TOP 13 Things To Do In Maupiti (with MAP)

Welcome to Maupiti, one of French Polynesia’s most beautiful islands.

Are you planning a visit and looking for the top things to do in Maupiti? We’ve got you covered.

Let’s look at the adventurous, water, cultural, and food activities you MUST NOT MISS!

Let’s get started.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• 🏞️ Climb Mount Teurafaatiu for beautiful, Instagram-worthy views of Maupiti’s blue lagoon and the Pacific Ocean.

• 🌊 Snorkel or scuba dive at Maupiti Pass to see blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, and colorful fish.

• 🍴 Visit the Sea Palace for a guided tour featuring unique coral architecture, a cultural story, and a song from the host. Don’t miss the Tarona snack bar for their poisson cru.

Overview of the best things to do in Maupiti

There are many things to do in Maupiti, for your convenience, we have put them on our map below covering the whole island! 

Tereia Beach

To start our list of ‘top things to do in Maupiti,‘ you must visit Maupiti’s most famous beach: Tereia Beach, also known as Maupiti’s BEST SWIMMING BEACH with shallow waters.

At Terei’a beach, you can expect to see golden sand as far as you can see and crystal-clear turquoise water with hardly any tourists.

👉 INSIDER TIP: You can WALK ACROSS A SANDBANK at low tide to the nearby motu Auira for a unique experience. The water is around waste deep, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes on foot! You might even see manta rays floating before you if you’re lucky!

TRIPADVISOR REVIEW: There are no restrooms at the beach, but there are two food trucks on-site (cash only), like Chez Mimis, which has big food portions, though service is slow. Beer is not available.

WHAT’S MORE SPECIAL: Many people visit Tereia Beach to watch the sunset. Imagine the sun’s reflection on the water during golden hour, which is PERFECT for Instagram-worthy pictures!

In our view, the sunset at Tereia Beach is even more magical than the one at Bora Bora’s Matira Beach.

Maupiti Pass

The Maupiti Pass is a natural channel that connects Maupiti’s lagoon to the open Pacific Ocean.

This pass is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving and thus belongs on the list of best things to do in Maupiti.

What makes the Maupiti Pass special?

The pass benefits from strong ocean currents that carry nutrient-rich waters into the lagoon.

These nutrients support a lively ecosystem, attracting many marine species.

Marine life at Maupiti Pass

You can expect to see

• Blacktip reef sharks and lemon sharks
• Eagle rays
• Colorful schools of tropical fish, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, and wrasses.
• Occasionally, sea turtles and manta rays

👉 INSIDER TIP: Early mornings have calmer waters, meaning better visibility and chances of spotting marine life.

Mount Teurafaatiu

Another bucket list item on our list of things to do on Maupiti Island is to climb Mount Teurafaatiu.

From the summit, you can see the entire island of Maupiti, with amazing landscapes, the Maupiti lagoon, and the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll need to hike for two hours to reach the summit, which is 380 meters (1,246 feet) above sea level.

Download your trail FOR FREE here!

The BEST TIMING for the hike is early morning to evade the midday heat.

The hiking trail begins slightly beyond the Tarona snack bar, near the base of the large antenna, close to a small refreshment stand. Look for a red and white marker to guide you.

REVIEW: The unmarked trail starts opposite the Tarona Restaurant signpost. En route, a picturesque view of the town awaits halfway up, with rocky sections demanding a climb facilitated by ropes. The steep incline challenges those uneasy with heights, yet the breathtaking panoramic vista atop justifies the exertion.

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Kayaking the lagoon

Maupiti is surrounded by the stunning MAUPITI LAGOON, with shades of turquoise and crystal-clear waters.

The beautiful lagoon makes it perfect for water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.

This favorite island also has beautiful pristine white-sand beaches.

Choose from half-day or full-day excursions offered by the guesthouses on this Polynesian island for an up-close view of MANTA RAYS, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish (see further below).

Take a look below to discover the guesthouses on the island! You can zoom out.

Visit the Sea Palace (Palais de la mer)

Outside the village on the lagoon side, you’ll see ‘The Sea Palace,‘ a house made from coral blocks, shells, and eclectic sculptures.

You can explore the house with Ah-Ky, the host of the site, a personality who gained fame in the 1980s as a singer-songwriter.

He states that the legend of the Mermaid of Ahky Firuu, the Prince of the Sea, inspires the palace.

You can explore the site for 9 USD (8 euros), which includes a guided tour, a tasting, a song, and a woven hat.

