Bora Bora island is located northwest of Tahiti and south of Hawaii.
The main island is of volcanic origin and a few smaller islands are completely
surrounded by coral reefs. The airport was built by the US Forces in 1942 and is
located on a palm fringed motu, about 20 minutes by boat from the main village
of Vaitape.
This island was discovered in 1722 and its ancient name of Vava'u suggests
that the original inhabitants arrived from Tonga. The actual name of the island
in Tahitian is Pora Pora, meaning first born, as there is no B in their
alphabet.
The island has been the subject of many books, movies for its stunning
beauty. The legends, mysteries and romance associated with its name of Bora Bora
bring an almost mystical presence to the island.
The lagoon is three times the size of the land mass and offers an amazing
range of hues of blue and turquoise of its crystal waters. On the island is the
Coral Garden, a natural underwater park where all types of fish and corals are
to be found.