ʻUiha Island
ʻUiha
A traditional village island south of ʻOlelua, with a Tongan royal burial ground and an old cannon left behind by a Peruvian slave ship in 1863.
Uiha lies about 12 km south of Lifuka, and its villages keep traditional Tongan ways of life. The island has a royal burial ground, and beside the church stands an old cannon. It is said to come from the Peruvian slave ship Black Bird, which tried to seize people for sale in 1863 and was driven off by islanders, leaving the cannon behind. Coral reefs and beaches surround the island, good for snorkeling. You need to charter a boat from Pangai, a trip of about 40 minutes. It is often combined with a visit to ʻOlelua in a single island-hopping day. Respect local customs and dress conservatively.
Opening hours
Open all day (by boat only)
Nearby sights
- Uoleva Island
- Swim with Humpback Whales in Ha'apai
- Velata Mound Fortress
- Shirley Baker Monument
- Pangai
- Lifuka Island by Bicycle
- Foa Island & Houmale'eia Beach
- Haʻano Island