Where to stay in Maupiti? Our guide to the best accommodations
Last update: 07/01/2026
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Hello everyone! I have to admit, it has been a while since I last wrote about Polynesia, but we have been getting more and more questions like: “Where to stay in Maupiti?” So it felt like the right time to share a guide to the best accommodations in Maupiti. We truly fell in love with this island. It is even one of our favorite islands in French Polynesia, which says a lot! Just so you know, it is often seen as the sister island of Bora Bora, the famous Pearl of the Pacific, but without the crowds, or at least with far fewer visitors.
That is why Maupiti feels more preserved and authentic, and honestly, that is a huge part of its charm. Just like with Bora Bora, we wrote a full article on the must-sees in Maupiti. You will see, there are some beautiful places to discover. I am thinking especially of the Maupiti lagoon and the hikes, which offer some of the most incredible viewpoints on the island. And as a reminder, Maupiti is part of the Leeward Islands.
As you might expect, Maupiti has kept its preserved and authentic feel when it comes to accommodations too. Unlike Moorea or Bora Bora, there are no large resort hotels here. And again, that is not a bad thing at all. It lets you experience a completely different kind of stay, much closer to local life. Maupiti is therefore a wonderful island to add to your itinerary if you have not already. For accommodations, you will mainly find family-run guesthouses and campgrounds.
As you have probably gathered, the goal of this article is to share our selection of good places to stay in Maupiti. As I was saying, you will not find overwater-bungalow luxury here, but welcoming guesthouses where you feel at home and get a little pang in your heart when it is time to leave. You know what I mean! As usual, this selection is based on our own experience there, including several stays on the island, especially for Sylvain through work, as well as feedback from friends and family who came to visit us in Polynesia.
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Where to stay in Maupiti? The best places to stay
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Before sharing the best accommodations in Maupiti, I would like to give you a quick overview of the best areas to stay on the island. Maupiti is unique because it is made up of a main island and several motus.
On the main island, you will find the small village of Vaiea, which is very peaceful. You can stay with local hosts and enjoy breakfast overlooking the turquoise lagoon. Since Maupiti is a small island, it is also a great base for exploring the surroundings.
For an even quieter stay, head to the motus: Tiapa’a, Pitiahe, or Pae’ao. Even though the main island is already peaceful, staying on a motu lets you disconnect even more. The pace is slow: white-sand beaches, shades of blue in the lagoon, a hammock under the coconut trees, immersion in local life, and a small shuttle to reach the main island. It really feels like another world.
The best accommodations in Maupiti
As I mentioned above, in Maupiti, you are far from the resorts and overwater bungalows. Bora Bora’s sister island is known for having turned down large hotel chains. Honestly, I think that is for the best, and you feel it as soon as you arrive. It is peaceful, authentic, and it is what I like to call the “real” Polynesia. So get ready to enjoy a dream setting in a local, down-to-earth atmosphere.
The best guesthouses in Maupiti for an affordable stay
Since you are here to experience a more authentic side of Maupiti, I have put together a selection of the best guesthouses on the island. In my opinion, staying with local hosts has plenty of advantages: you are immersed in Polynesian life and culture, you get to taste homemade dishes and breakfasts, and your host can share helpful tips so you do not miss anything on the island. Guesthouses are also much cheaper than hotels, which is always a plus considering the overall cost of a trip to Polynesia. It is a good way to enjoy Maupiti without breaking the bank.
Pension Tereia
Right in the heart of Maupiti, Pension Tereia is located just 50 meters from the island’s only public beach. I will let you imagine the setting, especially at sunset, which is gorgeous. To tell you a bit more about the pension, it offers four double rooms and three family rooms with two double beds. In any case, the rooms come with mosquito nets and fans, and air conditioning is available as an extra. You will also have your own bathroom.
The little extra is the small cafeteria area. This guesthouse focuses on friendliness and sharing in an idyllic setting, between a white-sand beach and coconut trees. Honestly, it is a place you can book without hesitation.
