Cultural Experiences & Local Guide

Bora Bora culture and history in brief

The island's Tahitian name is Porapora, usually translated as "first born." Polynesian voyagers settled here around the 3rd century CE, and for centuries Bora Bora was ruled by its own chiefs. Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen sighted it in 1722 and James Cook in 1769.

Missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived in 1820, and the settlement they founded grew into Vaitape, today the main village. Bora Bora remained a kingdom until France annexed it in 1888, when its last queen, Teriimaevarua III, was forced to abdicate. During World War II the United States built a supply base here with nearly 7,000 troops; the coastal guns they left behind are still a stop on island tours.

Marae: the ancient temple sites of Bora Bora

A marae is an open-air stone platform where Polynesians once held religious ceremonies, chiefly rituals and community gatherings. The island had more than forty; remains of about thirteen survive. Several sit right beside the coast road:

• Marae Marotetini – near the wharf in Faanui Bay on the west coast; about 50 m (164 ft) long and restored.
• Marae Fare Opu – just north of Faanui, partly under the road; often described as the best preserved. Look for turtle petroglyphs; the turtle was a sacred animal.
• Marae Aehautai – on the southeast coast, not far from Paoaoa Point.
• Marae Taharuu – at Point Haamaire on the east coast.

Treat marae as sacred sites: don't climb on the stones or move them. A guide adds the legends, and many culture and marae tours combine these stops with the WWII cannons.

Heiva i Bora Bora and other festivals

The Heiva is French Polynesia's biggest cultural celebration, with competitions in traditional dance, singing and sport. Bora Bora holds its own Heiva in Vaitape on Place Tu Vavau, around the same time as Papeete's. In 2026 the evening shows ran from 26 June to 13 July. If you are traveling in early July, ask your hotel about tickets and boat transfers; see our best time to visit guide for the season.

In late October the Hawaiki Nui Va'a outrigger canoe race finishes on Matira Beach after three days of racing from Huahine via Raiatea and Taha'a. The 2026 edition runs 28–30 October.

Tattoo tradition: Polynesian tatau

The English word "tattoo" comes from the Polynesian tatau, brought back by Captain Cook's voyages. Designs were traditionally tapped into the skin with a bone comb dipped in soot from burned candlenuts, and they recorded family, rank and the passage to adulthood. Missionaries banned the practice on most islands, but it never fully disappeared and is now widely revived. Some resorts arrange sessions with local artists; choose a licensed studio and take your time choosing a design with meaning.

Tahitian words, tiare flowers and local crafts

• 'Ia ora na – hello
• Māuruuru – thank you
• Maita'i – good
• Manuia – cheers

You will often be greeted with a tiare, the fragrant national flower. Worn behind the right ear it signals you are available; behind the left, that you are taken. Tiare petals soaked in coconut oil make monoi, the local skin and hair oil.

In Vaitape, small craft stalls and shops sell pareos (the printed wrap worn by men and women), shell jewelry, wood carvings and Tahitian black pearls. Buying directly from artisans keeps your money on the island.