About
Maupiti is a small volcanic island in the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia, in the South Pacific. It is often described as Bora Bora's little sister, and the comparison makes sense: both islands share a central volcanic peak rising from a ring of turquoise lagoon, but Maupiti is far quieter and far less visited.
What the visit feels like
Most travellers come to Maupiti for its atmosphere. The island keeps a distinctly authentic Polynesian character, with village life close to the water and a slower pace that many visitors find restful. Because there are fewer tourists than on the larger neighbouring islands, the lagoon, the shoreline and the surrounding reef tend to feel more like your own to explore.
Around the island
- The lagoon is the island's main draw, and it is well suited to slow days on the water.
- The volcanic landscape rises steeply behind the coast, giving the island its distinctive silhouette from the sea.
- Village life offers a glimpse of everyday Polynesian rhythms, away from the resort-focused routes of better-known islands.
Maupiti is also known as Maupihaa, a name you may see on some maps and in older references. Whether you are drawn by the lagoon, the quiet or the chance to see a more traditional side of French Polynesia, Maupiti suits travellers who prefer a small, unhurried island to a busy resort destination.
