The Preserved Island
A little over 300 kilometers west of Tahiti, Maupiti is a small, isolated island at the tip of the Society archipelago. It is a little jewel of an island that doesn't pale next to its famous neighbor, Bora Bora. Impressive and proud as a medieval fortress, its rocky peak overlooks an exceptionally beautiful lagoon. Protected by an ocean pass said to be difficult, the island remains relatively isolated.
Perhaps this preserved serenity, this untouched nature are the reasons why sea turtles keep laying their eggs on its white sand beaches. Here, nature remains the absolute ruler and the few family pensions established on the island or on the motu will share those unique moments of harmony that can only be found on our islands.
Selling tips
An island with an authentic atmosphere nestled in the heart of a jade lagoon and open to the ocean via only one reef pass. If you take a cruise on this lagoon, you will be able to enjoy the leopard and manta rays, the many multicolored fish as well as the splendid coral gardens.
A wealth of culture to discover: the Haranai Valley and its stone monuments; the Vaitea Valley where Hiro's legendary canoe lies; the red cliffs of Nina Here the Warrior; the Ofera marae on the motu of Tiapa'a. One of the oldest archeological sites in French Polynesia dates back to the 9th century on the motu of Pae'ao.
Many interesting sights are to be seen on guided hiking tours: the village of Vai'ea at the foot of the cliffs with its caves, a sanctuary for seabirds; the 165 m-high cliff of Hotu Parata; the single endemic flower the Tiare Hina on Pitihahei motu; the large melon plantation on Motu Auira.
Family hotels are harmoniously integrated in their natural settings often located on motus - far from the artificial world but right in the midst of traditional Polynesian hospitality.
Air services three times a week and a regular boat (1 sailing per week departing from Tahiti and several local weekly inter-island connections linking Huahine, Maupiti, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora): Maupiti is a 1-hour flight and approximately 14 hours by boat from Tahiti.
