[2]: 4  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.

[2]: 5 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.

Maupiti Airport, located on the motu of Tuanai,[4] provides a connection to the rest of French Polynesia.

The primary economic activity on Maupiti was noni production.