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MAUPITI
Calling Code: +689
Maupiti is still the unexploited gem of the Society Islands, despite
its increasing popularity with travelers. Surrounded by small coral islets on
the barrier reef, Maupiti is covered with lush vegetation. A variety of fruits
grow in profusion. In two hours or less you can hike the 9km (5 miles) around
the island without seeing another soul.
With an area of 15 square miles (25sqkm), Maupiti is the smallest and most isolated
of the Leeward Group. It lies 23 miles (37km) west of Bora Bora and has a population
of about 1200. There is only one pass - Onoiau - that leads into Maupiti and it
is so narrow that the government boat that calls once a month can only enter the
pass diagonally, and then only if the sea is calm.
The island is strikingly different from the other Leeward Islands because of its
miniscule size, its isolation and the comparatively dense population of the villages.
The population has doubled in the past decade or so and there are countless children
and dogs running about. The three contiguous villages of Farauru, Vai'ea and Pauma
together fill one long crowded strip along the eastern side of the island. Perhaps
because of the population density, there seems to be never-ending frenetic activity
in the community.
If you stay at any of the pension on the main island, you will be awakened at 5am by motor scooters en route to the bakery -
the supply of bread usually runs out by 6 or 7am and people adjust their schedules around the opening of the bakery.
Perhaps because of their isolation and their independent streak, Maupitians have
adopted a "no hotel" policy in order to preserve the island as it is. They have
had several offers to build large, modern hotels, but the village elders have
refused; they are well aware of the changes that have occurred on Bora Bora due
to tourism and they don't like what they see.
Other than a post office and a few tiny markets that are primarily adjuncts to
people's home, there is little in the way of amenities on the island. Banking
is done whenever the bank representative flies into town for a couple of days.
For visitors who expect to be entertained or need Club Med style activities to
keep them occupied, Maupiti is not an appropriate destination.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
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