Maupiti - The authentic island

Often considered as one of the most beautiful island of the southern seas, Maupiti is the oldest of the Society Islands (4 million years old). Its mountainous highlights are very similar to those from Bora Bora, its neighbour, a collapsed volcano and sheer cliffs. Maupiti’s highest peak, Mount Teurafaatui is often flown over by large sea birds such as frigate birds and reed harriers. Maupiti has a wonderful lagoon to be discovered either by canoe or diving. Point Tereia’s marvellous white sand beach is not frequently visited, for the greatest pleasure of herons and turtles who come there to lay their eggs. The five motus (islets) that surround the main island provide great coral ground for growing watermelons and melons. The very narrow Onoiau pass filled with multicoloured corals guarantees by its difficult access the relative isolation of the island. This Polynesian gem is undoubtedly one of the most charming and authentic. Bora Bora’s sister island is a land of legends and superstition, where archaeological remnants, hidden in tropical vegetation, bear witness of ancient times. This polynesian « dream come true » is an envied heavenly destination, where everyone is attached to traditions and life rhythmed by the sounds of waves and wind in coconut trees.

Circle Island Tour:

The village of Vai’ea huddles at the foot of cliffs whose cavities and caves provide shelter for sea birds. The village extends along a narrow coastal strip around the east coast towards Farauru, the second village. Continuing northwards, the Haranai valley yields interesting stone carvings, such as a phallic shaped “tiki” and on the rocks, petroglyphs representing turtles. Further along, in the Vaitia valley there is an enormous flat stone, which is considered to be Hiro’s legendary canoe. On the west coast, along the long sandy Tereia beach, the red cliffs bear the mark of the famous warrior Nina Here. Before coming back to Vaiea the road passes in front of Vaiahuu national marae with its large raised coral flagstones, some of which were dedicated to the god of fishing.

Green Tourism:

A hike to the cliff of Hotu Parata, preferably with a guide. This 165 meter high cliff dominates the village of Vaiea. The fairly steep trail passes through a light cover of mape, mango and purau trees before tackling the ridge. The gaps in the forest cover give you glimpses of the magnificent scenic views out to the motu and the pellucid lagoon with its strange coral cauldrons. From the first peak, the view opens out to the horizon, the ocean and the area around the neighbouring peak of Teurafaatui or Nuupere at a height of 372 meters. The path gets harder and more dangerous due to the crumbly nature of the rock causing some landslides before reaching the end of the cliff. The view to infinity and the sight of the peaks of the neighbouring islands is a great reward for your efforts.

Lagoon Tours:

Since the aerodrome is located on the big motu of Tuanai, your first trip to get to the family pensions on the main island or on other “motu” must necessarily be by boat. While crossing the shallow turquoise lagoon you can admire the large leopard or manta rays swimming amidst other multicoloured fish, and the famous “coral cauldrons”, some of which are used by the pearl farms. Opposite Vai’ea village the two motu beside the single reef passage are worth checking out. The one - Pitihahei has the distinction of having a unique native flower “Hina’s tiare” (the moon goddess), and the other opposite, “motu” Tiapa’a, a really peaceful haven, has the recently discovered Ofera “marae”. To the north, between the two motu the smallest islet of Pae’ao adjacent to the Hiro pass and the coral garden, is without doubt the most steeped in history. Its archaeological site dating from the 9th century is one of the oldest in Polynesia. On its left, Auira motu with large melon plantations attracts your attention to its tall wind turbines watching over the last traces of the marae on the island of Vaiotaha. You can go there via a natural ford, also called the “baby sharks’ crossing”, near Tereia Point with its magnificent beach of fine sand.