Bora Bora is often pictured as a quiet tropical paradise, but it has a surprisingly rich history and unique geography behind its scenic views.
This trivia covers the island’s volcanic peaks, shallow lagoons, unexpected role during World War II, and local cultural traditions.
After completing this set, explore our trivia on islands and beaches, read about spectacular mountain landscapes, or discover other historic places around the globe.
Which South Pacific island is famous for its iconic turquoise lagoon and the jagged volcanic spire of Mount Otemanu?
Tahiti
Tahiti
Moorea
Moorea
Raiatea
Raiatea
Bora Bora
Bora Bora
What type of geological formation is Mount Otemanu?
Limestone cliff
Limestone cliff
Sand bar
Sand bar
Coral atoll
Coral atoll
Basaltic mountain
Basaltic mountain
The first overwater bungalow resort in French Polynesia was established in which decade?
1940s
1940s
1960s
1960s
1970s
1970s
1950s
1950s
Which military branch established a major supply and refueling base on Bora Bora during World War II?
Royal British Navy
Royal British Navy
Imperial Japanese Army
Imperial Japanese Army
French Armed Forces
French Armed Forces
United States Navy
United States Navy
What is the traditional Polynesian wrap-around garment often worn by locals and visitors in the islands?
Lei
Lei
Hei
Hei
Pareo
Pareo
Tapa
Tapa
What was the codename for the U.S. mission to build a military supply base in Bora Bora in 1942?
Operation Bobcat
Operation Bobcat
Operation Torch
Operation Torch
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord
What primary physical element gives the lagoon of Bora Bora its brilliant, shallow turquoise color?
Deep underwater canyons
Deep underwater canyons
Volcanic activity
Volcanic activity
Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae
Calcium carbonate sand
Calcium carbonate sand
Approximately how high is the peak of Mount Otemanu above sea level?
927 meters
927 meters
727 meters
727 meters
827 meters
827 meters
627 meters
627 meters
Traditionally, what were the primary modes of transport used by Polynesians to navigate the lagoon?
Canoes
Canoes
Catamarans
Catamarans
Rafts
Rafts
Kayaks
Kayaks
What is the name of the main village and administrative center of Bora Bora?
Matira
Matira
Faanui
Faanui
Vaitape
Vaitape
Anau
Anau
Which specific type of WWII defensive structure was installed by U.S. forces at Faanui Bay on Bora Bora?
Sunken aircraft
Sunken aircraft
Bunker remains
Bunker remains
Military hospital barracks
Military hospital barracks
Anti-aircraft guns
Anti-aircraft guns
Bora Bora is part of which specific archipelago within the Society Islands?
Austral Islands
Austral Islands
Marquesas Islands
Marquesas Islands
Windward Islands
Windward Islands
Leeward Islands
Leeward Islands
Which of these shark species is most frequently spotted in the shallow waters of the Bora Bora lagoon?
Hammerhead sharks
Hammerhead sharks
Great white sharks
Great white sharks
Bull sharks
Bull sharks
Black-tipped reef sharks
Black-tipped reef sharks
What is the name of the traditional, fast-paced hip-shaking dance of the Society Islands?
Tahitian dance (ʻOri Tahiti)
Tahitian dance (ʻOri Tahiti)
Siva Tau
Siva Tau
Poi fire dancing
Poi fire dancing
Hula dancing
Hula dancing
In what year did the U.S. military officially close its base on Bora Bora?
1946
1946
1948
1948
1950
1950
1944
1944
Which specific piece of infrastructure built by the U.S. military during WWII on Bora Bora remains a functional part of the island’s travel network today?
Vaitape deep-water dock
Vaitape deep-water dock
Motu Mute Airport airstrip
Motu Mute Airport airstrip
Faanui underground fuel tanks
Faanui underground fuel tanks
Coastal naval fortification
Coastal naval fortification
Following the post-WWII period, which agricultural product was the main export of Bora Bora before tourism became the primary industry?
Cacao beans
Cacao beans
Coffee beans
Coffee beans
Copra
Copra
Vanilla beans
Vanilla beans
What natural feature encircles the main island of Bora Bora, protecting the lagoon from the open ocean?
Submerged volcanic crater rim
Submerged volcanic crater rim
Sandbank chain
Sandbank chain
Tectonic uplift wall
Tectonic uplift wall
Coral reef barrier
Coral reef barrier
What was the original practical motivation behind creating the overwater bungalow concept in French Polynesia?
To allow direct access to water
To allow direct access to water
To provide platforms for fishermen
To provide platforms for fishermen
To maximize space on small motus
To maximize space on small motus
To avoid building on sacred land
To avoid building on sacred land
What are the traditional stone platforms used for religious or communal gatherings in Polynesian culture called?
Pahonu
Pahonu
Marae
Marae
Fare
Fare
Te Fare
Te Fare
Which specific flower is the national symbol of French Polynesia, commonly worn behind the ear?
Tiare
Tiare
Frangipani
Frangipani
Orchid
Orchid
Hibiscus
Hibiscus
Besides Mount Otemanu, what is the name of the other prominent volcanic peak on the island of Bora Bora?
Mount Hiro
Mount Hiro
Mount Taimanu
Mount Taimanu
Mount Pahia
Mount Pahia
Mount Orohena
Mount Orohena
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