Islands Adventures

Maupiti

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Maupiti is the smallest island of the Leeward Islands. It is located 315 (189 miles) northwest of Tahiti. The island is a miniature version of Bora Bora. Just like its big sister, Maupiti possesses impressive rocky peaks which overhang a shallow jade lagoon. According to legend, two brothers, HotuParaoa and HotuAe, were petrified on both sides of the island, thus forming the main mountains. The inhabitants cultivate watermelon and “Tiare Tahiti” flowers on the fine sand beaches of the islets which line the translucent waters of the lagoon regularly visited by slender gray rays.Maupiti is a haven of peace to be discovered by boat at the mercy of the calm waves or by bicycle or foot as it only covers 11 sq km. Still off the beaten path of the great flux of tourists since there are no hotels, life unwinds in the traditional manner.
Formerly, Maupiti was an important island, culturally speaking, where numerous chiefs gathered for nomination ceremonies. It was renowned for its fabrication of “penu”, pestles made of basalt, which it furnished to other islands. You can also appreciate the archaeological vestiges and legendary sites on the island, accompanied by a local guide who will recount the customs of yesteryear as well as today…
The airport is found on “motu” Tuanai and transfers to the main island or to the other small islands where a few family pensions are implanted are made by boat.

Photo gallery

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Good reasons why you should go there :

• An island with an authentic atomsphere
• A sumptuous jade lagoon crossed by gray rays.
• Gorgeous coral gardens where numerous fishes can be observed.
• Magnificent beaches, especially on the “motu”.
• A wealth of culture to discover : legendarys monuments and archaeological sites.
• Many interesting and surprising sights to be seen on guided hiking tours: caves, a sanctuary for sea birds,; the cliff of 165 m in height and large plantations of watermelons and melons.
• An island very easy to discover by bike.

Districts :

Vaiea (main village), Petei, Farauru and Pauma.

Population :

1 171 inhabitants.

Surface area :

20 sq km.

Do not miss :

• the royal “marae” of Vaiahu, on the lagoon shore (archaeological site).
• the petroglyphs of Haranae valley,
• climbing the summit of the island (Mt Teurafaatiu),
• Tereia Beach.

Things to do :

• Nautical activities :
  - boat excursions,
  - ray encounters,
  - whale watching,
  - picnic on a “motu”,
  - snorkeling,
  - scuba diving (call center for opening hours).
• Inland activities :
  - hiking,
  - crossing the lagoon from the main island to Motu Auira wading in 50 cm of water (about 30 minutes),
  - circle island walking tour or bicycle tour (rented).

Practical information :

• Tourist information : at Maupiti’s Town Hall.
• Banking Service(s) : none.
• Post office(s) : in the north of the island.
• Phone boxe(s) : a few.
• Shopping : there are not many shops.
• Restaurant(s) : apart from your family pension and a few snacks, there is no restaurant on the island.
• Medical services : a doctor and a dentist.

Did you know that ? :

• Maupiti used to be called Vaitu or Maurua in the past.

Flight schedule :

AIR TAHITI time-table and fares

Our accommodations in Maupiti :

Our suggested single island packages

Our suggested island combos