Maupiti — The Hidden Gem of French Polynesia

Destination Overview

Maupiti is often called “the Bora Bora of 50 years ago,” and the moment you arrive, you understand why.This island feels untouched by time — raw, simple, and heartbreakingly beautiful.There are no luxury resorts, no overwater bungalows, and no crowds.Just turquoise waters, endless palm trees, and a small community that welcomes you with open hearts.

Everything here moves slowly — the boats drift, the waves whisper, and even time itself seems to take a deep breath. It’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with the world all over again. 🌴✨

Why We Loved It

Maupiti felt like stepping into a memory — a version of Polynesia that exists beyond postcards and perfect frames.The air smelled like salt and frangipani, children played barefoot by the shore, and every sunrise painted the lagoon in a new shade of blue.

What we loved most was its authentic soul.There’s no rush, no performance — just real life unfolding slowly and beautifully.We felt connected to nature, to each other, and to something deeper — the kind of peace you don’t find often anymore. 💙

Where We Stayed

There are no big hotels on Maupiti — only small, family-run pensions scattered around the island.We stayed at [insert pension name here], a charming little guesthouse that reminded us what true hospitality feels like.

The rooms were simple, the meals were homemade, and the smiles were genuine. It wasn’t fancy — and that’s exactly what made it unforgettable.If you come here expecting luxury, you’ll miss the point.

Maupiti is about simplicity — living slowly, eating freshly caught fish, and falling asleep to the sound of waves. 🌊🌺

Where to Eat

Dining on Maupiti is as local as it gets — and that’s part of the adventure.

There are only a few small spots, each one full of charm and flavor:

• Tarona Restaurant — The island’s most well-known spot, open only for lunch. Fresh fish, coconut rice, and fruit straight from the garden.

• Restaurant Éphémère — The go-to dinner spot. Small, family-run, and worth the wait. Order the catch of the day or anything grilled.

• Food Truck by Tereia Beach — A fun, casual stop for snacks and fresh juices.

• Local Pizza Stand — Perfect for a laid-back evening after a long day of exploring.

Meals here aren’t just about food — they’re part of the experience.

You’ll dine with locals, chat with travelers, and feel like you’re part of a tiny island community. 🍍🌸

Top Things to Do

🐠 Lagoon Tour with Pinky Tours

An absolute must.We joined Pinky Tours for a full-day lagoon trip — one of our favorite experiences in all of French Polynesia.We swam with manta rays, reef sharks, and stingrays in the clearest water imaginable.The day ended with a traditional Polynesian lunch on a private motu — cooked right on the sand. Dreamlike.

⛰️ Hike to Mount Teurafaatiu

One of the most rewarding hikes in the South Pacific. It’s steep and challenging (around 1.5 hours each way) with ropes to assist, but the view from the top is unreal. You’ll see the entire island and lagoon below — layers of blue blending into infinity.Start early, bring water, and go on a sunny day. You’ll remember that view forever. 🌅

🏖️ Tereia Beach

The island’s main beach — soft sand, shallow turquoise water, and total calm.Perfect for a slow afternoon, a swim, or a sunset picnic under the palms.

🚶‍♀️ Walk Across the Lagoon to Motu Auira

A once-in-a-lifetime experience. You literally walk through the lagoon — about 40 minutes each way — with the water around knee height. You’ll pass rays and small sharks gliding peacefully beside you. At the end, you’ll reach a quiet motu with views of Maupiti on one side and the open Pacific on the other.During whale season (July–October), keep your eyes on the horizon — you might see whales breaching in the distance. 🐋

🛵 Explore by Scooter or Bike

Maupiti is only about 10 km around — perfect for a slow ride with endless stops for photos, fruit stands, and turquoise views.

Best Photo Spots

📸 Mount Teurafaatiu Viewpoint — the ultimate panorama. 📸 Drone shot of walking across the lagoon to Motu Auira — cinematic perfection. 📸 Tereia Beach at sunset — sky meets lagoon in pastel colors. 📸 The village pier — capture everyday island life during golden hour.

Best Time to Visit

☀️ The dry season (May–October) offers the best weather — calm seas, sunny days, and 27°C on average.For a quieter experience and lower rates, April or November are excellent choices — balancing warmth, light, and tranquility.

Travel Tips

💡 Book accommodation and transfers early — options are limited.

💡 Flights and ferries don’t run daily — plan ahead.

💡 Only Vini SIM cards work here — no Vodafone signal.

💡 Bring cash — there are no ATMs on the island.

💡 Embrace island time — patience is part of the rhythm.

💡 Use reef-safe sunscreen and light clothing — you’ll be outdoors most of the time.

How to Get There

✈️ By Plane:Domestic flights from Bora Bora or Tahiti — limited seats, so book early.

⛴️ By Ferry:Apetahi Express operates ferries from Bora Bora (1 hour) and Taha’a (3 hours).

💡 Pro Tip: Sit on the left side of the plane when flying in — the aerial view of the lagoon and Mount Teurafaatiu will take your breath away.

Final Thoughts – Travel With Love

Maupiti is everything we love about travel — raw, emotional, and real.It’s not about luxury; it’s about connection — with nature, with people, and with yourself.

We left with sandy feet, salty hair, and hearts full of gratitude.In a world that’s constantly rushing forward, Maupiti is a gentle reminder to slow down — and just be. 🌺💫