Bora Bora: The Supreme Island

Among the numerous boulders found on Bora Bora is the Ofai Honu, the Turtle Stone petroglyph that Polynesian mythology claims was the father of this dramatic island.

Possessed with godly power, Ofai Honu mated with the cliff of Mt. Pahia, called Hororai, and from their union a son was born who was named Firiamata O Vavau. This “founder” of Bora Bora gave his name to the island which was known,for many years as Vavau which means “first born.”

This island is located about 230 kilometers (140 mi) northwest of Papeete and is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 meters (2,385 ft).