Top 10 things to do in Maupiti

If you decide to travel to Tahiti, French Polynesia, you absolutely have to visit the tropical island of Maupiti. The island is known for having resisted the arrival of large hotel groups, and you can still feel that authenticity as you walk around. Mass tourism has not reached Maupiti, and in my opinion, that is a very good thing. Life here remains simple, with people fishing from local boats and growing copra and watermelons. Here are the top 10 things to do on the island of Maupiti. With all of this, you should have a wonderful time and know exactly what to do in Maupiti. I had the chance to explore this Polynesian island during the same trip as the atoll of Tikehau in the Tuamotu, another place well worth visiting if you are traveling through French Polynesia. If you are looking for somewhere peaceful and quiet to spend a few days, this is the place.

It is now possible to book a microlight flight over Maupiti—yes, really! What a wonderful way to admire the turquoise lagoon from above. It must be an unforgettable experience.

Of all the things to do in Maupiti, do not miss a boat trip on the lagoon, if only to appreciate its beauty beyond the first glimpse you get when arriving by plane.

Maupiti’s lagoon is known as one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia. You will be amazed by the different shades of blue, while the coral reefs and sandbanks highlight the shallow, crystal-clear water in places.

Boat trips are one of the island’s main water activities, along with diving and snorkeling, which let you discover the marine life and coral reefs. You can also try kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing and other water sports. Several operators organize lagoon tours. I went with Sammy Maupiti Tours, and the day was very enjoyable. We began by exploring the lagoon around the island, then stopped on a motu for lunch: poisson cru with coconut milk, grilled fish and coconut for dessert. We then swam with manta rays and finished with snorkeling around the coral at “the aquarium.” Overall, it was a very good day. My only regret was that the guide did not always provide much information about the island’s history and culture.

Sammy offers full-day excursions, lagoon tours and trips to see the manta rays. The full-day barbecue excursion currently costs around €70. You can check his website for the latest prices.

Yes, French Polynesia is not only about white-sand beaches, coconut palms and snorkeling. You can also hike to the summit of Maupiti, which rises to 372 m. The trail used to begin almost opposite Tarona Snack, where concrete steps climbed the mountainside. There is also a small store across the road where you can buy water. Marie Laure, a friend who visited more recently, told me that the trail now starts a little farther away, at the foot of the large antenna beside the refreshment stand. Apparently, the route is marked in red and white.

The hike is not especially long, but it can be quite steep. Allow around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach the summit, depending on your fitness level. The beginning is fairly easy, but the middle and final sections are more demanding. Some slopes are very steep, so good shoes are essential, especially where you need to hold on to ropes.

You can enjoy beautiful views along the way. The panorama from the top is wonderful and worthy of a postcard, and it can also be a beautiful place to watch the sunset. This is when you truly realize just how special the island is. I cannot imagine recommending another activity more highly in the Leeward Islands. It is a real must in Maupiti!

Since my last visit to Maupiti, Magalie has contacted me to tell me about the massage space she recently opened, which sounds perfect after the hike. You can contact her to book on 87 36 94 94. I have not tried it myself yet, but I plan to next time I visit.

If you have made it all the way to Maupiti, here is another activity not to miss: crossing to the motu opposite Tereia, the island’s main and most beautiful beach.

Make sure you leave when the water level is at its lowest. Aim for the motu and follow the shallowest sections as much as possible. At the deepest point, the water reached my waist. The crossing takes around 30 minutes on foot, and we even managed it with a baby carrier.

The view throughout the walk is surreal, with beautiful emerald water, and you may come across curious rays or sharks along the way.

Once you reach the other side, you can enjoy the motu with its white sand, coconut palms and cliffs.

Tarona Snack is one of the island’s small restaurants that I think is worth visiting. We ate there several times. The prices were very reasonable, and the typical Polynesian dishes we tried were very good.

Make the most of the setting by enjoying some poisson cru beside the turquoise lagoon.

Another Maupiti essential is touring this small island. Do not worry: the loop is only around 10 km and takes roughly two to three hours on foot. I recommend making a day of it, stopping to take photos, swim and eat at Tarona Snack. There is even a small archaeological site not far from the road.

You can also rent a bicycle from several guesthouses if you would rather not walk.

