History & Polynesian Culture

The history of Bora Bora begins over 1,000 years ago, when Polynesian navigators from Tonga and Samoa crossed the Pacific in their double-hulled canoes and settled the Society Islands. This navigation — thousands of kilometers across open sea, using only stars, waves, and birds — is one of the greatest maritime achievements in human history.

Polynesian Era

The Polynesians called the island “Pora Pora" (Firstborn) — according to legend, it was the first island to rise from the sea after the sacred Raiatea. Bora Bora was a warrior kingdom: The chiefs (Arii) ruled from their Marae (temples), and the warriors of Bora Bora were considered the most fearless of the Society Islands. The Marae Marotetini on the west coast was the spiritual center of the island.

European Contact & Colonial Era

1722 saw the Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen as the first European to sight the island. 1769 saw James Cook anchor off Bora Bora and map the lagoon. In the 19th century, Christian missionaries arrived, pushing back the Polynesian religion. In 1842, Bora Bora became a French protectorate and has belonged to France ever since — today as part of the overseas territory of French Polynesia.

World War II — Operation Bobcat

An unexpected episode: After the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941), the USA established a military base on Bora Bora — Operation Bobcat. Over 5,000 American soldiers were stationed on the tiny island, building the airport (still in use today), bunkers, coastal guns, and infrastructure. The guns never fired a shot — Bora Bora was never attacked. The relics (guns, bunkers) are now tourist attractions. A little-known consequence: Many GIs married local women — a cultural exchange that left a lasting impact on the island.

Tourism Boom

Tourism began in the 1960s when Marlon Brando and other Hollywood stars discovered the island as a retreat. 1967 saw the opening of the first overwater bungalow hotel — an innovation that would revolutionize luxury hospitality. Since the 1990s, international hotel chains (Four Seasons, St. Regis, InterContinental) have made Bora Bora the honeymoon capital of the world.

The Polynesian culture on Bora Bora is vibrant and authentic despite the tourism. The locals speak Tahitian among themselves (French is the official language), wear flowers in their hair, dance to drums, and maintain their traditions with pride.

Traditional Dances

The Tamure (or Ori Tahiti) is the most famous Polynesian dance — an exhilarating hip dance to drums (Toere and Pahu), where the dancers move their hips at breathtaking speed. The men perform the Haka-like war dance with powerful movements and theatrical facial expressions. Dance shows are performed several times a week in most resorts — they are authentic, captivating, and emotional.

Tattoo Art

The word “Tattoo" originates from Tahitian (tatau)! The Polynesian tattoo tradition is one of the oldest in the world — geometric patterns tell the life story, status, and ancestry of the wearer. On Bora Bora, there are several traditional tattoo artists who ink both traditional Polynesian and modern designs. A Polynesian tattoo as a souvenir is an unforgettable keepsake — but choose an experienced artist and a design with meaning.

Other Cultural Elements

• Ukulele & Music — The ukulele (brought by the Portuguese) is the instrument of Polynesia. Its gentle sounds can be heard all over the island — on the beach, in restaurants, at family gatherings. Polynesian music is melodic, rhythmic, and deeply emotional.
• Tiki Culture — Tikis (carved figures) represent gods and ancestors of Polynesian mythology. They adorn hotels, gardens, and temples. As a souvenir, there are hand-carved Tikis made of wood or stone (from 2,000 XPF / 17€).
• Lei & Flowers — The traditional greeting with a Lei (flower garland) at the airport or port is more than folklore — it is a genuine sign of hospitality (Mana) and a Polynesian blessing for the guest.
• Heiva Festival (July) — The largest cultural event in French Polynesia: weeks of dance competitions, sports events (stone lifting, canoe races), crafts, and music. Celebrated in Tahiti and the islands — if you travel in July, it is an absolute highlight.