WWII Guns Faanui
Discover historic WWII gun emplacements on Bora Bora, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking panoramic island views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
WWII Guns Faanui
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover historic WWII gun emplacements on Bora Bora, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking panoramic island views.
"Spectacular views and historical significance make the tough climb worth it, but wear proper shoes!"
👟 Closed-toe shoes are essential!
Loose gravel and steep inclines make proper footwear a must. No flip-flops allowed!
🚶♀️ Bring a walking stick
A walking stick provides crucial balance on the challenging, loose terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Gun Emplacements
Top of the hill
Discover two historic 7" naval cannons from the USS Connecticut, mounted to defend Bora Bora.
Panoramic Island Views
Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Bora Bora's southern approach and surrounding turquoise waters.
Historic Bunkers
Near gun emplacements
Explore the pillboxes and bunkers used by US forces for sighting and storm shelter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Terrain Safely
Know Before You Go: Cannons & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Closed-toe shoes are essential!
Loose gravel and steep inclines make proper footwear a must. No flip-flops allowed!
🚶♀️ Bring a walking stick
A walking stick provides crucial balance on the challenging, loose terrain.
🚫 No guide needed
This is a public trail. No tickets or guides are required to access the site.
🚗 Park on the street
Street parking is available. Avoid blocking roads. Some construction for a parking lot is ongoing.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Closed-toe shoes are essential!
Loose gravel and steep inclines make proper footwear a must. No flip-flops allowed!
🚶♀️ Bring a walking stick
A walking stick provides crucial balance on the challenging, loose terrain.
🚫 No guide needed
This is a public trail. No tickets or guides are required to access the site.
🚗 Park on the street
Street parking is available. Avoid blocking roads. Some construction for a parking lot is ongoing.
⚠️ Not for little ones
The steep, challenging climb is not suitable for small children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the WWII Guns Faanui to be a historically significant site with spectacular views, but the hike is extremely steep and challenging due to loose gravel and rocks. Proper footwear is essential, and it's not recommended for young children. Some noted ongoing construction that might improve access in the future.
"So dangerous and disappointing. The area was steep and covered in gravel and large loose rocks. There was also rusty nails everywhere. I would not recommend it to anyone. It’s very unsafe and when you get to the top the cannons aren’t there anymore. Don’t walk up there unless willing to get hurt."
Courtney G
"This is what you need to know before the hike:
There was a construction vehicle appearing to be building a parking lot right now, and maybe even eventually an easier route up.
AS OF RIGHT NOW HERE ARE MY TIPS:
There is no sign marking the start of the trail, but currently Google maps is accurate. Park on the street. We drove a little more to park next to the water and not block the road. This is a public trail. No need for a guide or tickets.
Whoever said this was a just a 10 minute walk and that you can wear flip flops for this is wrong. This is more of a 10 minute up while holding onto the side of the rocks pulling yourself up. Then spend 5 minutes crawling down like a crab, sliding down on your butt with your palms on the ground. Then, grab a walking stick to balance your way down. The gravel is very loose.
This is not an easy walk. There are points where it’s probably 60 degree incline.
It’s not strenuous, it’s short, but challenging for the mind.
Closed toe shoes is a MUST. Don’t bring small children.
There are TWO cannons to see. The one to the right when you get up does not have the barrel anymore. The one to the left does. Please do not deface these."
Anna D
"Cool spot, hard to get up the tsunami evacuation route but fun to come back down for gravel hikers. Two bunkers at the top as well, one near each canon. One cannon was removed to the museum in Papeete. The bunkers are now used as shelter from storms."
Jaime Petrykiewicz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail starts near where Google Maps indicates. Park on the street and look for the public trail. Some reviews suggest a 4x4 or quad bike tour might be helpful for the initial approach, but the final climb is on foot.
Yes, parking is available on the street near the trail entrance. Be mindful not to block any roads.
No, a guide is not necessary. It's a public trail, and no tickets are required for entry.
While some suggest a 4x4 or quad bike for the initial part, the final ascent is a strenuous walk. The key is proper footwear and caution.
Currently, there is no sign marking the start of the trail, but Google Maps is reported to be accurate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit the WWII Guns Faanui as it is a public trail.
As an outdoor historical site and trail, there are no official opening or closing hours. It is accessible during daylight.
No advance booking is necessary as there are no tickets or reservations required for this public access site.
No, there is no admission fee. It's a free public trail to explore the historical gun emplacements.
The primary restriction is the challenging terrain, making it unsuitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. Proper footwear is strongly advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is short but very steep, with a 60-degree incline in places. It involves loose gravel and requires pulling yourself up at times. It's more challenging than a 10-minute walk.
You can see two WWII 7" naval gun emplacements and their accompanying bunkers. One cannon is missing its barrel.
The cannons are historical artifacts and are not functional. They were mounted to defend the island but saw no action.
The views from the top are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of Bora Bora's southern approach and the surrounding ocean.
The terrain is described as steep, covered in loose gravel and rocks, with rusty nails reported in some areas, making it potentially unsafe without proper footwear and caution.
📸 📸 Photography
The gun emplacements themselves offer unique historical shots. The panoramic views from the summit are also prime photography locations, especially during golden hour.
While the views are stunning, the challenging terrain requires you to be careful with your footing, which can make photography a bit tricky.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. For historical details, a standard lens will suffice. Ensure your camera is secure in a backpack while hiking.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local drone laws for Bora Bora before flying. The steep terrain might also make drone operation challenging.
Capture the contrast between the historical military hardware and the beautiful natural landscape. The bunkers also offer atmospheric shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking historical insights with easier access, consider other historical sites on Bora Bora that do not involve strenuous hikes. Prioritize safety and ensure all members of your group can comfortably and safely navigate the environment.
👟 Adventure Seekers & Hikers
The payoff for this strenuous effort is immense: incredible historical artifacts and unparalleled panoramic views of Bora Bora. It's a great spot for those who want to combine a bit of adventure with a dose of history and stunning scenery. Just be prepared for a workout and the need for careful navigation.
📸 Photographers
Timing is key for the best shots. Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the golden hour, will provide beautiful lighting for both the historical elements and the landscape. Be mindful of your footing while composing shots, as the terrain can be unstable. A wide-angle lens is recommended for the expansive views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Ascent
Despite the difficulty, the short duration of the climb means it's manageable for those prepared. Some travelers noted ongoing construction that might eventually lead to an easier route, but as of now, the challenging path remains. It's also important to note that this trail is not recommended for small children due to the inherent risks associated with the terrain.
Historical Significance and Views
Beyond the historical aspect, the summit offers spectacular panoramic views. This is a major draw for visitors, providing a breathtaking perspective of Bora Bora's southern approach, the surrounding turquoise waters, and the lush island landscape. The combination of historical intrigue and stunning natural beauty makes this a unique and rewarding destination, even with the challenging trek to reach it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit