U'uru (1735–1806), also known by the names Veteara'i U'uru or Teri'inavahoroa, was a sovereign or ari'i rahi of the island of Raiatea. The European explorer James Cook first encountered him in 1773 during his second voyage to the Pacific. U'uru ruled over Raiatea, before the island was conquered around 1767 by Puni, a warrior from Bora Bora.

Although U'uru retained his title, his authority was confined to his ancestral district of Opoa at the southeastern point of Raiatea. In effect, he acted as a viceroy under Puni's suzerainty. Despite this dependency, he became the ancestor of many members of the royal lineages of the Leeward Islands. Through alliances and adoptions, his descendants eventually established themselves as rulers of these islands.

Cook's final encounter with U'uru took place in 1777 on the island of Huahine, where he was received with honors befitting a king. His son, Tamatoa III, was designated as the principal chief (ari'i rahi) of Raiatea by Puni before his death, with the approval of the chiefs Ma'i II and Tefa'aora I of Bora Bora. The latter, Ma'i II's nephew, was still a child and under regency. After Puni's death, believed to have occurred in 1786, his daughter Maevarua a Puni succeeded him as ruler of Bora Bora, Maupiti, and Tupai. She was later followed by his great-granddaughter, Teri'imaevarua a Te'aue, who ruled these islands until 1814. During her reign, Puni's nephew, Tapoa I, successfully conquered Raiatea, and Taha'a in 1800, and later Bora Bora at the end of the year 1804.

In 1802, Tamatoa III resided in Raiatea, while the majority of his children lived in Huahine. Tapoa I had conquered Taha'a and resided in Raiatea, where he seemed to wield as much power as King Tamatoa himself. He had adopted Tetupaia, later known as Teremoemoe or Teravahine, the second daughter of Tamatoa III, and renamed her Taitaru in memory of his own daughter, who had died young. This adoption further strengthened family ties with the Tamatoa and reinforced the military alliance between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha'a.

During this period, the island of Bora Bora remained a well-guarded fortress under the rule of chiefs Ma'i III and Tefa'aora II. After an initial failed attempt to subdue Bora Bora in January 1804, Tapoa I finally conquered the island later that year in the battle of Huri'aua. His daughter, Maevarua, was subsequently recognized as a principal chief of Bora Bora and Taha'a until her death on July 14, 1809.

Tamatoa III and Tapoa I were the leading chiefs of the Leeward Islands when the English missionaries landed on Huahine in November 1808. The period between Cook's departure from the Leeward Islands in December 1777 and the year 1791 remains poorly documented, despite brief visits to Huahine by John Watts in 1788 and William Bligh in 1789. However, the writings and testimonies collected by navigators provide some insight into this tumultuous era, characterized by incessant struggles for territory among the islands of Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Huahine.

U'uru was last mentioned by the merchant and navigator John Turnbull in October 1802 in Raiatea. He likely died sometime after 1802 but before the arrival of the English missionaries in Huahine in November 1808, by which point he no longer appeared in written records.

Cook refers to U'uru as the "Principal chief" or ari'i rahi by hereditary rights of the district of Opoa situated at the Southeastern point of Raiatea.^[1][2][3] His father was Tamatoa II and his mother Maihe'a also called Tetuanui. U'uru had five sons, the most well-known of whom were Tamatoa III, Tahitoe, and Faita, also called Pepupehu.^[4][5][6][7]

In 1821, missionaries Daniel Tyerman and George Bennet were deputed from the London Missionary Society, to visit their various stations in the South Sea Islands, China, India, etc., between the Years 1821 and 1829. They reported that Tamatoa III was sixty five years old in 1822 and had three brothers named Tahitoe, Faita, and Pahi.^[8] Tahitoe was also known as Hiaiai or Hihipa.^[9][10] He died by 1827 during an epidemic that struck the Society Islands.^[11] He left behind a son, also named Tahitoe who was twelve years old in 1822.^[12] Faita, also known as Pehupehu or Tepoanu'u, was a reputed former sorcerer.^[13][10] He was the last of the family and is said to have died in 1866, leaving descendants.^[14] Pahi also called Tiatia, served as a chief judge.^[15] His name was mentioned in the first code of law of Tamatoa in 1820. He died without issue. Tamatoa III, whose lineage is well known died in June 1831.^[16][17][18] U'uru had a fifth son, Mateha.^[19] He married Maheanu'u, the daughter of the late chief Maheanu'u of Tahiti, on March 7, 1799.^[20] He died without issue on June 7, 1802, at Tautira, alongside Pomare II, during a night assault by the warriors of Atehuru.^[21][22]

