Landmark· Maupiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands

Motu Paeao (Pa'ao)

16° 25.2′ S · 152° 15.6′ W · approximate

The small northernmost motu, inside the reef between the airport motu and Auira. It is one of Maupiti's five motus and a quiet beach stop by boat; Maupiti's archaeology goes back to at least AD 850.

Society IslandsTahiti & Moorea

Practical

Coordinate is a point inside the OSM coastline of Motu Pae'ao (approx centre). Wikipedia: Maupiti has artifacts from at least AD 850, and a burial site excavated in 1962 (Emory & Sinoto, 1964) suggested early links with New Zealand. The sources opened for this entry don't confirm that the excavation was on Motu Paeao, so treat the motu as a beach stop and ask locally about the site. Access is by small boat or dinghy across the shallow northern lagoon; yachts can't get there. Pension boat trips go to the motus.

Best for

Remote motu beach by dinghy or pension boat

Nearby