During your boat trip, you may have the chance to visit a well-known site in the lagoon where manta rays are present throughout the year.

The site lies inside the lagoon at a depth of around 8 to 10 m. If you have never experienced it before, swimming with manta rays is an extraordinary feeling, a little like swimming with a whale—which I had just done in Rurutu. Take your time and enjoy this magical moment surrounded by rays. You can also see them on a dive with the island’s diving center.

Shopping enthusiasts may be a little disappointed by Maupiti. This is not a major tourist destination like Bora Bora. You will still find a few shops in the main village, although their opening hours can be unpredictable. Some sell shell necklaces and handmade jewelry. Maupiti also has a local specialty: the penu. You can find these in some of the small shops, and they make a lovely souvenir.

Another absolute must in Maupiti is swimming at the beautiful white-sand beach of Tereia.

Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to reach this beautiful beach on foot. If, like me, you are staying at a guesthouse outside the village, you can either follow the small crossroads or walk along the coast to the beach. From the village, the easiest option is to hitchhike and ask to be dropped off near the beach, or go by bicycle.

In my opinion, this beach is beautiful and far more enjoyable than Matira Point in Bora Bora, which can be crowded with tourists, snack bars and restaurants. Here, simplicity and authenticity still prevail: white sand, coconut palms, mountain views and turquoise water. Nothing more is needed.

As you leave the village on the lagoon side, you will notice an extraordinary-looking house built from coral blocks, shells and sculptures of all kinds. You can visit it with Ahky Firuu, a well-known figure in Maupiti.
The visit includes a tour, a tasting, a song and a woven hat. We do not consider it an essential activity, as the price seems a little high.

Take the time to chat with him if you can. He is a very endearing artist.

These are my top 10 things to do on Maupiti Island.

Another activity to consider is a 30-minute microlight flight over the island. During the flight, you can admire Mount Teurafaatiu and the motus of Auira, Tuanai, Pae’ao, Pitiahe and Tiapaa.
You will sit comfortably in the cabin of a multi-axis microlight, accompanied by a qualified instructor who shares information about Maupiti throughout the flight. We have not had the chance to try it ourselves, but there is no doubt that it must be magical.

If you are interested in history and legends, several archaeological sites are scattered around the island:

• Vaiahu Marae: Located beside Orovaru Guesthouse in the south of the island, this is the largest marae on Maupiti, although it is not very visible from the road. The site includes the famous “sacred fish hole,” which was used to predict the success of a fishing trip.
• The Haranae Valley petroglyphs: In the north of the island, just after leaving the village, turn toward the mountain and walk about 300 meters from the main road. You can see several petroglyphs in the river, including representations of a turtle and a tiki.
• Vaitia Valley: Another site where you can see a flat stone said to represent Hiro’s legendary canoe.

Do not hesitate to contact Albert Temana Firuu, who can guide you around the different sites. Phone: 40.67.83.64.

If you are arriving from outside French Polynesia, you will first need to fly to Tahiti, usually with one or more international flights. I have written a complete article explaining the main options. I recommend checking this flight comparison site, which I have been using for at least 10 years.

For travelers from the United States, one of the most convenient options is often to fly from San Francisco to Papeete. If your dates are flexible, you can sometimes find flights from around $500 to $600. From Canada, you may first need to fly from Canada to San Francisco, then continue from San Francisco to Papeete.

Once in Tahiti, the easiest option is to take a domestic flight. The Tahiti–Maupiti route is operated by Air Tahiti. A round trip costs around 50,000 XPF, and the direct flight takes about 55 minutes. There are several flights each week from Tahiti, either direct or with a stop in Bora Bora or Raiatea. Air Tahiti also includes Maupiti in some of its island passes, so you can combine your visit with other destinations.

However, Maupiti is not served every day, so organizing a return flight around your travel dates can be a little complicated. Seats can also fill up quickly. You can find the latest timetable here.

The Séjours dans les Îles website also offers packages combining flights and guesthouse accommodation, sometimes with meals or half board. I have already done the calculations, and for the two guesthouses listed on the site, booking everything separately worked out more expensive.

Maupiti Airport is located on a motu. Depending on your accommodation, your hosts may arrange a direct transfer from the airport. Check whether this is included in your booking.

