Maungapu
Aitutaki's highest point, said in legend to be the stolen summit of Rarotonga's Raemaru.
Updated 3 September 2026
Maungapu rises to only around a hundred and twenty four metres, which is enough to be the highest point on Aitutaki, and the tradition attached to it says the summit was cut from Raemaru on Rarotonga and carried here by Aitutakian warriors, which is why both are flat. The climb takes around twenty minutes on a steep track, and the top gives the view of the whole lagoon that the island is known for.
The landscape
- The lagoon view - the whole of Aitutaki's lagoon laid out from the top.
- The flat summit - the shape the Raemaru legend explains.
- The short climb - around twenty minutes up a steep track.
- The island layout - the main island and the motu visible together.
When to go
May to October is the drier season. Early morning and late afternoon avoid the heat. The track is slippery after rain.
What to expect
The track is steep and slippery when wet. There is no shade on the climb. The summit is small and gets busy when cruise passengers are on the island.
Nearby
Arutanga is below, and the lagoon is east.
What to pack for Maungapu
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
