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WWII Cannons of Bora Bora

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monument
—°10
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

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The WWII Cannons of Bora Bora are silent reminders of a critical period in the island's modern history. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States launched 'Operation Bobcat' in early 1942, establishing Bora Bora as a vital refueling and supply base for Allied forces in the South Pacific. Eight massive 7-inch coastal defense guns were transported to the island and positioned at high-vantage points to protect against potential Japanese naval incursions. Despite the buildup of approximately 6,000 American personnel and significant infrastructure, the cannons were never fired in actual combat as the focus of the war shifted westward. Today, seven of these guns can still be found at their original hilltop placements, such as near Fitiiu Point and above Matira Point. Trekking to these historical sites allows visitors to explore the island's military heritage while enjoying some of the most iconic panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon and the volcanic peaks of Mount Otemanu.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282727262626262727
Rain mm206180144121946043393474114211

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The eight WWII coastal cannons are scattered across the hills of Bora Bora and can be visited on guided jeep tours or hikes. Some of the cannons are freely accessible, while others are located on private property.
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Typical hours
Since the cannons are outdoors, they are theoretically accessible at any time, but the trails can be hard to find without a guide. Guided tours are typically offered in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
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Photography
Photography is highly encouraged at the cannon sites, and the view over the lagoon is spectacular. For shots with the cannons in the foreground and the lagoon in the background, a wide-angle lens works best.
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Time needed
A guided jeep tour to the main cannon sites typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to explore all eight cannons on foot, allow for half a day.
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Combine with
Visiting the cannons can be perfectly combined with a lagoon cruise or a trip to Mount Otemanu. A stop at Matira Beach after the tour is also a great option.
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Getting there
The cannons are accessible via unpaved roads and hiking trails, with most tours departing from Vaitape. An off-road vehicle is required, so booking a guided tour is the most practical option.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes and long pants, as the paths to the cannons are often jungle-like and can be slippery. Bring plenty of water, as it can get very hot on the hills.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.48050, -151.76050

Facts

  • Installed in 1942
  • Cannon caliber: 127 mm
  • Number of guns: 4
  • Elevation of position: 150 meters above sea level
  • Range: 15 kilometers
  • Bunkers of reinforced concrete with walls 1 meter thick

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pofatuuraa FortPofatuuraa Fort<1 km · SEExplore →
Vaitape HarborVaitape Harbor2 km · NEExplore →
Marae Fare OpuMarae Fare Opu2 km · NExplore →
Mount OtemanuMount Otemanu3 km · NEExplore →
Marae Vaiotaha (South Bora Bora)Marae Vaiotaha (South Bora Bora)4 km · EExplore →
Marine Museum Bora BoraMarine Museum Bora Bora5 km · NWExplore →
Bora Bora Turtle CenterBora Bora Turtle Center5 km · NExplore →
Bora Bora Leopard Ray TrenchBora Bora Leopard Ray Trench7 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (10)

Marae Marotetini

Archaeological site of a traditional Polynesian marae on Bora Bora.

Marae Fare Opu

Ancient Polynesian marae complex on Bora Bora, an archaeological site.

Vieux Canons Américains

Remains of US WWII cannons on Bora Bora.

Marae Taianapa

Ruins of a Polynesian marae on Bora Bora, culturally significant.

Musée de Marine🏛 museum

Museum featuring an exhibition of model ships on Bora Bora.

Viewpoint over Fa'anui Bay

Lookout point overlooking Fa'anui Bay on Bora Bora.

Manta rays cleaning station

Underwater cleaning station for manta rays in Bora Bora's lagoon.

Point de vue des falaises

Cliffside viewpoint on Bora Bora with sea views.

te vea muto

Attraction on Bora Bora, possibly a site of local significance.

Evangelist Church

Church located in French Polynesia, on the island of Bora Bora.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the cannons?
The cannons are located on heights and are often only accessible via hiking trails.
Is it strenuous?
The ascent can be quite strenuous in the heat.
Is there a guide?
Some tour operators on Bora Bora offer guided excursions to the cannons.
Is the view good?
Yes, from the cannon locations you have a fantastic view over the lagoon.
What is the historical context?
The cannons were installed during WWII to protect the island.
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora: where is it located?
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora is located in French Polynesia.
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora: what is there to see?
Highlights include Marae Marotetini, Marae Fare Opu, Vieux Canons Américains.
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
WWII Cannons of Bora Bora: why is it worth visiting?
The WWII Cannons of Bora Bora are silent reminders of a critical period in the island's modern history.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

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Puna'auia is a major residential commune on the west coast of Tahiti, known for its university and beaches.
Pirae — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Pirae
Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.
Vaitape — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Vaitape
Vaitape is the largest town on Bora Bora and serves as the island's main commercial and administrative hub.
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Paopao is a village located at the base of the majestic Cook's Bay on the island of Moorea.
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Haapiti
Haapiti is a village on the southwest coast of Moorea, known for its cultural traditions and excellent surf spots.
Uturoa — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Uturoa
Uturoa is the administrative center of Raiatea island and the second most important town in French Polynesia after Papeete.
Afareaitu — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Afareaitu
Afareaitu is the administrative center of Moorea island, located on the island's picturesque eastern coast.
Teavaro — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Teavaro
Teavaro is a village in eastern Moorea, famous for its long white sand Temae beach and views of Tahiti.
Faanui — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Faanui
Faanui is a picturesque village on Bora Bora, located on a deep bay and possessing a rich history.
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Papetoai is a historic village on Moorea, located in Opunohu Bay and known for its octagonal church.
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Tevaitoa
Tevaitoa is the main village of the Tumaraa commune in southwest Raiatea, known for its tranquility.
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Faie is a small village on Huahine Nui, famous for its sacred blue-eyed eels.
Fare — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Fare
Fare is the capital of Huahine island, offering a relaxed atmosphere with small shops and a lively harbor.

History & landmarks

Uturoa Town Hall — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Uturoa Town Hall
The administrative building of Uturoa on Raiatea, the second-largest settlement in French Polynesia.

Nature

Mount Pahia — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Mount Pahia
Mount Pahia is the second highest peak on Bora Bora, known for its distinctive twin summits.
Mount Otemanu — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Mount Otemanu
Mount Otemanu is the iconic landmark of Bora Bora, rising 727 meters high.

More places

Papeete Town Hall — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Papeete Town Hall
Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.
Vaitoare — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
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Vaitoare is the main port in southern Taha'a and the gateway to the island of Raiatea.
Vaiare — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Vaiare
Vaiare is the primary port of Moorea and the main gateway for travelers arriving by ferry from Tahiti.
🗺️
Pofatuuraa Fort
This former defensive structure on Bora Bora offers a wide view over the ocean.
Marae Marotetini — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Marae Marotetini
Located on the northern coast of Bora Bora, this marae was a spiritual site for chiefs.
Marae Arituitui — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Marae Arituitui
A small but significant marae on Bora Bora used for worshiping local deities.
Fort de l&#39;Ouest — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
Fort de l'Ouest
This former French fortification on Bora Bora served to defend the harbor entrance during the 19th century.
WWII Cannons Bora Bora — WWII Cannons of Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
WWII Cannons Bora Bora
American coastal artillery cannons from WWII, strategically placed on the hills overlooking the Bora Bora lagoon.