History Of Place - For such a small island, Bora Bora has fascinating and rich past. Formed by a volcanic eruption over roughly four million years ago, this island was called Vavau in early times. It is thought that this island was actually first inhabited by people from the Tongan isle of the same name. Bora Bora, which means first born when translated, is said to have been ruled by the first-born son of the legendary King Hiro of Raiatea, Prince Ohatatama. Believed by many to have been the most important island in French Polynesia after Raiatea in ancient times, Bora Bora was home to a race of fierce warriors.
History Of Place First discovered by Captain James Cook in 1769 during his exploration of the region, a missionary base was established here in 1820 converting many Polynesians to Christianity. These missionaries were part of the London Missionary Society. A key island in Tahiti's struggle for independence against the French, Bora Bora too became a French protectorate in 1888, roughly some 40 years after the French had annexed Tahiti.
History Of Place First discovered by Captain James Cook in 1769 during his exploration of the region, a missionary base was established here in 1820 converting many Polynesians to Christianity. These missionaries were part of the London Missionary Society. A key island in Tahiti's struggle for independence against the French, Bora Bora too became a French protectorate in 1888, roughly some 40 years after the French had annexed Tahiti.
A relatively quiet paradise till the 1940's, Bora Bora was used by the Americans as a supply base in World War II. Part of Operation Bobcat, this island housed some 6,000 US soldiers in the 1946. The runway on Motu Mute was used by many Allied pilots, who brought supplies to and from the island. During the war, eight huge naval cannons were positioned at various places around the island. However, today just one cannon stands in its place, a reminder of this island's chaotic History Of Place.
A key History Of Place French Polynesian island as Bora Bora was home to the main airport of the region; this little paradise took a back seat when the Faa'a International Airport was set up in Tahiti in 1961. Now packaged as a place of refuge from the chaos of the world, Bora Bora has come to symbolize the ultimate vacation destination for many. A gorgeous island, with lush scenery, stunning lagoons and an idyllic motu, this place is now believed by many to be one of the last tropical paradises on earth.
