Maupiti is often described as Bora Bora’s little sister. But the comparison quickly ends there.
Here, there are no large hotels, no crowds… The island has never tried to impress, let alone look like a postcard.
It is simply there. And that is precisely why we love it.
You arrive in Maupiti without really knowing what you are looking for. And above all, without a checklist.
An Island That Has Remained Authentic 🌺
With fewer than 1,300 inhabitants, Maupiti has preserved a simple way of life that is deeply community-oriented. Almost everyone knows each other. There are no clearly marked “must-see” spots with signposts, nor any standardized tourist routes.
Far from large hotel resorts, the island has made a clear choice: to remain small, intimate, and true to its own rhythm.
The Lagoon 🪸
It is part of everyday life. You swim in it straight from the beach, fish in it, and cross it to reach a motu or a sandbank.
Not to be missed:
Beach-access snorkeling, with rays, tropical fish, and corals easily reachable
Sandbanks that can be reached on foot at low tide
Local boat tours around the lagoon
Manta ray spotting, depending on the season
Mount Teurafaatiu ⛰️
For those who enjoy hiking, Mount Teurafaatiu is an essential part of the experience.
The ascent can be steep in places, sometimes with ropes to help negotiate rocky sections. But the panorama from the summit is well worth the effort.
The view opens onto all of Maupiti: the lagoon, the motu, the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see… and Bora Bora in the distance on clear days.
⏱ Around 3 hours round trip
🎒 Start early, stay well hydrated, and wear suitable footwear
Where to Stay in Maupiti?
In Maupiti, there are no resorts and no overwater bungalows.
You stay with locals, in family-run guesthouses—simple, yet warm and welcoming.
Hospitality is an integral part of the experience.
Meals are often shared. Evening conversations flow naturally. The advice you receive is invaluable, because it comes from people who truly live here.
The experience is human before it is touristic.
How to Get to Maupiti? ✈️
Getting to Maupiti requires a bit of planning.
- By plane from Tahiti: around 50 to 55 minutes of flight to the airstrip located on a motu, followed by a boat shuttle to the main village.
- By boat from Bora Bora or Raiatea: possible depending on weather conditions and available connections.
Tip: plane seats are limited, so it is recommended to book in advance, especially during high season.
Maupiti Is Not an Island for Everyone
It is an island for those who are looking for:
- silence rather than luxury
- authenticity rather than spectacle
- human connection rather than performance
🔎 Practical Tips
- Ideal length of stay: Most visitors stay between 2 and 4 nights, sometimes longer if they accept not planning anything.
- Getting around: on foot, by bicycle, sometimes by boat. A car is not necessary.
- What to bring: cash (very few ATMs), lagoon-friendly sunscreen, simple clothing.
In Maupiti, you’ll find one (sometimes two) ATMs, usually located near the village / town hall.
They do exist, but they are not 100% reliable:
- ATMs may be out of service
- They can be emptied quickly
- Foreign cards do not always work
- There is no immediate alternative in case of malfunction
About the author
Kulani Brown is passionate about travel and cultures, especially that of her native Polynesia. As community manager for the REDSOYU agency, she uses her creativity to share the stories, landscapes, and traditions that make her fenua so rich.