Otherwise, you can take the shuttle from the village quay, near the post office and Air Tahiti agency. The crossing currently takes around 25 minutes. The shuttle leaves before each flight, so ask your guesthouse or the Air Tahiti agency for the exact departure time.

For travelers with more time who would like to experience local inter-island travel, it is possible to reach Maupiti by boat from the other Leeward Islands.
The sea can be rough at times, especially near the famous Onoiau Pass.

Apetahi Express currently operates weekly services to and from Maupiti, while Maupiti Express 2 may also serve the island depending on its schedule. Timetables and fares change, so confirm both the outward and return journeys directly with the operator before booking. Bicycles, parcels, scooters and other items may also be accepted, depending on the vessel.

The first important thing to know is that there are no large hotels on Maupiti. If you love luxury resorts and overwater bungalows, I am sorry, but this is not Moorea or Bora Bora. The island has always resisted the development of large hotel complexes, and so far, that has been a very good thing. Instead, you will find family-run guesthouses, mainly on the main island but also on the motus. For me, it is a real little paradise.

I have visited Maupiti twice. I recommend the second guesthouse where I stayed, Pension Teheimana. Here is its website and Facebook page, where you can contact the owners and mention my name, Sylvain. Many guesthouses have a small pontoon, perfect for admiring the island’s peaceful setting and turquoise water.

Tehei and Cliff welcome you warmly and quickly make you feel at home. Do not come looking for luxury: everything here is simple. The rooms are small and clean, the bathroom is shared, and the sea views are beautiful. The breakfasts and evening meals are also excellent.

There is a wide range of other accommodation in Maupiti, including rooms in private homes, villas, guesthouses and bungalows. You can stay on the main island or on one of the motus. If you are looking for peace, seclusion and easy access to white-sand beaches, a guesthouse on a motu can be an excellent choice. However, you will depend on your hosts or another operator to reach the main island, which may involve additional costs. Here are a few places to consider:

On the Main Island

• Pension Tereia: A small family-run guesthouse close to the island’s main beach, with simple rooms, private bathrooms, generous communal meals and bicycle rental.
• Pension Taravanui: A charming guesthouse run by Luau and Rudi, opposite Marae Vaiatu. They offer a double room in their home and a self-contained bungalow in the garden. Kayaks are available for exploring the lagoon, and the garden has beautiful mountain views.
• Pension Ludo and Moyra: A well-regarded guesthouse on the north side of Maupiti, known for its warm welcome and excellent food, even though there is no beach nearby.
• Maupiti Camping: Campsites are available about five minutes from Terei’a Beach. The facilities are very simple, although the feedback is excellent. Here is a complete guide to camping in Polynesia!

On the Motus

• Pension Le Kuriri: Located on Motu Tiapa’a near the pass, this guesthouse offers four traditional bungalows beside a beautiful white-sand beach. The welcome is warm, the food is excellent, and airport transfers are included.
• Pension Papahani: Also located on the lagoon side of Motu Tiapa’a, this guesthouse offers a typically Polynesian welcome, meals served 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, a white-sand beach and organized activities, with return airport transfers costing 1,000 XPF.
• Ohana Maupiti Camping: Another interesting option is camping on Motu Auira at Ohana Maupiti Camping, opposite Terei’a Beach. Feedback has been very positive.

I ate breakfast and dinner at my guesthouse every day, and the food was very good. If you book a room without half board, you will need to shop in the village and prepare your own meals. For lunch, there are a few small snack bars, including Tarona Snack, which I mentioned earlier. There is also Chez Mimi on the island’s main beach, which is open until 3 p.m.

Getting around Maupiti during your vacation in French Polynesia is very straightforward. This South Pacific island is small, so you can walk, hitchhike or rent a bicycle from your guesthouse.

I hope you enjoyed this article and now have a good idea of the things and activities to do on Maupiti Island. Another common question is where to stay, so take a look at our complete guide to accommodation in Maupiti.

Take the time to appreciate the island’s peace, authenticity and beautiful landscapes. Along with the Gambier Islands and Taha’a, Maupiti remains one of the places I have enjoyed most in French Polynesia. If you need help planning your itinerary, have a look at this article.

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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