What was Bora Bora originally called?

Formerly called Vavau, this island has been named by the explorer James Cook Bora Bora meaning « First born ». The famous English navigator was referring to a legend which says that Ta'aroa, the creator of the universe, created this island immediately after Raiatea.



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History of Bora Bora
Polynesians first inhabited the island during the 4th century. The island's original Polynesian name was Pora Pora, which means first born. Jacob Roggeveen was the first European to encounter the island in 1722. Roggeveen was a Dutch explorer who also discovered Easter Island of Chile.

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With unparalleled views and pristine waters melting onto dreamlike beaches, Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a tropical oasis. The French Polynesian hideaway is so idyllic, in fact, that even the Kardashians couldn't stay away — the celebrity family chose this luxurious resort as its vacation destination in 2011.

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As one of the 118 islands of Tahiti, its allure comes from its unmatched landscape beauty and the richness of Tahitian culture. The people of Bora Bora embrace visitors with the aromatic tiare leis and welcome them with warm smiles and traditional music and dance.

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The island's name—the Tahitian spelling of which is Porapora—means “First Born”; according to tradition, it was the first island created after Raiatea. Bora-Bora was sighted by Dutch admiral Jacob Roggeveen in 1722, visited by Capt. James Cook in 1769 and 1777, and annexed by France in the late 19th century.

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For their 20th anniversary, Bruce surprises Kris with a trip for the entire family to Bora Bora. For their 20th anniversary, Bruce surprises Kris with a trip for the entire family to Bora Bora.

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Vital Fast Facts About Bora Bora
  • Bora Bora covers an area of 29.3 km. ...
  • It's a part of the Leeward Group of islands.
  • It's halfway between Australia and the U.S.
  • It lies 230 km northwest of Papeete – the capital city of Tahiti.


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The people of Bora Bora are of Tahitian nationality. Tahiti is a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific and is part of the Islands of French Polynesia, which also includes the islands of Bora Bora and Moorea, among others.

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The languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, due to the high tourism population, many natives of Bora Bora have learned to speak English.

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More Facts About Bora Bora
  • Bora Bora has around 10,000 residents.
  • The highest point on the island is Mount Otemanu at 727 meters.
  • Bora Bora is part of France.
  • Hawaii gets more visitors in 10 days than Bora Bora gets in an entire year.
  • The movie Couples Retreat was filmed at the St Regis Bora Bora Resort.


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Bora Bora was formed from erupting volcanoes some 7 million years ago, the first of the Society Islands so formed. Some 4-5 million years before, say, Tahiti or Raiatea. Bora Bora was originally known as Vavau meaning 'first born' & then Pora Pora.

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Thank you – Maururu (mah-roo-roo) Man – Tane (tah-nay) Woman – Vahine (vah-he-nay) Child – Tamarii (tah-ma-ree-ee)

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The indigenous Maohi people of Bora Bora have inhabited the island for countless years. They are thought to have come from other islands in Polynesia, such as Samoa and the Marquesas Islands, when they first migrated to the island.

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To properly experience Bora Bora, three days (four nights if arriving late) should be enough. The island is small and there isn't all that much to see. If you're after a pampering luxury holiday of sipping cocktails on the deck of your overwater bungalow, you could probably spend a week (if you can afford that).

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