Maupiti Lagoon

Onoiau Pass

The Caves (Maupiti)

French Polynesian cuisine is a delicious fusion of traditional Polynesian cooking methods with French culinary influence. The iconic dish is poisson cru, fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, served with vegetables. Other staples include grilled mahi-mahi and tuna, fafaru (fermented fish), and poe (tropical fruit pudding made with banana, papaya, or mango and coconut milk). Fresh breadfruit, taro, and sweet potato accompany most meals. The French influence brings quality baguettes, croissants, pastries, and fine wines to even the most remote islands. Roulettes (food trucks) in Papeete serve affordable Chinese, French, and Polynesian dishes.

Liveaboard vessel

Hiva Oa Lodge

Pension Marohei

Pension Raivavae

Maupiti represents the ultimate in unspoiled Polynesian diving, an island so remote and undeveloped that visiting divers experience marine environments virtually unchanged from centuries ago. The island's single pass, Onoiau, is a thrilling deep channel where pristine coral formations frame encounters with manta rays during the May to November season, grey reef sharks patrolling year-round, and occasional hammerhead schools in deeper water. The currents through the pass can be strong, making it an advanced dive site that rewards experienced divers with extraordinary marine life density. Within the lagoon, shallow coral gardens remain virtually untouched by human impact, supporting healthy populations of green turtles, stingrays, and diverse reef fish. The Caves on the outer reef feature limestone overhangs and swim-throughs harbouring glassfish, lobsters, and moray eels in dramatic light conditions. Maupiti has almost no tourist infrastructure, with a handful of family pensions providing the only accommodation. The island's residents maintain traditional fishing practices and a subsistence lifestyle that has preserved the surrounding reefs in exceptional condition. Access is by Air Tahiti flights to the small airstrip on a motu, with boat transfers to the main village. For divers seeking authentic wilderness diving without crowds or commercial operations, Maupiti offers a rare and precious experience that is increasingly difficult to find anywhere in the world.

Maupiti (Society Islands)

Air Tahiti flights from Papeete via Bora Bora or Raiatea. The airstrip is on a motu with boat transfer to the village.

Where to Stay in Maupiti (Society Islands)

Accommodation Overview

Recommended Areas

Family Pensions

Holiday Rentals

Featured Hotels & Resorts

Liveaboard vessel

Hiva Oa Lodge

Pension Marohei

Pension Raivavae