Where to stay in Maupiti? Our guide to the best accommodations!
Last update: 06/05/2026
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Hello everyone! I have to admit it’s been a while since I wrote an article about Polynesia. Still, we’re getting more and more questions like: « Where to stay in Maupiti? » So it’s the perfect time to share a guide on the best accommodations in Maupiti! We truly fell in love with this island! It’s even one of our favorite Polynesian islands (that says a lot!). Just so you know, it’s the sister island of Bora Bora, the famous Pearl of the Pacific, but without the tourists (well, a lot fewer anyway).
It’s therefore more preserved and authentic, and that’s great! I’d even say that’s what makes it so charming. Just like for Bora Bora, we wrote a full article on the must-sees in Maupiti. You’ll see, there are some stunning places to discover! I’m thinking especially of the Maupiti lagoon and the hikes; they’re some of the most beautiful and offer incredible viewpoints! FYI, Maupiti is part of the Leeward Islands!
As you might suspect, when it comes to accommodation, Maupiti has kept its preserved and authentic side by offering no resort hotels, unlike Moorea and Bora Bora. Again, that’s not a bad thing—it lets you enjoy a completely different stay, immersed in the local culture. Maupiti is therefore a wonderful island to add to your itinerary (if you haven’t already, haha!). For accommodations, you’ll mainly find family guesthouses and campgrounds.
As you’ve gathered, the goal of this article is to share our selection of good addresses in Maupiti! As I was saying, it won’t be the overwater-bungalow luxury, but welcoming guesthouses where you feel at home and get a little pang in your heart when it’s time to leave (you know what I mean!). As usual, we’ve based this on our own experience there (several stays on the island, especially for Sylvain with work) and that of our relatives 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’d like to give you an overview of the best places to stay on the island! To be clear, Maupiti is unique because it consists of a main island and several motus.
On the main island, there’s the small village of Vaiea, which is very peaceful! You can stay with locals and enjoy a local breakfast overlooking the turquoise lagoon! Because Maupiti is a small island, it’s 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, you can disconnect even more on a motu. The pace here is slow: enjoy white-sand beaches and the lagoon’s shades of blue. On the agenda: hammock under the coconut trees, immersion in local culture and a small shuttle to the main island. It really feels like another world!
The best accommodations in Maupiti
As I mentioned above, in Maupiti we’re far from the resorts and overwater bungalows! Bora’s sister island is known for turning down big hotel chains. Honestly, I think that’s for the best and you can feel it as soon as you arrive. It’s pleasant, and it’s what I call the “real” Polynesia. So get ready to enjoy a dream setting in a local, authentic atmosphere.
The best guesthouses in Maupiti: for an affordable stay
Since you’re here to have an authentic stay in Maupiti, I’ve prepared a selection of the best guesthouses. In my opinion, there are plenty of advantages to staying with locals: you’ll be fully immersed in Polynesian life and culture, you’ll taste delicious homemade dishes and breakfasts (a treat!), and your host will give you tips to make sure you don’t miss anything on the island. Not to mention that guesthouses are much cheaper than hotels! That’s always a plus, especially given the cost of a trip to Polynesia. It helps avoid breaking the bank in Maupiti!
Pension Tereia
Right in the heart of Maupiti, discover Pension Tereia, located just 50 meters from the island’s only public beach! I’ll let you imagine the dream setting, perfect for sunset watching (believe me, they’re gorgeous!). To tell you a bit more about the pension, it offers four double rooms, one of which is “family” (with two double beds). In any case, they all have mosquito nets and a fan, and you can request air-conditioning for an extra charge. You’ll also have your own bathroom!
The little extra: you’ll have access to a small cafeteria. This pension focuses on friendliness and sharing in an idyllic setting, between white-sand beach and coconut trees. Honestly, you can book without hesitation.
Honotua Lodge
Honotua Lodge is only 300 meters from the airport while still close to downtown Maupiti! In this friendly house, you quickly feel at home! Alice and Hinamoe, the hosts, give you a warm welcome! They offer you a welcome basket with fresh fruit. It’s the kind of attention that always pleases! The rooms offered are simple but nicely decorated. They all have a private bathroom and storage space. The house 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 such as snorkeling in Maupiti’s famous lagoon to swim with manta rays! It’s clearly a must-do in Maupiti. Given the water’s color, clarity and marine life, I can tell you it’s worth it! Reviews are unanimous: you feel good at Honotua Lodge!