Honotua Lodge
Honotua Lodge is located in Haranai, about 1.5 km from Maupiti Airport and close to the island center. In this friendly house, you quickly feel at home. Alice and Hinamoe, the hosts, give you a warm welcome and even offer a welcome basket with fresh fruit. It is the kind of thoughtful detail that always makes a difference. The rooms are simple but nicely decorated, with a private bathroom and storage space. The house also has a terrace, a tropical garden, and a shared lounge. Plenty to enjoy.
To make your stay easier, free parking is available, and bikes are provided. The pension also offers excursions, including snorkeling in Maupiti’s famous lagoon to swim with manta rays. It is clearly one of the must-do experiences in Maupiti. Given the color and clarity of the water and the marine life, I can tell you it is worth it. Reviews are consistent: people feel good at Honotua Lodge.
Tuaera Lodge
This time, we head a little higher up with Tuaera Lodge. It is located in Te-Fare-Arii, a small village above the Maupiti lagoon. You will be only about 5 to 10 minutes from the beach, with incredible scenery all around. The lodge is surrounded by a lush garden and offers rooms with a fan, mosquito nets, and a comfortable bed. It is simple, but it has what you need. You will also have access to a shared bathroom. In the morning, a generous local breakfast awaits you.
There is no better way to start the day before heading out to explore the island. You will also have access to a shared kitchen if you want to prepare your own meals. The real plus of this pension is the warm welcome from the hosts, Ange and Nani, who pick you up at the ferry dock with a flower lei. Again, it is a lovely touch. In short, this pension offers beautiful views of the Maupiti lagoon while keeping a friendly, family-style atmosphere.
Pension Taputea
We stay in Te-Fare-Arii with Pension Taputea. Here, everything revolves around friendliness and local life. It is a good address if you want to experience the Polynesian way of life. You are welcomed right from the ferry dock with a flower lei and reach your accommodation in just a few minutes. The colorful house sits next to a lush garden and a terrace, which is perfect for relaxing and disconnecting after a day of excursions. The rooms are fairly spacious and bright. You can choose between two room types: one for two people with a private bathroom, and another for four people with a shared bathroom.
Every morning, you can enjoy a good breakfast with fresh juice and fruit, homemade bread, and local jams. Sounds good, right? In the evening, you can book dinners based on fresh fish, often caught the same day, garden vegetables, and exotic fruit for a true Polynesian meal. I think you are going to love it. For activities, bikes are available to explore the main island, and kayaks let you reach the neighboring motus. In short, between the welcome, the tasty food, and the dream scenery, everything is designed so you leave Maupiti with wonderful memories. It might even become one of your Polynesian favorites too, who knows?
Pension Taravanui
Facing Vaiatu marae, Pension Taravanui is a real gem in Maupiti, even though it does not have direct beach access. Luau and Rudy, the hosts, provide kayaks, so with just a few paddle strokes, you can easily reach Maupiti’s magnificent lagoon. On site, you can choose between a double room in their house or an independent bungalow in the garden. Whichever you choose, you stay in a comfortable, nicely decorated setting. This pension also serves an excellent breakfast. For dinner, you can order one or more meals to share in the garden. It is the perfect time to taste local specialties in a warm atmosphere.
Travelers who have stayed at the pension especially praise the hosts and the accommodation, which make you feel at home. As I said, even though Pension Taravanui does not have a private beach, it has plenty of other strengths: its authentic character, its connection with Polynesian culture, and the excursions offered in the Maupiti lagoon. Without getting ahead of myself, I would say this family-run pension has a lot going for it.
Pension Teheimana
I have been lucky enough to visit Maupiti twice. For my second stay on this little slice of paradise, I stayed in this family-run pension. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in the right place. Tehei and Cliff, the hosts, welcome you with open arms and a smile. You immediately feel at ease and ready to enjoy your stay. As for the pension itself, it has four rooms, some with a private bathroom. One of them is family-sized and can accommodate up to six people. You will not have direct beach access here, but that is not a problem: you can reach it in just a few minutes on foot.
From the pension, you also get an unobstructed sea view. Special mention goes to the breakfasts and dinners, which are excellent. To discover Maupiti and its motus, the hosts provide kayaks and, above all, valuable advice. If you are looking for a warm, simple pension with genuine moments of sharing and a postcard setting, I can only recommend Pension Teheimana.
