The Niuas

Introducing The Niuas

The closest most people will ever get to the remote Niuas (meaning Rich in Coconuts), in Tonga's extreme northern reaches, is picking up a first-day cover of Niuafo'ou's decorative postage stamps. Tongan tradition remains very much alive on these three small volcanic islands. The highest-quality white mats are made in Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou, while Tafahi kava (an intoxicating drink made from the root of the pepper shrub) is renowned as the best in the island kingdom. The solitude of the environment has given the people a decidedly mellow attitude towards their world and visitors, and those venturing this far will have a truly rewarding cultural experience without distractions.

To most Tongans, Niuafo'ou is an enigma. They may have a vague idea of where it is but psychologically it is unimaginably far away. Perhaps for this reason, Niuafo'ou's inhabitants are credited with fortitude and often regarded with reverence by other Tongans. The people of Niuafo'ou are largely self-sufficient and fiercely proud of their lonely, comparatively sterile island with no harbour or landing place and a generally very turbulent sea. Many vow they will never leave - even if Niuafo'ou erupts again - 'because our fathers lived here before us and here they are buried'. Niuafo'ou is the only island in Tonga with a notably different dialect, closer to Samoan than Tongan, and very little English is spoken here. Despite a sultry climate the highly traditional and conservative culture requires modest dress (no short shorts or skirts above the knee, and baggy clothes for swimming) and minimal exposed skin.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009