Biking around the island

Exploring Maupiti by bike is one of the best ways to experience the island.

Why bike around Maupiti?

• Small island: Maupiti’s coastal road around the island is just 6 miles (10 km), making it an easy half-day activity.
• Scenic views: As you bike along the coastline, you’ll pass by white sandy beaches, beautiful vegetation, and local villages.

Where to rent bikes

• Bikes are available for rent from guesthouses, hotels, and local shops (usually, you’ll get bikes for free from your accommodation).
• Otherwise, expect to pay around $10–$15 USD (€9–€13) daily for a standard bike (e-bikes are more expensive).

Must-see stops along the Maupiti biking route.

1. Tereia Beach: The best beach in Maupiti.
2. Pahua Point: A popular lookout point with panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon and nearby motus (islets).
3. Marae Vaiahu: An archaeological site.
4. Belvedere Lookout: Hike to this viewpoint for breathtaking views of the island (bikes can be parked at the base of the trail.)

Dive with manta rays.

Maupiti is famous for its MANTA RAY CLEANING STATION. 

The spot is underwater in the turquoise lagoon at a depth of 8 meters (24 feet).

Day trips by boat leave early in the morning, costing $50 to $100 per person.

Local cuisine

While Maupiti lacks large restaurants or international chains, its charm lies in its small guesthouse kitchens and local food stands like Snack Chez Mimi, known for its homemade Polynesian dishes, fresh seafood, and island-style barbecue.

Maupiti’s local cuisine is connected to the island’s fishing traditions, local produce, and French Polynesian heritage.

Here are some must-try dishes:

• Poisson cru: A tradition in Polynesian cuisine, this dish features raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.
• Grilled fish: Freshly caught fish, such as mahi-mahi, tuna, or parrotfish, are often grilled with simple seasonings for a deliciously smoky flavor.
• Fafaru: A traditional Polynesian delicacy made by fermenting fish in seawater and served with coconut milk. This is a bold choice for adventurous eaters.
• Chevrettes: These local freshwater shrimp are often cooked with garlic, butter, and herbs.
• Taro and breadfruit: These root vegetables are Polynesian staples, served roasted, steamed, or mashed as a hearty side dish.

👉 INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss the chance to try uru (breadfruit) cooked over an open flame.

Maupiti Cemetery

Visit Maupiti’s historic cemetery to see beautifully decorated graves with flowers and seashells,  one of the best things to do in Maupiti.

The cemetery, on a hill with views of the turquoise lagoon, has several historic tombstones dating back to the 15th century.

Archaeological sites

Maupiti is home to several archaeological sites.

Marae Vaiahu

One of Maupiti’s most important archaeological landmarks is Marae Vaiahu, a sacred Polynesian site believed to have played a central role in the island’s spiritual and social life.

This ancient ceremonial platform was used for spiritual rituals, community gatherings, and important ceremonies.

The marae is constructed from coral stones.

Near Maupiti’s main village, Marae Vaiahu, is easily accessible on foot or by bike.

Marae Tepaeru’i

For a quieter, more secluded experience, Marae Tepaeru’i is another archaeological site worth exploring.

This lesser-known marae is situated on Maupiti’s eastern side and offers a more intimate glimpse into Polynesian heritage.

The site features stone platforms, believed to have been used by tribal chiefs and navigators for ceremonies connected to the ocean and voyaging practices.

Petroglyphs of Haranae

These rock carvings, etched into volcanic stone, depict turtles, fish, and human figures.

They are believed to have been linked to spiritual beliefs or navigation practices.

Maupiti village

A visit to Vaiea Village (with 1,200 residents) is one of the top things to do in Maupiti.

Vaiea is the heart of Maupiti’s community life, where most residents live and work.

The village has a primary school, a post office, a few grocery stores, and a mayor’s office.

The village also has a historic church, where Sunday services feature Polynesian hymns.

Microlight flight over Maupiti Island

A microlight flight offers an amazing way to see Maupiti from above, providing views of the island’s blue lagoon, coral reefs, and landscapes.

Flights cost around $221.16 USD (€190) per person for a 20–30 minute flight. This is one of the best things to do in Maupiti.

Tarona Snack Bar

The Tarona Snack Bar is the best restaurant on Maupiti Island. It offers a chill atmosphere and authentic Polynesian flavors.

The menu has a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, sandwiches, and classic Tahitian specialties like poisson cru.

It is located right next to the trailhead to Mount Teurafaatiu, so it’s a great spot to fuel up before or after the hike.