Visit Beautiful Maupiti French Polynesia! Located 195 miles northwest of the island of Tahiti and 25 miles West of Bora Bora, Maupiti is a tiny island (7 miles), secluded and authentic. Maupiti will immediately seduce you with its splendor and quiet pace of life. Magnificent beauty, endless white sandy beaches, legendary rocky peaks and ancient marae all await you.
Charm in Maupiti is reflected in every Tahitian Guesthouse where you will be introduced to the Polynesian lifestyle. Visitors to Maupiti often make it a day trip from Bora Bora. Make sure to visit to the wonderful and picturesque Terei’a Beach. This white sand beach with crystal clear water is as good it gets on the island. At low tide, the shallow water makes it easy to walk to Motu Auria just across the turquoise lagoon. Cliffs, caves and other local discoveries await await you on the Motu. You can learn more about The Best French Polynesian Islands here, or the Most Beautiful Beaches in French Polynesia here, or on Pinterest.
Maupiti Weather – When to Visit Maupiti
Although the period between May and October is considered to be the best time to visit Maupiti, the island offers good conditions for travel here all year long. During the rainy season the sky over the island is usually partly cloudy, and sudden downpours with thunder are quite common. In most cases though, they last for about 30 minutes or an hour, so you will have the chance to spend the rest of the day out, enjoying the wonderful weather and natural beauty.
Maupiti enjoys great weather 365 days a year. The average daytime temperatures range between 82°F and 88°F. Nights are generally very warm with temperatures of at least 60°F year round. There are two seasons, the dry season (from May to October) and the rainy season (between November and April). During the dry season, you’ll have clear skies and plenty of sunshine guaranteed.
Best Maupiti Beaches
Terei’a Beach
At the southwestern tip of the main island, lies the most beautiful beach in Maupiti and certainly one of the most stunning in the world. The beauty of Tereia Beach, its location facing the setting sun and its incredible softness make it a must-see. The beach is more than just a backdrop; it’s a place of wonder, and one of the best things to do in Maupiti.
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Motu Auira
There’s an important melon-production plantation on Motu Auira, as well as a lovely coral sand beach. At low tide you can reach it from the mainland by wading across the lagoon – the water is warm and only waist high, but keep an eye out for rays.
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Motu Tiapaa
Motu Tiapaa has beautiful, sandy, white beaches and good snorkeling on its ocean and lagoon sides. It’s also the most developed motu, with several pensions, so it can seem crowded by Maupiti standards.
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Motu Pitihahei
If you have a kayak, you can paddle to this completely isolated motu, but be sure to steer way to the north of Onoiau Pass, which is very dangerous due to strong currents near the pass.
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Motu Paeao
Motu Paeao, at the northern end of the lagoon, is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with fabulous coral gardens and jade waters.
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Best Maupiti Restaurants
Snack Chez Mimi $10 & Under
Feel the sand in your toes at this casual spot soothingly positioned right on Tereia Beach. Make sure you get there on the early side (ideally before 1pm) – only one round of food, usually grilled fish, raw fish and beef steak, is made for the day. Generous sandwiches are also available. Telephone: Web (TripAdvisor): Snack Chez Mimi
Espace Beach $10 & Under
Opening onto the lagoon, this is the best place on Maupiti for a lagoon-side lunch or dinner (by reservation only). The emphasis is on simply prepared fish dishes, including tuna sashimi. Telephone: 689 40 67 80 29 Web: Espace Beach
Tarona $10 & Under
This humble budget bite dishes up hearty portions of French Polynesian and Chinese staples at blessedly low prices. House specials include raw fish, grilled fish, tuna sashimi and chow mien. If you’re really hungry after a day’s Maupiti adventuring, the pork with taro will definitely fill you up. Telephone: 689 87 71 99 45 Web: Tarona
Best Maupiti Pensions
Maupiti Residence
The charm and comfort of 2 houses of private guests, 72 m2, fully equipped, living room, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, 5 persons. Exclusivity of a white sand beach, terrace overlooking the lagoon motu (islet), the breaking of the barrier reef at sunset, a natural and wild environment. Nearby meal snacks and breakfast, possibility of delivery to your patio. Plan your stay at Maupiti Residence.
