Maupiti: A Hidden Gem in French Polynesia

• HelloIa ora na
  [Yah ohr-ah nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [Nah-nah]
• YesE
  [Eh]
• NoAita
  [Eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeMauruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [Mah-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [Pahr-dohn]
• How are you?Eaha te huru?
  [Eh-ah hteh hoo-roo]
• Fine. And you?Maitai. O oe?
  [My-tah-ee. Oh eh]
• Do you speak English?Ua haere oe i te reo anglais?
  [Oo-ah hah-eh-reh oh-eh ee teh reh-oh ahng-lay]
• I don't understandAita au maramarama
  [Eye-tah oh mah-rah-mah-rah-mah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE te faaea i te meniu, maruuru
  [Eh teh fah-ah-eh ee teh meh-nee-oo mah-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au haere i te manu
  [Eye-tah oh hah-eh-reh ee teh mah-noo]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE te soli, maruuru
  [Eh teh soh-lee mah-roo-roo]

• Help!Aita!
  [Eye-tah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [Hah-eh-reh ah-too]
• Call the Police!Taio i te faraoti!
  [Tie-oh ee teh fah-rah-oh-tee]
• Call a doctor!Taio i te taata hau!
  [Tie-oh ee teh tah-ah-tah how]
• I'm lostUa haere i au i roto i te fenua
  [Oo-ah hah-eh-reh ee oh ee roh-toh ee teh feh-noo-ah]
• I'm illUa paura au
  [Oo-ah pah-oo-rah oh]

• I'd like to buy...E te hana i te...
  [Eh teh hah-nah ee teh...]
• I'm just lookingUa haere au i te uru
  [Oo-ah hah-eh-reh oh ee teh oo-roo]
• How much is it?Eaha te moni?
  [Eh-ah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveTeie te moni rahi roa
  [Teh-ee teh moh-nee rah-hee roh-ah]
• Can you lower the price?Haere iho oe i te moni?
  [Hah-eh-reh ee-hoh oh-eh ee teh moh-nee]

• What time is it?E aha te ora?
  [Eh ah-hah teh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockE tahi ora
  [Eh tah-hee oh-rah]
• Half past (10)E haapiti (10)
  [Eh hah-ah-pee-tee (10)]
• MorningPoipoi
  [Poy-poy]
• AfternoonAparaatai
  [Ah-pah-rah-tah-ee]
• EveningAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• YesterdayArohe
  [Ah-roh-heh]
• TodayAtea
  [Ah-teh-ah]
• TomorrowApa
  [Ah-pah]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Fa
  [Fah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-no]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [Vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Aho
  [Ah-ho]

• Where's a/the...?E te aha i te...?
  [Eh teh ah-hah ee teh...?]
• What's the address?E aha te tuhinga?
  [Eh ah-hah teh too-heen-gah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Haere iho oe i te mahere?
  [Hah-eh-reh ee-hoh oh-eh ee teh mah-heh-reh]
• When's the next (bus)?A te aha te parau?
  [Ah teh ah-hah teh pah-rah-oo]
• A ticket (to ....)E te moni (i te...)
  [Eh teh moh-nee ee teh...]

Maupiti, part of the Society Islands, was first settled by Polynesians around 850 AD. These early inhabitants navigated vast ocean distances using traditional voyaging canoes, guided by the stars, ocean currents, and bird flight patterns. The island's archaeological sites, such as marae (sacred temple sites), attest to its rich Polynesian heritage.

Maupiti was first encountered by Europeans in 1767 when British navigator Samuel Wallis sighted the island aboard the HMS Dolphin. This marked the beginning of European awareness of Maupiti, leading to subsequent visits by explorers, including the famous Captain James Cook in the late 18th century.

In the early 19th century, Protestant missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived in Maupiti. They played a significant role in converting the island's inhabitants to Christianity, which led to the establishment of churches and the decline of traditional Polynesian religious practices.

Maupiti became part of French Polynesia following the declaration of a French protectorate over the Society Islands in 1842. The French administration brought changes to the island's governance, economy, and social structures, integrating Maupiti more closely with the broader colonial framework.

During World War II, French Polynesia, including Maupiti, played a strategic role in the Pacific theater. Although the island itself saw limited direct military activity, the war brought increased American presence and infrastructure developments in the region, impacting the local economy and way of life.

The post-war period saw significant modernization efforts in Maupiti. Infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of roads and an airstrip, facilitated better connectivity and tourism development. These changes have helped preserve the island's natural beauty while introducing modern amenities for both locals and visitors.

In recent decades, there has been a resurgence in efforts to preserve Maupiti's unique cultural heritage. Local initiatives focus on maintaining traditional crafts, dance, and music, as well as protecting the island's archaeological sites. These efforts aim to balance development with the preservation of Maupiti's rich cultural identity.

Maupiti is an island in French Polynesia, and the most common way to reach it is by air. Air Tahiti operates flights from Tahiti (Papeete) to Maupiti Airport (MAU), which is located on the islet of Motu Tuanai. These flights are not daily, so it is advisable to check the schedule and book in advance. Alternatively, you can reach Maupiti by ferry from Bora Bora; however, this option is less frequent and takes longer.

Maupiti is a small island, and the best way to get around is by bicycle or on foot. Bicycles can be rented from local guesthouses. There are no public buses on Maupiti, but you can hire a taxi for specific trips. Boat trips are also popular for exploring nearby islets and lagoons. Car rentals are not available on the island, but some accommodations offer shuttle services.

The official currency in Maupiti is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. There are no ATMs on Maupiti, so make sure to withdraw sufficient cash before arriving. Some guesthouses and shops may accept Euros or US Dollars, but it is best to have local currency.

Maupiti is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are extremely low, and the island community is welcoming and friendly. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists on Maupiti.

In case of emergency, the local emergency number is 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. There is a small medical clinic on the island, but for serious medical emergencies, evacuation to a larger island or Tahiti may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are limited, so bring any necessary medications with you.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in villages and public areas. Swimwear is appropriate only at the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. If visiting a church, dress conservatively and be quiet. Public Transport: There is no public transport system, but do respect private transport services and schedules. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Ia Orana' (hello) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Maupiti like a local, stay in family-run guesthouses (pensions) where you can enjoy traditional Polynesian hospitality. Participate in community activities such as fishing, weaving, or cooking to learn about local culture. Visit the local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Explore the island's natural beauty by hiking up Mount Teurafaatiu for stunning views or snorkeling in the lagoon to see vibrant marine life.