An island that sits alone
Niufo’ou, located about 100km west of Niuatoputapu, is one of the world’s most remote islands. From a birds-eye view, this volcanic rimmed island could be compared to a floating donut. The coastline is rocky and steep, with few black sandy beaches. Niuafo’ou, together with Tafahi & Niuatoputapu island are referred to as the Niuas.
In 1616 the islands were also given the name “Good Hope Island” by Dutch navigators Will Schouten & Jacob Le Maire, who were voyaging through the Pacific. Niufo’ou was later named “Tin Can Island” after its unique way of receiving mail. Due to the island not having a harbour at the time, mail was sealed in a biscuit tin and thrown overboard from passing ships, retrieved only by strong, brave swimmers from the island.
The volcano, one of the main features of the island, has been active for thousands of years. In the centre of the island, is where you will find a huge lake of bubbling water. There are no resorts or hotels, and planes only fly there twice a month due to strong winds when landing on the runaway. The island is accessible on a fortnightly Real Tonga flight from Vava’u.
How to get to Niuafo’ou?
Real Tonga Limited operates flights from Tongatapu via Vava’u to Niuafo’ou, once a month. This flight is estimated at 1 hour 30 minutes from Salote Lupepau’u International Airport in Vava’u to Kuini Lavinia which is a grass strip airfield located in Futu in Niuafo’ou.