Pension Papahani
For a change of scenery, let’s head to Tiapaa motu with Pension Papahani. This pension offers a private setting by the lagoon, and yes, it really is the dream. On site, bungalows are available, including one on their private beach, which gives you a little more independence. The bungalows are simple, clean, and open directly onto the stunning turquoise lagoon. They are equipped with mosquito nets, fans, and comfortable beds. To explore the underwater world, just put on your mask and snorkel and jump into the water right in front of the pension.
Food lovers can enjoy friendly meals based on grilled fish, rice, and coconut. On the practical side, airport transfer on the main island is included, which is one less thing to organize. In short, it is the kind of pension you want to return to without hesitation.
Fare Pae’Ao
As its name suggests, this family-run pension is located on Pae’ao motu. It is also called “Chez Janine” and feels like a true haven of peace facing the crystal-clear lagoon. There are five Polynesian-style bungalows that blend traditional Polynesian charm with modern comfort. To give you a better idea, the roofs are made of pandanus leaves, and the spaces are open enough to enjoy the sea breeze.
If you prefer a more back-to-basics and budget-friendly experience, there are also pitches and tents for camping. Activities include renting regular or electric bikes, or booking snorkeling, fishing, or traditional outrigger canoe excursions. This immerses you even more in Polynesian life, and I especially recommend the traditional canoe. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. They are served under the fare and shared with the hosts and other travelers. Pretty nice, right? If you are looking above all for peace, Polynesian authenticity, and dream scenery, you are in the right place.
Pension Le Kuriri
Pension Le Kuriri welcomes you on Tiapa’a motu, next to Maupiti’s only pass. If this pension appeals to you, you will stay in one of the four bungalows made of wood and woven bamboo. The comfort is simple, but the setting is intimate and reflects all the charm of Maupiti. It is a good option if you want to enjoy a beautiful view over a small lagoon, with Bora Bora in the distance. I will let you imagine the scene.
Just one small note: Le Kuriri does not provide meals. But rest assured, it is close to other pensions that offer shared meals. Otherwise, you can prepare picnics. Frankly, it is the kind of pension where life feels good and you will not want to leave. To help you choose, you will find all the essential information on the guesthouses I have mentioned in the table below. From location to budget, everything is there to help you make the best choice for your stay.
Comparison of the best guesthouses in Maupiti
To help you choose, you will find all the essential information on the guesthouses I have mentioned in the table below. From location to budget, everything is there to help you make the best choice for your stay!
| Name | Location | Features | Review | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pension Tereia | Main Island, Maupiti | 4 rooms, mosquito nets, fan, optional air conditioning, private bathroom, half board, cafeteria, airport transfer. | You will be charmed by the friendly atmosphere and the proximity to the public beach. | 185 € - 218 € | Book |
| Honotua Lodge | Main Island, Maupiti | Garden, shared lounge, à la carte breakfast, terrace, snorkeling, parking, shuttle, excursions. | You will enjoy the tropical garden and the snorkeling excursions offered. | 151 € - 252 € | Book |
| Tuaera Lodge | Te-Fare-Arii | Private beach, garden, shared lounge, Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, shuttle, continental breakfast, bicycle rental. | You will be enchanted by the breathtaking lagoon view and the warm welcome. | 126 € - 210 € | Book |
| Pension Taputea | Te-Fare-Arii | Garden, terrace, parking, shuttle, half board, table d’hôtes, canoe-kayak, bike, pets allowed. | You will love the homemade cuisine and the peaceful setting. | 100 € - 168 € | Book |
| Pension Taravanui | Vaiatu | Rooms and bungalows, half board, kayaks, bicycle, transfers included. | You will be charmed by the authenticity of the place and the hosts’ hospitality. | 283 € | Book |
| Pension Teheimana | Main Island, Maupiti | 4 family rooms, garden view, dinner under fare, Wi-Fi, private bathroom, kayaks. | You will appreciate the hearty breakfasts and the stunning sea view. | 89 € - 241 € | Book |
| Pension Papahani | Motu Tiapaa | Beach bungalows, mosquito nets, fans, half board, kayaks, snorkeling. | You will be delighted by the lagoon-front bungalows and easy snorkeling access. | 150 € - 270 € | Book |
| Fare Pae’Ao | Motu Pae’ao | Bungalows and camping, half board, lagoon excursions, bicycle, massage, airport transfers. | You will enjoy the camping experience and shared meals under the fare. | 50 € - 100 € | Book |
| Pension Le Kuriri | Motu Tiapa’a | Eco-friendly bungalows, restaurant, bar, kayaks, snorkeling. | You will appreciate the eco-friendly atmosphere and the view of Bora Bora. | 116 € - 134 € | Book |
Camping in Maupiti: prices, access, and availability
In addition to guesthouses, campgrounds are a good option for visiting Maupiti. They are a nice alternative to more traditional lodging. You can pitch your own tent or rent a spot in an absolutely incredible setting. Some pensions, such as Fare Pae’Ao, also offer camping. Otherwise, here are a few campgrounds I have heard good things about in Maupiti.
