Maupihaa

The triangular-shaped Maupihaa atoll contains a deep central lagoon reaching 40 meters, surrounded by coral reefs and vegetated islets spanning 8 kilometers.

In 1917, the German warship SMS Seeadler ran aground on the reef, leading its crew to establish a settlement called Seeadlerburg using materials from the wreck.

The seven residents maintain traditional Polynesian practices, sustaining themselves through copra farming, fishing, and gathering coconut crabs from the surrounding environment.

Transportation to the atoll requires careful navigation through narrow reef passages, with supply ships arriving only once annually when copra production reaches 14.5 tons.

The local community relies on satellite phones to communicate with Maupiti, located 100 nautical miles east, for requesting essential supplies throughout the year.

Location: Leeward Islands

Part of: Leeward Islands

GPS coordinates: -16.80000,-153.95000

Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:43