History of Bora Bora Island

1. History of Bora Bora Island Any traveler would want to know the magical history of Bora Bora Island. Its stunning beauty and unspoiled resources made this tiny island one of the world's greatest paradise. With its serene lagoon and stunning views of the mountain, surely, one would wonder about the history of Bora Bora Island. Bora Bora is a volcanic island located in the Pacific that lies 240 kilometres north west of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands. It is also approximately 2,600 miles south of another tropical wonder, Hawaii. Home to more than 4,000 people, its warm, tepid and shallow waters makes it the perfect location for sun worshippers. For more information, visit: http://www.sunnsandvacation.com/tahiti-holiday-packages.php The history of Bora Bora Island started in 1722, when it was first discovered. The Tongan people were the first settlers of the seven-million-year-old island. Its ancient name of Vava'u hints that Tongans played an important part of the history of Bora Bora Island Historians also believed that the history of Bora Bora Island started when brave Tongan settlers sailed using their canoes through the Teavanui Pass. In 1842, Bora Bora became a dependent political territory of France. Another fascinating fact of the history of Bora Bora Island is that in Tahitian language, there is no "B", so the 16.9 square mile island's actual name was then Pora Pora or "first born". The World War II also played a significant part of the history of Bora Bora Island. The attack on Pearl Harbour made by Japan forced US to join the World War II. The United States then decided to set up a base in Bora Bora. After the war, when the base officially closed on June 2, 1946, many US staff were smitten with the island and they refused to leave. Those who stayed were removed by force. The World War II airstrip, used by US forces then, was the only international Airport of the French Polynesia until the Faa International Airport was opened in Tahiti in 1962. The history of Bora Bora also includes a Hotel Bora Bora, the first hotel to build the over-the-water bungalows more than thirty years ago. At present, over-the-water bungalows are a standard feature of Bora Bora resorts. Visitors to Bora Bora can explore the stunning and spectacular island using the mountain bikes or a motor canoe. Activities include snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, barbeque parties, picnic on top of Mt. Pahia, fish feeding, parasailing and canoe excursions. For foreigners, boutiques in the hotels are stocked with souvenirs, pearls, shirts, suntan lotion and camera film. So come to this beautiful island and see its magical past.