During his first stay in Raiatea in 1769, Cook visited the Taputapuatea marae in the district of Opoa. He was accompanied by Joseph Banks, Daniel Solander and Tupai'a. They observed a model of a canoe about three feet long, adorned with eight human lower jawbones. Tupai'a, who often expressed great fear of the men of Bora Bora, explained that these warriors had conquered Raiatea and customarily cut off the jawbones of those killed in war. He further clarified that these displayed jawbones belonged to the people of Raiatea and were exhibited as war trophies by the Bora Bora warriors.^[23][24][25] Cook concluded that hostilities had taken place a few years before his arrival and that the people of Bora Bora now owned most of the lands on Raiatea.^[26] Puni, the ari'i rahi (principal chief) of Bora Bora and conqueror of Raiatea and Taha'a, was passing through these islands. After receiving supplies through Puni's men, Cook met him in person on August 6, 1769, according to the civil calendar.^[27] Puni accepted Cook's proposal to accompany him to Taha'a the next day to visit the island and gather provisions.^[28][29]

During Cook's first two voyages, Huahine was ruled by an elderly chief named Ori, who served as regent for the young Teri'itaria I, who was around eight years old in 1773.^[30][31] The naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster and his son Georg Forster met the young ruler, referring to him as "T’aree-tarea."^[31] They noted that Chief Ori, although about fifty to sixty years old, was Teri'itaria I's uncle.^[32] His father had been killed in one of the battles against Puni.^[33]

On September 9, 1773, during his first stopover in Raiatea, Cook visited Chief Orio, whom he had first met in 1769.^[34] Two days later, on September 11, 1773, he received a visit from U'uru, the ari'i rahi (principal chief) of the district of Opoa.^[35][36] U'uru was said to be Orio's brother.^[37] On June 4, 1774, during Cook's second stopover in Raiatea, Orio and his entire family, came on board, to say their last farewell, accompanied by U'uru and Boba, the ari'i rahi of Taha'a, along with several friends.^[1]

At the conclusion of his second voyage to the Society Islands, James Cook shared observations about the political structure of Raiatea and Taha'a. Orio, a native of Bora Bora, held lands at Raiatea, likely obtained through conquest. He acted as Puni's lieutenant and appeared to exercise regal authority, functioning as the island's supreme magistrate despite not being its hereditary ruler. Cook noted that Orio showed respect to U'uru, the rightful ari'i rahi by birth. However, U'uru's influence was largely limited to his own district of Opoa and his titular role.

The government of Taha'a appeared similar to that of Raiatea. Two chiefs, Boba and Ota, held power, although Cook only met Boba. He was informed that Boba was expected to marry Puni's daughter Maevarua after Puni's death. This union would grant Boba the same regal authority Puni held.^[38] Maevarua was twelve years old in 1774.^[39][2][40] Other figures, including Omai and Tupai'a, lost their lands and retreated to Huahine and Tahiti, respectively, preferring voluntary exile over submission to the conqueror. The warriors who had accompanied Puni on these expeditions were generously rewarded with extensive possessions, and many of his subjects received grants in the conquered islands.^[41][42]

In 1777, Chief Ori was no longer serving as the regent of Teri'itaria I, the ari'i rahi of Huahine, and was now residing in Raiatea.^[30] U'uru had moved to the island of Huahine, where he resided as a king, according to Cook.^[43] He had strong ancestral ties to Mato, himself a descendant of the Tamatoa line, whose brother Rohianu'u was the father of Teri'itaria I and the first husband of Teha'apapa I.

