Beach· Maupiti· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Motu Pitiahe & Motu Tiapa'a Beaches
16° 28.6′ S · 152° 14.9′ W
The two small motus flanking Onoiau Pass, with white sand, coconut palms and the turquoise channel between them. They are Maupiti's postcard picnic beaches and a short dinghy ride from the manta station and the ZMR de Manuea.
Practical
Coordinate is the OSM beach on Motu Pitiahe (Pitihahei); Tiapa'a's beaches are mapped at -16.47453, -152.24146 and -16.46801, -152.24444. Tahiti Tourisme names both motus as ideal beach days. A cruiser writing in Multihulls World recommends walking out on these motus to watch the swell in Onoiau Pass before you leave. The motus are private family land with pensions (Kuriri Village, Papahani), so be respectful and ask before wandering into gardens. Keep the dinghy out of the pass current and the marked channel.
Best for
Picnic beach and checking the pass on foot
Nearby
- Motu Pitiahe Anchorage0.1 NM away
- Maupiti Manta No-Navigation Zone0.2 NM away
- Maupiti Manta Ray Cleaning Station0.2 NM away
- Tiapa'a Stingray & Blacktip Shallows0.3 NM away
- Maupiti Pass Season & Manta Season0.6 NM away
- ZMR de Manuea (Maupiti)0.6 NM away
- Maupiti Large-Yacht Zones (arrêté 399 CM 2026)0.9 NM away
- Maupiti Manta Dive (Maupiti Diving Club)1 NM away