Maupiti

Maupiti is situated at the extreme west of the Society Islands, about 300 km from Tahiti and 40 km from Bora Bora. It is a small island with a surface of about 9 square km and about 1,200 inhabitants. It was discovered in 1722 by the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen. The island was hit by a heavy cyclone in 1997.
Maupiti's main attractions are the 5 motu (small islets): Motu Paeao, Motu Auira, Motu Tiapaa, Motu Pitihahai and Motu Tuanai.

By plane

Air Tahiti offers flights to Maupiti from

• Tahiti: M Tu W F Su (flight time 55 min)
• Bora Bora: F and Su (flight time 20 min)
• Raiatea: Tu F and Su (flight time 25 min)

The airport is on Motu Tuanai. The boat transfer by private taxi-boats to the main city takes 15 min.

By boat

Maupiti Express runs the Maupiti Express 2 from Bora Bora to Maupiti on Tu Th and Sa. Maupiti Express 2 leaves Vaitape on Bora Bora at 08:30 and arrives at Maupiti at 10:15, leaving Maupiti again at 16:00 and arriving at Bora Bora at 17:45. One-way fare is 3000 F (francs), return 4000 F (2009).

Maupiti has 30 archaeological sites whiche are clearly signposted. The temples (marae) of the gods covered the four corners of the island.

• PetroglyphsAbout 1 km north of the main village, then turn left.

• Marae Vaiahu

• Climb MountTeerefaatiu with exceptional views of Bora Bora and Raiatea (and Tahaa on clear days as well).

By plane

Air Tahiti offers flights from Maupiti to

• Tahiti: M Tu W F Su (flight time 55 min)
• Bora Bora: Su (flight time 20 min)
• Raiatea: Tu F and Su (flight time 25 min)

By boat

Maupiti Express runs the Maupiti Express 2 from Bora Bora to Maupiti on Tu Th and Sa. Maupiti Express 2 leaves Maupiti at 16:00 and arrives at Bora Bora at 17:45. One way fare is 3000 F, return 4000 F (2009).