Tuaera Lodge
This time, we head a bit higher up with Tuaera Lodge! It is located in Te-Fare-Arii, a small village above the Maupiti lagoon. You’ll be only 5–10 minutes from the beach, facing incredible landscapes! The lodge is surrounded by a lush garden while offering rooms with a fan, mosquito nets and a comfy bed. We agree, it’s simple but enough! You’ll also have a shared bathroom. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a hearty, local breakfast.
Nothing better to start the day before setting off to explore the island! You’ll also have access to a shared kitchen to prepare your own meals. The real plus of this pension: the warm welcome from the hosts, Ange and Nani, who pick you up at the ferry dock with a flower lei. Again, it’s a lovely touch! In short, this pension offers breathtaking views of the Maupiti lagoon while providing a convivial atmosphere.
Pension Taputea
We stay in Te-Fare-Arii with Pension Taputea! Here, your stay rhymes with friendliness. It’s a good address for experiencing the Polynesian way of life! You’re welcomed right from the ferry dock with a flower lei and reach your accommodation in a few minutes (great!). The colorful house is next to a lush garden and a terrace. Perfect for relaxing and disconnecting after a day of excursions! The rooms offered are fairly spacious and bright! You can choose between two room types: one for two people with private bathroom, and the other for four people with shared bathroom.
Every morning you’ll enjoy a good breakfast: fresh juice and fruit, homemade bread, local jams (sounds delicious!). In the evening, you can book dinners based on fresh fish (caught the same day), garden vegetables and exotic fruit for a true Polynesian meal. In my opinion, you’re going to love it! Activities-wise, bikes are provided to tour the main island and kayaks to explore neighboring motus. In short, between the welcome, tasty cuisine and dream scenery, everything is designed so you leave Maupiti with great memories! It might become one of your Polynesian favorites too, who knows?
Pension Taravanui
Facing Vaiatu marae, Pension Taravanui is a real gem in Maupiti, even if it doesn’t have direct beach access. Luau and Rudy, the hosts, provide kayaks: with a few strokes you’ll easily reach the magnificent Maupiti lagoon! On site, you can choose between a double room in their house or an independent bungalow in the garden. Whatever you choose, you’ll 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’s the perfect time to taste local specialties in a warm atmosphere.
All travelers who have stayed at the pension particularly appreciated the hosts and the accommodation, which made them feel at home! As I said, even though Pension Taravanui doesn’t have a private beach, it has other assets: its authentic character, sharing Polynesian culture and excursions offered in the Maupiti lagoon. Without getting ahead of myself, I’d say this family pension has everything to please!
Pension Teheimana
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Maupiti twice! For my second stay on this little slice of paradise, I stayed in this family 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 have an excellent stay. Back to the pension: it has four rooms, some with a private bathroom. One of them is family-sized, accommodating six people. You won’t have direct beach access here, but that’s okay: you’ll reach it in a few minutes on foot.
And from the pension, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed sea view! Special mention for the breakfasts and dinners, which are excellent! To discover Maupiti and its motus, the hosts provide kayaks and, above all, valuable advice. If you’re looking for a warm, simple pension with true moments of sharing and a postcard setting, I can only recommend Pension Teheimana!
Pension Papahani
For a change, let’s head to Tiapaa motu with Pension Papahani! This pension offers a private setting by the lagoon (a dream!). On site, bungalows are available, including one on their private beach (giving you more autonomy). The bungalows are simple, clean and open directly onto the stunning turquoise lagoon. They’re equipped with mosquito nets, fans and comfortable beds. To explore the underwater world, just put on mask and snorkel and jump into the water in front of the pension.
For food lovers, you can savor dishes based on grilled fish, rice and coconut in a friendly atmosphere. On the practical side, airport transfer on the main island is included (one less thing to arrange). In short, it’s the kind of pension you want to return to without hesitation!