During his long stay on Huahine in October 1777, Cook made efforts to gather detailed information about the conquest of the islands of Raiatea and Taha'a by Puni. He learned that, prior to his arrival, Raiatea maintained strong alliances with Taha'a and Huahine. However, its decline began when Taha'a withdrew from the league. The combined fleets of Raiatea and Huahine faced an assault from Bora Bora Initially victorious, their forces were eventually overwhelmed when Taha'a allied with Bora Bora, turning the tide in favor of the attackers. Following their victory, the men from Bora Bora invaded and briefly occupied Huahine, but the island's inhabitants secured reinforcements from Tahiti and regained control, maintaining their independence under their own chiefs. However, they failed to recover Raiatea. Discord soon erupted among the victors, as Taha'a's people demanded an equal share of the spoils. Bora Bora refused to yield, and with Raiatea already conquered, Taha'a also fell under the domination of its sovereign, Puni. During the conquest of the two islands, five battles were fought in various locations, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Since Teri'itari'a I's father was killed by Puni during one of these battles, and considering he was about twelve years old in 1777, it appears that the final phase of the conquest of Raiatea and Taha'a occurred around 1767.^[44]

Omai confirmed in 1773 that Huahine had briefly fallen under Puni's control, with numerous Bora Bora inhabitants occupying the island. However, through the intervention of Tereroa, Ori's brother, and the support of warriors from Taha'a, the island was successfully reclaimed. In the aftermath, Puni killed Tereroa and confronted Ori, who ultimately succeeded in driving him back.^[45]

Tamatoa III succeeded his father, U'uru, as ari'i rahi of the district Opoa upon reaching his majority in 1777, according to tradition.^[46] He was later appointed as principal chief of Raiatea by Puni and Ma'i II (born c. 1760), as well as his nephew, Tefa'aora I (born c.1780), who was still a child and under regency, according to testimonies from the descendants of the latter two. This appointment likely occurred before 1786, the year of Puni's death. While Tamatoa authority extended beyond the district of Opoa, he remained under Puni's suzerainty of Puni.^[47][48][49]

On November 13, 1788, during his stop at Tahiti, Captain Bligh hosted guests aboard his ship. They informed him that Omai had died approximately thirty months after Captain Cook's departure from the Leeward Islands. Shortly after Cook left Huahine, conflicts erupted between its inhabitants and those of Raiatea, who were actually Bora Bora natives occupying lands on Raiatea, with additional warriors from Bora Bora joining the fight. Due to his possession of three or four muskets and some ammunition, Omai had gained prominence and was consulted on the matter. Confident in their chances, he assured the people of Huahine of victory, leading to an immediate declaration of war. The few firearms they had quickly secured them success, causing heavy casualties among the Raiateans and Bora Borans. Peace was soon restored. Additionally, Tyvarooah, the elder of the two New Zealand boys left in Omai's care, died shortly after him. No information was provided about Coah, the younger of the two.^[50]

On April 5, 1789, Captain Bligh made a brief stop at Huahine to verify information he had received in Tahiti regarding Omai. A local resident and friend of Omai confirmed the details Bligh had previously heard. He was also informed that Coah had died, and that of all the animals left with Omai, only the mare had survived. After Omai's death, his house had been destroyed and its materials stolen. His firearms had ended up in Raiatea but were no longer functional. Additionally, all the plants and trees he had cultivated were destroyed, except for a single tree.^[51]

Captain Cook had left Bora Bora on December 8, 1777, after purchasing Bougainville's anchor from Puni.^[52] The conflict between Huahine and Raiatea likely occurred at the end of 1777 or early 1778.^[53]

According to information given by Captain Bligh, Omai died thirty month after Captain Cook's departure from the Leeward Islands, during the year 1780.

The Lady Penrhyn, commanded by Lieutenant Watts, called at Matavai Bay on the island of Tahiti on July 10, 1788.^[54] Pomare II mentioned the death of Omai and the two New Zealand boys, and added that there had been a skirmish between the men of Raiatea and those of Huahine, in which the former were victorious, and a large portion of Omai's property was taken to Raiatea.^[55]