Le Kuriri
Le Kuiri is a small eco-friendly guest house located on motu Tiapa’a in Maupiti. Its four bungalows are built in tropical style, they are all different in their shape and decoration. The garden ends on a beautiful small beach facing Bora Bora. Plan your stay at Le Kuriri
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Pension Maupiti Village
Some travelers like the casual atmosphere here, some don’t. The food is copious and flavorsome, and the location on the ocean side of Motu Tiapaa is good for snorkeling. Accommodation-wise, it’s clean but spartan, with a bare-bones six-bed dorm and three basic bungalows (ask for the one facing the beach). Plan your stay at Pension Maupiti Village.
Pension Tereia
Everything is ultra-laid-back at this homey pension with an ace location, a mere two-minute walk from Tereia Beach. Sandra and Kete, your affable hosts, will treat you like family. Digs are in three tiny, no-frills rooms that share two bathrooms. Spend your day frolicking in the lagoon if you like, but be back for the excellent dinners that Sandra whips up. Plan your stay at Pension Tereia
Pension I Love Maupiti
Pension I Love Maupiti welcomes you to their home in Faanoa. They have 3 very comfortable guest rooms. Enjoy their local hospitality. Plan your stay at Pension I Love Maupiti
Pension Taputea
The property features a wide range of facilities to make your stay a pleasant experience. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, restaurant are on the list of things guests can enjoy. The hotel’s peaceful atmosphere extends to its recreational facilities which include canoe, snorkeling, private beach, diving, fishing. Plan your stay at Pension Taputea Maupiti
Pension Tautiare Village
Tautiare Village is a charming guesthouse well-run by Dawn and his family, that offers very spacious rooms with private bathroom. No beach on site but you can easily reach the public beach of Tere’ia on foot or by bike, the opportunity to discover this picturesque island. Plan your stay at Pension Tautiare Village
Maupiti island sounds like an amazing island to visit. I have never been to any of the French Polynesia islands, but after reading this post, I have put it on my bucket list as must see destinations.
You mention that many visitors to Maupiti often make it a day trip from Bora Bora. But it look as if there enough to see and do on Maupiti to make it worth a longer trip than just a day? How long would you recommend one stays to take in most of the sights? Thank you.
I think you would want at least 3 full days (not including travel time). You can tour the island and there is also plenty of archeological sites to see, as well as hiking to the top of Mount Teurafaatiu.
Thank you for sharing such detailed information about Maupiti. I am seriously considering a trip to this beautiful island, and your descriptions of the beaches, weather, and activities have really piqued my interest. I love the idea of experiencing the authentic Polynesian lifestyle and enjoying the peaceful pace of life on Maupiti. I’m definitely going to do some more research and consider adding it to my travel bucket list. Thank you again for sharing such a great article!
You are very welcome Jan. I am glad you enjoyed learning about beautiful Maupiti French Polynesia. Thank you for taking the time to leave me comments as well.
Hello Leahrae, I truly love your site and I’m glad I found it! I’m finding out such a huge amount about the French Polynesia islands and it went from a country I had never known about to making it on my list of must-do of spots to go. Maupiti island seems like an incredible spot to visit and I like the fact that it doesn’t seem expensive at all.
Thank you Katherine 🙂 I am glad you are enjoying your visits to Beach Travel Destinations. Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to leave me comments.
Hi Leahrae! Maupiti in French Polynesia looks like a perfect example of a tropical paradise. Between the swimming, snorkeling, and great restaurants, I could enjoy a fantastic getaway to this incredible destination! I can definitely imagine this relaxing place making an ideal spot for a memorable vacation. Thanks for sharing this gem!!
