Ancient Marae Temples

It is believed that the first signs of human life on Bora Bora dates back to 900 A.D. These ancient Polynesians once called Bora Bora “Mai Te Pora,” which literally means “created by the Gods.”

Because of its mystical past, about 40 traditional open-air stone temples or maraes, still exist on the island. Like in the other Leeward Islands, Bora Bora's marae are not enclosed, and their large altars are raised, smooth coral platforms. The Polynesians used the temples for religious and cultural ceremonies such as presenting the gods with ritual gifts of fruit and other foods, celebrating weddings and victories, or enthroning a king.

Most notably, the Marae Fare-Opu, is located on the west coast of the island just before Faanui Village and situated between the roadside and the water’s edge. Carved into two of the stone slabs of the marae are petroglyphs of turtles. The animal was sacred to the ancient Polynesians and other turtle petroglyphs can be found at many other sites throughout the Society islands. It is said that the animal may have been a favorite ritual offering to the gods.

Continuing south along the west coast, you will come upon the fairly large Marae Taianapa on the inland side of the road just past Faanui Village. Traveling west along the same coastal road, you will pass Farepiti Wharf where the inter-island boats dock in Faanui Bay. The Marae Marotetini lies just beyond the wharf. This fine example of an ancient temple was restored by Dr. Yosihiko Sinoto in 1968.

Two more marae can be found on the eastern side of the island just above Fitiiu Point. Off the road at the water’s edge, Marae Aehua-tai faces Vairau Bay, while Marae Taharuu faces the northern Haamaire Bay.

Contact the Bora Bora Visitor Center (tel: +689 67 76 36) for further information concerning these sites.