After stopping at Tahiti, the Lady Penrhyn headed toward the island of Huahine. On July 29, 1788, an elderly chief named Tutti came aboard the ship. John Watts who was an officer aboard the Resolution on Cook's third voyage immediately recognized Ori, with whom Cook had exchanged his name.^[56] He reported that following Omai's death, the men of Raiatea launched an attack on Huahine, claiming that, as Omai was originally from Raiatea, they had a rightful claim to his property. Ori explained that they took a significant portion of Omai's belongings, particularly his muskets, which they destroyed by breaking the stocks and burying the powder in the sand. He further described the conflict as fierce, with heavy loss on both sides, and noted that tensions remained high even afterward. The house Captain Cook had built for Omai was still standing, though it was now covered by a much larger structure built in the traditional style, which had been claimed by the island's chief.^[57]

The earliest known account of the Battle of Ho'oroto was recorded by William Ellis around 1820. During the war between the people of Huahine and those of Raiatea, Mahine, the principal chief of Huahine, participated in the conflict, which took place on Raiatea. Mahine recounted that their war fleet consisted of ninety war canoes, each approximately one hundred feet long and filled with warriors. His father, Mato led their forces. In addition to their traditional weapons, they possessed two guns left by Captain JamesCook with (Mai), which they believed would secure them an easy victory. This battle was one of the bloodiest in recent memory. Tenania ("Tenana"), the king of Huahine, waged war to avenge Ohureha'apa ("Ohuneha'apa"), a man who had been exiled by the Raiatean chiefs. His son remained in Raiatea, which motivated the leaders and people of Huahine to seek his father's reinstatement. The Huahinean fleet anchored at the islet of Tipaemau, causing the Raiateans to retreat to Taha'a. The Huahinean chief demanded that Tapoa surrender the land, but his request was denied, leading both sides to prepare for battle. The following day, the opposing fleets clashed near Ho'oroto in an exceptionally fierce and deadly fight. Casualties were so numerous that, when the bodies were gathered the next day, they reportedly formed a pile as tall as young coconut trees. Determined to fight until one side was annihilated, the warriors were only halted when Mau'ai, a native of Bora Bora, claimed that the god ʻOro had decreed they should stop. As a result, a ceasefire was agreed upon. Despite the truce, warriors from the Huahinean districts of Faretou and Fareihi, having suffered fewer losses, set sail for Taha'a with the intent to plunder the island. However, they encountered far stronger resistance than expected and were nearly wiped out. Mato, the father of Mahine and the army's general, was killed. The surviving Huahinean warriors retreated to Huahine, and the Raiateans, too weakened to pursue them, allowed their departure. This war resulted in the decimation of many chiefs and warriors across the Leeward Islands. Huahine, in particular, never fully recovered from the devastation of this brutal conflict.^[58][59][60]

This version by Ellis, could not endure over time, as it is evident that Puni controlled the Taputapuatea marae, not Tapoa I. Additionally, Ohureha'apa was never mentioned by the early European navigators. However, he is believed to have been the great-uncle of Tapoa I and a member of the royal Marotetini lineage of Bora Bora.^{[61][62][63][64]}

An alternative version of the battle of Ho'oroto is found in a Tahitian text from 1846, whose author from Huahine remains unknown. According to this account, Mo'ohono sought to enhance the prestige of his grandchildren. He asked Teha'apapa I to grant him the small island of Mai'ao, but when she refused, he declared war. Teha'apapa was defeated and forced to surrender both Mai'ao along with governance of Huahine. Mo'ohono aimed to extend his grandchildren's influence over Huahine, which he had conquered, and planned to have them enthroned at the Taputapuatea marae, then controlled by Bora Bora's people. He spent ten years preparing for this conflict. Interestingly, his grandsons did not take part in the battle ensuring that if the warriors were wiped out, they could later avenge them. The battle of Ho'oroto, occurred six seasons after Cook's arrival in Huahine, near the Tipaemanu islet in Raiatea. Mo'ohono, Mato, and many chiefs were killed. Upon hearing of Mo'ohono's defeat and Tenania's overthrow in Huahine, the people of Huahine were shocked. This led to five internal wars between Teri'itaria I, supported by the eight traditional chiefdoms of Huahine federated around Maeva, and Tenania and Mahine, backed by Te fare ari'i, (now known as Tefareri'i, the Royal House of Tamatoa) which included the newer chiefdoms of Ama and Atea. These five internal wars, Fa'afara, Hopupu, Teruapo, Ruahine, and Tuapa, all ended in victory for Tenania.^[65]