You are very welcome Aly. I am glad you enjoyed your digital visit to Maupiti French Polynesia. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
Hey Leahrae, I really love your site! I’m learning so much about the French Polynesia islands and it went from a country I had never heard of to making it on my bucket list of places to go. The Maupiti island sounds like a phenomenal place to visit. One question, though, what does pension mean? I’m guessing that it means something like a B&B based on context, but I’m wondering if there are differences between a pension and B&B.
You know really a pension and a B&B are both generally family run and really generally the same. The big difference is that a pension typically offers not only breakfast, but also lunch, dinner, and sometimes even tea. So your meals are covered!
Wow I’ve been searching for places to visit that would get me out of the cold climate I live in. Maupiti French Polynesia looks like an excellent option for me and my wife to consider. I haven’t done a ton of research but considering it’s a beach destination is there any potential for hurricanes during the wet season? Thanks for your input!
Yes, hurricane season is September to April. Hurricanes are forecasted and known well in advance. So you could plan your trip during this time as long as you keep an eye on the weather first. Anytime here, personally, will be a great time.
Hi, Thank you very much for introducing good restaurants and good accommodations. It is really good to know where your travel destinations are before planning your trip. I actually enjoy watching the sea and walking on the beach, and traveling to places that have beaches is very enjoyable for me.
Great LIam, let me know if you need any help planning your next beach destination!
Wow! Yes this little island seems idyllic for a few days of relaxation. It also appears to be reasonably priced. I loved the variety pictures and your descriptions of places to eat at and stay. Do you know if there are and festivals or other festivities that would liven the life up or is it all about taking a quiet break there?
This is going to be a rest and relaxation trip for sure. You are not going to find anything much in the way of festivals on Moorea.
Thank you for your article! I did not know about this place and what an incredible place to visit! I love how you have shown all of the top places you can stay and where to go to find them. This has been very helpful for me and I will be showing this to my friends for our next holiday destination. Please keep posting, I will be sure to lookout for your next one!
Thank you, Jasmin, and I am glad you are enjoying your visits to Beach Travel Destinations. Please let me know if you are interested in a particular beach destination that I have not covered yet.
Thank you for your description of the beautiful island of Maupiti, a part of the French Polynesian islands.
Crystal clear blue waters and beautiful white sands make these islands look divine, calming, and inviting.
I was amazed at the prices of the local restaurants and very impressed with your drone footage. This definitely makes my list of the next great adventure.
Great Dana. You can’t go wrong anywhere in French Polynesia. And there is definitely plenty for everyone. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Beach Travel Destinations.
I enjoyed reading your post so much on beautiful Maupiti of the French Polynesia! I was in Bora Bora a few years ago for a week, I did not know about this beauty then. I read your “About Me” and understood what you were saying. I also love to travel but decided years ago to always do it on business so that I could both enjoy it and write off the expense. It sounds like you are trying to build this type process.
That sounds like a great way to travel….business and pleasure with the business write off! But, for me just getting out and enjoying all the wonderful places there are to see is all worth the price!
Upon looking more, I have found another great review of a possible place I could go on my honeymoon. In fact, Maupiti seems like it is actually less expensive than some of the other places that you have mentioned before. All the places to eat look as though they have some amazing prices on them. It would be nice to go there and have fun and enjoy local food.
Maupiti would be a great place for a honeymoon. And then add the culture and great food….makes for a wonderful vacation. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Thank you very much for this valuable and detailed post about french polynesia. Honestly, I asked about this today. Because I had heard about Bora Bora before. There is a beautiful drone view in the video you have attached. Because I like coral garden very much. Keep posting like this. I will definitely share this.
I am glad you enjoyed visiting beach travel destinations. If you have any questions on beautiful Maupiti or any of French Polynesia, please send me an email. Thanks again for stopping by and leaving me comments as well.