Eua Island photos

About

Our photos of Eua Island capture an isolated part of the Pacific. Centuries ago, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman first set foot on the island/ But it has been off the beaten track ever since.

Location

Eua Island is a pristine tropical paradise lying in Tonga’s Tongatapu Island Group. While the island is next to the most populous island in the nation (Tongatapu), it remains to this day, very isolated. Eua’s isolation has more to do with transport availability than distance though. There are no regular ferries to the island from neighboring Tongatapu. In fact there are many ferries on Tongatapu, but they transport tourists to closer coral cays like as Fafa, Atata, and Pangaimotu. While Eua is more distant it is due to its size, it is the most visible island from Tongatapu.

Access

Access to Eua requires a 20 minute flight from the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa which runs a limited schedule. Air Chathams (a New Zealand airline) offers the service which turns out to be the shortest commercial flight in the South Pacific. Visitors to the island land near the small town of Ohonua where there is limited travel accommodation. The settlement has some local homes and a church but the coast is a mere stone throw away.

Attractions

Starting in Ohonua, the small settlement has an elevated walkway that gives access over the rugged coral coastline. At the end of the walkway is a viewing platform where you can see whales swim pass on their migratory journey through the Pacific.

The real gems of the island remain isolated but a 4-wheel drive day tour will give you access combined with the knowledge of a local guide. You can be whisked away to isolated beaches, atop spectacular cliffs with stunning views, and taken deep in the island’s forested interior.

Coastal attractions here include the stunning Ha’aluma Beach with its pure white sand and stunning coral gardens. Further north lies Lokopu Lookout which has spectacular views of the island with the Pacific Ocean and coastline far below. Lafufa’anga Cliff also offers gorgeous views with a natural rock garden and archway close by.

Eua National Park in the interior has dense tropical rainforest where cedars and ferns dominate the landscape. The forest is also a haven for the native bird life.

Summary

To this day the island is not geared for tourism, but suits the more adventurous traveller who seeks locations away from the masses. Eua Island is truly a natural paradise, but the extra effort required to get here and visit the attractions is well worth the effort.