Uoleva Island

Within the Polynesian nation of Tonga, an archipelago of 169 islands (only 36 of which are inhabited), lies the sand-cay Uoleva Island, one of the Ha'apai islands of Tonga. Uoleva Island is one of the most beautiful and protected anchorages in Tonga and is mostly uninhabited but for its three small resorts. On Uoleva Island visitors will discover pristine, palm tree-lined white sand beaches and clear, light blue waters. In addition to reaching Uoleva by boat, it can also be reached by foot (via a 30-minute strenuous walk); the reef between the north tip of Uoleva and the south tip of Lifuka is shallow enough at low tide to walk across. Uoleva is one of the best places in Tonga for humpback whale sightings, and snorkelers appreciate its clear waters teeming with ocean life.