Poemanahere Island Camping in Maupiti
If you pitch your tent at Poemanahere Island Camping, you will wake up facing the lagoon in a paradise setting. In reality, this campground offers simple bungalows or tents, depending on what you prefer. Even if you choose the tent, you can enjoy breakfast, which is included, and dinner on request, along with shared bathrooms, a barbecue area, and a kitchen.
The real asset of this campground is undoubtedly its location. There are no roads nearby, just a peaceful setting where you can recharge. The hosts are very kind and can point you toward the best snorkeling spots, where you may see beautiful marine life. In short, you get a magnificent setting while feeling almost alone in the world. For that reason alone, I think the campground is worth it.
Maupiti Camping
Here is another well-known campground, just five minutes from Tereia Beach. This time, you arrive in a family-style setting a little away from the village, so it is quieter. You can choose to set up your own tent or rent all the equipment on site: tent, mattress, sleeping bag, everything is available. The common areas, including the bathrooms and kitchen, are spotless, with nothing to complain about.
You can also choose the half-board option to enjoy hearty, typical dishes in the morning and evening. To explore Maupiti, bikes are available, as well as organized snorkeling trips or canoe outings. I can tell you the lagoon has rich marine life. You may see colorful fish, manta rays, and more. If you want to spend a few days in backpacker mode, or simply enjoy an authentic stay, Maupiti Camping should suit you well.
Ohana Maupiti Camping
Located on Auira motu, Ohana Maupiti Camping welcomes you right opposite Tereia Beach. It is a campground that opened in 2023 and already has very good feedback. There, you can either pitch your own tent or rent the equipment you need. The photos of the site look dreamy: facing the Maupiti lagoon, in a calm atmosphere, far from the village. Of course, you will have access to bathrooms and a shared kitchen.
If you want to enjoy this kind of setting at a budget-friendly price, Ohana Maupiti Camping is a very good option in Maupiti. If this matches the type of stay you are looking for, go for it. I especially recommend booking in advance, as spots can go quickly.
Haranai Camping & Tours
We are not here for luxury, but for immersion in local culture and simplicity. Haranai Camping & Tours opens directly onto the lagoon, offering tent pitches or traditional farés. Either way, you will have access to bathrooms and a shared kitchen.
From the moment you wake up, you can admire the intense turquoise of the lagoon. At night, you hear only birdsong and the waves. In other words, you can hardly get closer to nature. The hosts also offer snorkeling trips and canoe rides around the motus. Everything on site is simple, with local meals made from fresh products and moments shared around the fire. In my opinion, you will keep wonderful memories of this campground.
Alright, I will stop here for this article on where to stay in Maupiti. I think you now have a good overview of the best accommodations in Maupiti. Even if I repeat myself, Maupiti remains one of my most beautiful discoveries in Polynesia. As you are starting to know me, what I especially loved was the island’s authentic, preserved feel. We are far from the luxury of Bora Bora, its sister island.
By the way, if you had to choose only one between Bora Bora and Maupiti, I wrote a full article comparing the two. It might help you make your choice. And do not forget to visit Tikehau; it is definitely worth it. I have also put together a comprehensive guide to accommodation in Tikehau.
See you soon for more addresses in Polynesia,
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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