Maupiti

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

Geography

Maupiti is a volcanic island in a chain formed by the Society hotspot. It is estimated to be 3.9–4.5million years old. The island is a "near atoll", consisting of a central volcanic peak surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef with five motu: Auira, Pa'ao, Tuanai, Tiapaa and Pitiahe. The lagoon has an area of, and the central island has an area of and a maximum elevation of.

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

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

Administration

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