11 km² • 1 302 residents • 380 m (Mount Teurafaatiu)
A rocky peak in the centre, a turquoise lagoon all around, and motu forming a necklace: a miniature version of Bora Bora, but without a single international hotel. The local inhabitants have chosen to stick to family-run guesthouses. You can cycle around the island in an hour, walk across to Motu Auira, and manta rays pass through the channel.
Access
55-min flight from Tahiti
Good to know
Maupiti is renowned for manta ray sightings.
Ideal for
Independent travellers, local immersion, hiking, keeping costs under control.
Not to be missed
- Tereia Beach and the walk across to Motu Auira
- Climbing Mount Teurafaatiu (360° views)
- The manta ray swimming site
- Onoiau Pass
- The Haranae petroglyphs
- Vaiahu Marae
- Motu Tiapaa
Image credits
1, 2, 3, 4 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Michael Runkel
5 – ©TAHITI TOURISME/Frédéric Cristol