This version presents Mahine and his brother Tenania as absent from the war, introducing another character, Mo'ohono. The two muskets that belonged to Omai are also missing from this account. The author provides a vague timeframe, stating that the battle occurred six seasons after Cook's arrival in Huahine. Missionary John Barff, clarifies this ambiguity, noting that the battle occurred soon after Cook's last voyage.^[66] According to the traditional Tahitian calendar described by King Pomare II in 1826, the year was divided into two main seasons based on the position of the Pleiades in the sky: Matari'i i ni‘a ("Pleiades above"), marking a time of abundance and rain, and Matari'i i raro ("Pleiades below"), signaling a time of scarcity and dryness. Six seasons equal three years.^[67] Therefore, the battle likely took place around 1780, before Omai's death as the musquets were reportedly used during the quarrel according to William Ellis.

The account of the Battle of Ho'oroto by Chesneau and Marcantoni in 1928 contrasts with Ellis's version but aligns with the "1846" narrative. According to their account, Mo'ohono petitioned Teha'apapa I for the kingship of Mai'ao iti for his grandsons, Tenania and Mahine. When she refused, he declared war, successfully overthrowing her, and installing his grandsons as rulers. To legitimize their reign, he sought to have them consecrated as ari'i rahi (principal chiefs) at the Taputapuatea marae, which was under the control of Bora Bora warriors led by Puni. Mo'ohono made extensive preparations for battle but was ultimately defeated at Ho'oroto in Raiatea around 1775. He, along with Mato and most of his warriors, were killed. Upon learning of his fate, Teha'apapa I made several attempts to reclaim Huahine's throne from Tenania and Mahine, who remained on the island. After five unsuccessful efforts, she was forced to surrender. Soon after, Tenania married Itia and relocated to Tahiti, leaving Mahine to govern Huahine and Mai'ao.^[68]

The war appears to have been fueled by Mo'ohono and Mato's ambition to officially enthrone their grandsons, Mahine and Tenania, at the Taputapuatea marae, where they aimed to have them don the sacred red feather belt known as the Maro 'ura. This belt was held at the time by U'uru, Mato's first cousin. Mato could also have claimed it based on the primogeniture rights of his grandfather, Ari'ima'o, which took precedence over those of Veteara'i U'uru.^[69] Following the deaths of Mo'ohono and Mato in 1780, it became evident that Mahine and Tenania succeeded in removing Teha'apapa I and her son, Teri'itaria I, ultimately seizing control of the islands of Huahine and Mai'ao a few years later.

Joseph Banks described Puni as an "old, decrepit, half-blind man" in 1769.^[70] Historians have estimated that he died in 1786.^[50][40][71] The anthropologist Kenneth Emory suggested that he was born around 1700 and identified him as Teihotumataroa.^[72][40][73] Puni died during the time of Chief Ma'i II who was born around 1760. His son Ma'i III was born circa 1786 and died in 1864, while his daughter Ahu'ura was born in 1804. Ma'i III and Tefa'aora I were both grandchildren of Ma'i I.^{[74][75][76][77]}

Captain James Cook reported in 1777 that Raiatea, though reduced to a humiliating state, was once the most prominent of the Leeward Islands and likely served as the first seat of government. The royal family of Tahiti (Pomare) is said to be descended from the dynasty that ruled Raiatea before it was conquered by Puni.^[43][78]

Captain George Vancouver reported in January 1792 that Puni had previously conquered and annexed the islands of Raiatea and Taha'a under the government of Bora Bora. After Puni's death, the sovereignty of these islands naturally or originally passed by right of succession to a chief named Mauri, also known as Tutaha or Ha'amanimani, who was the brother of Tetupai'a, mother of Pomare I.^[79] In 1797, Captain James Wilson described Ha'amanimani as a former ruler of Raiatea.^[80] However, his claim to power appeared questionable, as he had been ousted either by his own subjects or by the inhabitants of Bora Bora.^[42] Ha'amanimani had chosen his grand-nephew, Pomare II, as his successor.^[81] Meanwhile, other sources state that Puni had appointed Tamatoa III as his legal representative on Raiatea and Taha'a with the consent of chiefs Ma'i II and Tefa'aora II.^[19]

