offers a very complete and interesting guide. If you enjoyed the article, feel free to share it with others!
I’ll see you soon.
Sylvain
Written by Sylvain PONS
From 2015 to 2021, French Polynesia was our home, with Mélanie and our children. I'm happy to share my experience and advice to help you organize an unforgettable stay in French Polynesia, based on my in-depth knowledge of the territory.
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