The Polynesians found their way to the islands during the 4th century to settle down in Pora Pora, meaning firstborn. The first encounter with Europe didn’t have much of an influence on the history of Bora Bora, but it all changed when Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars made Bora Bora an autonomous territory of France in 1842.
Bora Bora’s history reflects its transformation from a remote Polynesian settlement to a French-influenced island with a significant role in World War II and, ultimately, its emergence as a sought-after tropical paradise for travelers seeking natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure.
Settlement of the Polynesians
Bora Bora, like many other islands in the South Pacific, was originally settled by Polynesians. The exact date of Polynesian settlement is uncertain. It is believed to have occurred around the 4th century AD. These early Polynesian settlers developed a distinct culture and society on the island.
Bora Bora appears in the logbook of Jacob Roggeveen
While it would seem logical that it was the French that found Bora Bora first, it was actually my compatriot Jacob Roggeveen that set foot on Bora Bora as the first European to encounter the island. It was in 1722 that the Dutch explorer anchored at an exotic island called Pora Pora.
Leading an expedition sponsored by WIC, VOC’s rival, he headed to seek Terra Australis with the aim to open a western trade route to the region known for its spices. To give the expedition a better chance to become successful, he left the Netherlands with a fleet of three ships, theArend, theThienhoven, andAfrikaansche Galey and a crew of 2.
Departing in August 1721, Roggeveen guided his expedition to the Falkland Islands, through Le Maire Strait, and around Cape Horn to proceed up the coast of Chile until March 17, 1722.
They anchored in the Juan Fernández Islands to prepare for the push into the unknown parts of the Pacific Ocean. From there, on a west-northwest course, they sailed a good 1,500 miles. On Easter Sunday, they reached what they hoped to be the coastline of the fabled Southland. It was, as the day already hinted, Easter Island.
After investigating Easter Island’s large, stone idols (Moais) and (mostly) friendly encounters with its inhabitants, Jacob Roggeveen and his crew proceed with the expedition going west, to the Society Islands and the Samoan Islands.
Jacob Roggeveen reaches Bora Bora
Considering it was on Easter Sunday 5 April 1722 that Jacob Roggeveen anchored at Easter Island, before reaching the Dutch East India post of Jepara (Java) on September 10, 1722, it must have been between April and September 1722 that Jacob Roggeveen set foot in what is now called Bora Bora.
Roggeveen didn’t influence the history of Bora Bora as they had no part in the expedition. After exploring six islands in theTuamotu Archipelago, Bora Bora and Maupiti in theSociety Islands, Roggeveen proceeded to the islands of Samoa where he lost his flagship,the Afrikaansche GaleyatTakapotoatoll.
The remaining two vessels sailed pastNew Guineato reachthe Dutch settlement in Bataviain 1722. By that time, Jacob Roggeveen lost his flagship and half of the original crews that succumbed to diseases. To make things even worse, the Dutch explorer was also arrested for violating themonopolyof the VOC. However, a lengthy lawsuit in the Netherlands resulted in the VOC being forced to compensate him for his losses and to pay his crew.
Pora Pora remains fairly unnoticed by explorers
Since Pora Pora wasn’t part of Jacob Roggeveen’s expedition, his brief presence on the island might seem unnoticeable, but the explorer being the first to mention Bora Bora and Maupitiu in his logbook might have had an influence on future events.
Such as the arrival of Samuel Wallis, discovering Tahiti on an expedition that run from 1766 to 1768 in which he explored the South Pacific and searched for the elusive Southern Continent (Terra Australis).
Wallis anchored in Tahiti in June 1767 in Matavai Bay, also shown on the above copperplate map which was probably issued in R. Bonne and N. Desmarest’sAtlas encyclopédique(Paris, 1787–1788).
Samuel Wallis, however, ignored Bora Bora and while he has a role to play in the course of Tahiti, Bora Bora remains fairly unnoticed, left to their beliefs and traditions.
European Exploration
In 1769, it was the more known British explorer Captain James Cook who arrived at Bora Bora. Cook’s visit was part of his exploration of the South Pacific during his first voyage.
Captain James Cook named the island “Noble Island.” Bora Bora and the surrounding islands later came under the influence of the Kingdom of Tahiti.
French Colonization
In the 19th century, French explorers and missionaries arrived in the region, and French influence grew.
In 1820 a London Missionary Society founded a Protestant church, which began the settlement of European influence. Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars made Bora Bora an autonomous territory of France in 1842.
In 1843, French Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit-Thouars declared a French protectorate over Tahiti and its dependencies, which included Bora Bora. The island became part of French Polynesia, and the French language and culture left a lasting impact.
World War II
During World War II, Bora Bora played a significant role as a military base. The United States chose the island as a supply and logistics base in the South Pacific. The construction of an airstrip and various military installations transformed the island during this period. The remnants of these military structures, including cannons and bunkers, can still be seen today and are of interest to history enthusiasts.
The start of Bora Bora’s tourism industry
After World War II, Bora Bora began to shift its focus back to tourism. The stunning natural beauty and clear waters of the island made it an appealing destination for travelers.
Introduction overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
Overwater bungalows, which have become an iconic feature of the island, were first introduced in the 1960s.
it helped Bora Bora’s tourism industry to grow and become known as a luxury destination. More high-end resorts followed, as well as water-based activities.
The island’s history and culture are now intertwined with its role as a premier tourist destination.
FAQ History of Bora Bora
What is the history of Bora Bora?
Bora Bora has a rich history that includes Polynesian settlement, European exploration, its role in World War II, and its emergence as a tourist destination.
When was Bora Bora first settled?
Bora Bora was likely first settled by Polynesians around the 4th century AD. These early settlers developed a unique culture on the island.
What is Pora Pora?
The inhabitants of Bora Bora used to call the island Pora Pora.
Who was the first European to anchor in Bora Bora?
It was the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen who was the first to mention Bora Bora and Maupiti in his logbook. He anchored in Pora Pora (now Bora Bora) and Maupiti in 1722. Howeverm the internet will mention British explorer Captain James Cook as the first to arrive in Bora Bora in 1769. He named the island “Noble Island.”
When did Bora Bora come under French influence?
In 1843, French Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit-Thouars declared a French protectorate over Tahiti and its dependencies, including Bora Bora.
What was Bora Bora’s role in World War II?
Bora Bora served as a military base for the United States during World War II. It was used as a supply and logistics base, and the island’s landscape was transformed by the construction of military installations.
When did tourism become a significant part of Bora Bora’s identity?
After World War II, Bora Bora shifted its focus back to tourism. The island’s stunning natural beauty and clear waters attracted travelers, and the first overwater bungalows were introduced in the 1960s.
