Maupiti is an island in the western Leeward Islands in French Polynesia. It is the westernmost volcanic island in the archipelago, 315 km northwest of Tahiti and 40 km west of Bora Bora. It has a population of 1,286 people. The largest town is Vaiea.

Geography

Maupiti is a volcanic island, and lies on the Society hotspot. It is estimated to be 3.9 - 4.5 million years old. The island is a "near atoll", consisting of a central volcanic peak surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef with four motu: Auira, Pa'ao, Tuanai, Tiapaa and Pitiahe. The lagoon has an area of 27 km2 and the central island has an area of 12 km2 and a maximum elevation of 372 m.

History

There are ancient Polynesian archaeological artifacts dating from at least AD 850 in Maupiti. A burial site excavated in 1962 suggested early cultural links with New Zealand. The first European to arrive on the island was the Dutchman Jakob Roggeveen in 1722. Historically, the island has had strong cultural links with Bora Bora.

Economy

Maupiti Airport, located on the motu of Tuanai, provides a connection to the rest of French Polynesia. The primary economic activity on Maupiti was noni production.

Administration

Maupiti is administratively part of the commune (municipality) of Maupiti, itself in the administrative subdivision of the Leeward Islands. The main settlement is Vaiea.