Tutaha (Ha'amanimani) left Raiatea in November 1788 to settle permanently in Tahiti, and served as a high priest of ʻOro.^[82][83] He later became the prime minister of Pomare I.^[84] In 1797, he sought assistance from Captain James Wilson to reclaim power over Raiatea, but his efforts were unsuccessful.^[80] Tutaha was ultimately assassinated on December 3, 1798, at Pare due to his involvement in a dispute between Pomare I and his son Pomare II.^[85]

According to the testimony of Chief Tefa'aora III (born c. 1828), on October 4, 1845, Puni was succeeded by his daughter, Teri'imaevarua a Puni, also known as Maevarua. She was twelve years old when Johann Reinhold Forster and his son Georg Forster heard of her in May 1774. Maevarua was later succeeded by Teri'imaevarua a Te'aue, Puni's great-granddaughter. She was the wife of Tefa'aora II and the mother of Tefa'aora III. In 1814 she was deposed by Ma'i III and Tefa'aora II.^{[86][87][39][73][88]}

According to tradition, Puni is believed to be a descendant of Teriitaumihau and Hoataatama.^[89] Hiro, said to have lived around 1200–1250, was the great-grandfather of Hoataatama.^[90] His genealogy traces back to the mythical origins of the world, to the supreme god Taaroanuitahitumu, the creator of all things.^[91]

Captain Cook mentioned this deity in his journal under the name "Tarroutahitoomoo." According to the account he received, "Taaroa" or "Tetumu" existed before everything, except for a primordial rock called "Tepapa" which he embraced and begat Aoni, described as a "vegetable mold". Taaroa then shaped the earth, the sea, fresh water, the sun, the moon, and the stars, before finally creating the gods—divine beings positioned between himself and humanity. These gods later gave rise to humankind, ascended to the heavens, and left the world to their descendants.^[92][93]

In January 1791, while in Tahiti, James Morrison (mutineer) reported receiving information from the inhabitants of Huahine regarding Omai. They informed him that the musquetts were in possession of a Chief who was his friend (Called Tennanea, brother to Tayreetarieea king of Hooaheine).^[94] According to information given by Ori to Lieutenant Watts in July 1788, when the Lady Penrhyn stopped at Huahine, the muskets had reportedly been seized and destroyed during the 1780 raid on Huahine by the people of Raiatea.^[57] The King Teri'itaria mentioned by Morisson could refer to the young Teri'itaria I from 1777, unless it refers to the title held by Mahine, Tenania's brother, who became the main chief (ari'i rahi) of Huahine at that time.^[95]

Following Puni's death, which likely occurred between Cook's voyages and those of later explorers, his daughter "Maiwherua" (Maevarua) assumed power over the islands of Bora Bora, Maupiti, and Tupai. In 1774, at approximately twelve years old, she was betrothed to a chief named Boba, who governed Taha'a under Puni's rule and had been designated as his successor.^[39][38] On November 11, 1791, when Captain Edwards arrived at Bora Bora searching for the mutineers, authority had passed to a man named Tatahoo. The difference in names does not necessarily indicate separate individuals, as chiefs rarely retained the same title throughout their lives.^[42][96]

In August 1797, Captain James Wilson, commander of the Duff, recorded the testimony of an Irish resident named Connor (James O'Connor) during a stop on the island of Huahine. He was a former castaway from the whaling ship Matilda, which was commanded by Captain Matthew Weatherhead and had been shipwrecked on the island of Moruroa on February 25, 1792. He recounted that about three months before Wilson's arrival, Huahine forces had launched an attack on Raiatea, which was then occupied by warriors from Bora Bora. Despite suffering heavy casualties on both sides, Huahine initially emerged victorious, forcing the Bora Bora warriors to retreat. However, when some Huahine warriors returned home to see their families, the Bora Bora forces regrouped, launched a counterattack with superior numbers, and killed around fifty of Huahine's best warriors. Connor himself narrowly escaped by canoe and displayed a scar from a wound sustained during the battle. Wilson observed that the cycle of warfare appeared unending, as each defeat was perceived as justification for renewed conflict. Preparations for another assault were already underway.^[97][98]

