Vavaʿu Group

Vavaʿu Group, island cluster of Tonga, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The group comprises two chains, one coral and the other volcanic. To the east lie uplifted coral islands, including Vavaʿu Island, the largest (35 square miles [91 square km]) of the group, rising to an elevation of 670 feet (200 metres). The smaller western volcanic chain is generally wooded and includes Late Island (6 square miles [16 square km]), dormant since 1854 and rising to 1,700 feet (518 metres), the group’s highest point. Fonualei, an island 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Vavaʿu with an active volcano rising to 600 feet (180 metres), was discovered in 1781 by Spanish explorer Francisco Antonio Mourelle, who named it Amargura (Spanish for “bitterness”) because of his disappointment at being able to obtain neither food nor fresh water.

Vavaʿu Island has a fine sheltered harbour and several unique coastal caves. It is the site of Neiafu, the group’s administrative headquarters. Its fertile soil yields corn (maize), breadfruit, yams, and copra, the last for export. An airport is located at Lupepauʿu, in the northern part of the island. Because of the myriad of islands to the south of Vavaʿu Island and its many fine beaches and protected anchorages, the Vavaʿu Group has become a thriving tourist destination and a frequent stopover for yachts cruising the Pacific. Total land area 46 square miles (119 square km). Pop. (2006 prelim.) 15,485.