Fare Pae’Ao
As its name indicates, this family pension is located on Pae’ao motu! It’s also called “Chez Janine” and is a real haven of peace facing the crystal-clear lagoon. There are five Polynesian-style bungalows that perfectly blend typical Polynesian charm and modern comfort. To give you a better idea, the roofs are pandanus leaves and spaces are open to enjoy the sea breeze.
If you prefer a more roots 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 will immerse you even more in Polynesian life (I particularly 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’re looking above all for tranquility, Polynesian authenticity and dream scenery, you’re in the right place!
Pension Le Kuriri
Pension Le Kuriki welcomes you on Tiapa’a motu, next to Maupiti’s only pass. If this pension tempts you, you’ll stay in one of the four bungalows made of wood and woven bamboo. It’s simple comfort in an intimate setting that reflects all the charm of Maupiti. It’s a good deal for enjoying a magnificent view over a small lagoon and Bora Bora in the distance. I’ll let you imagine the spectacle before your eyes!
Just one small note: the Kuriki does not provide meals! But rest assured, it’s close to other pensions that offer shared meals. Otherwise, you can prepare picnics. Frankly, it’s a pension where life is good and you won’t want to leave! To give you a helping hand, you’ll find all the essential info on the guesthouses I’ve mentioned in the table below. From location to budget, everything is there to help you make the best choice for you!
Comparison of the best guesthouses in Maupiti
To give you a helping hand, you’ll find all the essential info on the guesthouses I’ve mentioned in the table below. From location to budget, everything is there to help you make the best choice for you!
| 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. It’s a nice change from traditional lodging! You can pitch your tent or rent a spot in an absolutely incredible setting. Some pensions such as Fare Pae’Ao offer camping. Otherwise, here are a few campgrounds I’ve heard good things about in Maupiti.
Poemanahere Island Camping in Maupiti
If you pitch your tent at Poemanahere Island Camping, you’ll wake up facing the lagoon, in a paradise setting. In reality, this campground offers simple bungalows or tents. It all depends on what you prefer! Even if you choose the tent, you’ll enjoy breakfast (included) and dinner (on request), shared bathrooms, a barbecue area and a kitchen.
The real asset of this campground is undoubtedly its location. No roads nearby, just the peaceful setting to recharge. The hosts are very kind and will give you the best snorkeling spots (you’ll see beautiful marine species). In short, you’ll enjoy a magnificent setting while feeling almost alone in the world. For that reason alone, I think the campground is worth it!
Maupiti Camping
Here’s another well-known campground, just 5 minutes from Tereia beach! This time, you arrive in a family cocoon a bit away from the village (so you’ll be quieter). You can choose to set up your own tent or rent all the equipment on site (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, everything is there). Common areas such as bathrooms and the kitchen are spotless—nothing to complain about.
You can also opt for the half-board formula to savor hearty, typical dishes morning and evening. To explore Maupiti, bikes are provided, as well as organized snorkeling trips or canoe outings. I can tell you the lagoon has a rich marine life. You’ll see colorful fish, manta rays and more! If you want to spend a few days in backpacker or just authentic mode, Maupiti Camping should please you!
Ohana Maupiti Camping
Located on Auira motu, Ohana Maupiti Camping welcomes you right opposite Tereia beach. It’s 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 are dreamy: facing the Maupiti lagoon, in a calm atmosphere, far from the village. Of course, you’ll have bathrooms and a shared kitchen.
To enjoy such a setting at a budget-friendly price, Ohana Maupiti Camping is a very good option in Maupiti. If this matches the type of stay you want, go for it! I especially recommend booking in advance; spots go pretty fast.
Haranai Camping & Tours
We’re 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’ll 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’ll hear only birdsong and the waves. In other words, you can’t get closer to nature. The hosts have surprises in store with snorkeling trips and canoe rides around the motus. Everything on site is simple, with local meals made from fresh products and moments around the fire. In my opinion, you’ll keep great memories of this campground!
Alright, I’ll 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 is one of my most beautiful discoveries in Polynesia. As you’re starting to know me, it’s the island’s authentic and preserved side that I particularly liked. We’re 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, know that I wrote a full article comparing the two. It might help you make your choice! And don’t forget to visit Tikehau, it’s definitely worth it! I’ve 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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