Around the end of October 1802, John Turnbull a British navigator and merchant landed on Raiatea. He met the "king" "Tomaquoa", and his "Queen" "Teerimonie" (Turaiarii).^[99] The father of the king (U'uru) made him a visit. He moreover received a visit from the mother of the queen.^[46] Turnbull noted that the chief or king of Taha'a, who generally resides in Raiatea, is the commander-in-chief of the inhabitants of both islands in time of war, and seemed to possess much more power and influence in Raiatea than the king himself.^[100]

According to testimony gathered in 1823 by Jules Dumont d'Urville from Tamati, a seventy-year-old elder of Bora Bora, Tapoa I had established his dominance over Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha'a but failed in his attempt to conquer Bora Bora, an event purported to have occurred twenty years earlier, in 1803. His assault on the well-defended fortifications of Bora Bora was unsuccessful and he lost an Englishman who served as his auxiliary during the campaign. Enraged by this failure, Tapoa I destroyed the houses in Fa'anui Bay, provoking the fury of the Fa'anui warriors, who emerged from their fortress to engage in battle on the plain of Tahu'a rahi. Despite having a numerically superior army, Tapoa I was compelled to retreat to Raiatea, leaving chiefs Ma'i III and Tefa'aora II in control of Bora Bora.^[101]

In january 1804, missionary John Davies reported a significant conflict on the islands of Raiatea and Bora-Bora where a fierce war erupted between Tapoa I and various rival chiefs. This turbulent period resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including Connor, an Irishman, and a local Sandwich Islander, who were tragically killed during a battle at Bora Bora.^[102]

Another account notes that at the beginning of the 19th century, Tamatoa's warriors defeated those of Fa'anui in a battle known as "Huri'aua," fought at Bora Bora. This conflict aimed to install Tapoa I, the successor of Puni, in a position of power.^[103]

Missionary John Davies recorded on July 14, 1809, that three canoes arrived in Huahine from Raiatea, sent to fetch the chiefs who were to go there to mourn the death of Maevarua, Tapoa I's daughter and the acknowledged chief of Taha'a and Bora Bora.^[104]

On November 11, 1808, English missionaries arrived on the island of Huahine, seeking refuge from an insurrection against Pōmare II in Tahiti. Among them was missionary John Davies who recorded his stay in his diary. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by Puru and his brother Ariipaea, whose wife, Itia, had previously been married to King Pomare I of Tahiti.^[105]

On November 14, 1808, John Davies reported that Teriitaria II, the daughter of Tamatoa III, the principal chief of Raiatea, was recognized as the ari'i rahi (principal chief) of Huahine. She was also destined to marry King Pomare II, strengthening political ties between the islands.^[106]

Later, on November 28, 1808, Davies mentioned the names of eight prominent chiefs of Huahine, most of whom were still young, except for Tehaapapa I. The chiefs included Teha'apapa I the mother-in-law of Tamatoa III; Nohora'i, the son of Tamatoa III; Tenania, daughter of Tamatoa III; Turaiarii, also called Teraimano, daughter of Tenania from his first wife; Temarii, better known as Maihara, daughter of Tamatoa III; Teihotu daughter of Tamatoa III; Taaroaarii, son of Mahine; and Teariiaetua, also called Teraimano, daughter of Tenania by his second wife, Itia. Tamatoa III lived in Raiatea with another daughter named Tetupaia, later known as Teremoemoe or Teravahine.^{[107][108][109]} She became the mother of Pomare II's children, while her sister, Teriitaria II, bore the title Pomare vahine or Ariipaea vahine.^[110][111] Historical sources suggest that Tetupaia was adopted by the chief Tapoa I, further intertwining the complex political and familial alliances of the era.^[112]

The absence of U'uru from the writings of missionary John Davies suggests that he likely died sometime between 1802, when voyager John Turnbull last recorded his presence in Raiatea alongside his son, Tamatoa III, and 1808, when the missionaries arrived in Huahine. His disappearance from historical records during this period marks the beginning of a new era in Tahitian history.

• List of monarchs of Huahine
• List of monarchs of Raiatea
• List of monarchs of Bora Bora
• List of consorts of Tahiti